A dog bite can happen in an instant, but the consequences can last a lifetime. If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Greenville, you’re likely dealing with painful injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about what comes next. The good news is that South Carolina law is on your side, and you may be entitled to significant compensation. Our experienced Greenville personal injury lawyers at McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy offer free consultations and works on a contingency fee basis. That means you don’t pay us a fee unless we recover compensation for you.
South Carolina Holds Dog Owners Strictly Liable
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 47-3-110, if a person is bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, the dog’s owner or person caring for or overseeing the dog is liable for the resulting damages. Unlike states that follow a “one-bite rule,” South Carolina doesn’t require you to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The strict liability standard applies the first time a dog attacks.
You’re considered lawfully on private property if you were there performing a duty imposed by law, such as delivering mail, or if you were on the property upon the invitation, expressed or implied, of the property owner or a lawful tenant.
What this means for you: if you were walking down the street, visiting a friend’s home, or on someone’s property for a legitimate purpose when a dog attacked you, the owner can be held liable for your injuries.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries range from minor to life-altering. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and deep lacerations
- Nerve damage and torn tissue
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Broken bones, especially in attacks by large breeds
- Infections, including the risk of rabies and tetanus
- Emotional trauma, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Children and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to severe dog bite injuries because of their smaller size and thinner skin. Even a seemingly minor bite can lead to serious complications without prompt medical treatment.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in South Carolina
The dog’s owner is the most obvious responsible party, but liability doesn’t always stop there.
Dog owner or keeper
Under § 47-3-110, the dog owner or the person having the dog in their care or keeping is liable for damages. This means if someone was dog-sitting or walking the animal at the time of the attack, they may also be responsible.
Property owners and landlords
In certain situations, a landlord or property owner may share liability if they knew a dangerous dog was on the premises and failed to take reasonable steps to protect others.
Identifying all potentially liable parties is critical because it can directly affect how much compensation you can recover. A knowledgeable attorney can investigate the circumstances and determine every avenue of recovery available to you.
What Damages Can You Recover After a Dog Bite
South Carolina law allows injured individuals to pursue compensation for a wide range of losses after a dog attack, including:
- Medical bills, including emergency care, surgeries, and medications
- Plastic surgery and reconstructive procedures for scarring
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and psychological trauma
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the extent of required medical treatment, and the long-term impact on your daily life. Every case is different. Call 866-MCCRAVY for a free consultation to discuss what your dog bite injury claim may be worth.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Greenville
Protecting your health and your legal rights starts immediately after a dog bite. Here’s what to do.
- Seek medical attention right away. Even if the bite seems minor, have it documented by a medical professional. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, and injuries can worsen over time.
- Report the bite to Greenville County animal control. An official report creates a paper trail that strengthens your case and helps determine whether the dog has a history of aggression.
- Document everything. Photograph your injuries, the location of the attack, and the dog if possible. Write down what happened while the details are still fresh.
- Collect contact information. Obtain the dog owner’s name, address, and insurance details. If witnesses were present, obtain their information too.
- Don’t give recorded statements to insurance companies. Adjusters may try to minimize what you’re owed. Speak with an attorney before talking to any insurer.
When Children are Injured in Dog Attacks
Dog attacks involving children require special attention. Children are more likely to suffer severe injuries to the face, head, and neck. The emotional impact can be equally devastating, creating lasting fears and anxiety around animals.
South Carolina law provides important protection for minors. When a child is injured, the statute of limitations clock doesn’t begin running until the child is no longer legally incapacitated as a minor, so the limitations period may not start until they turn 18. Despite this extended timeline, parents and guardians should act quickly to preserve evidence and protect their child’s rights.
How Comparative Negligence and Provocation Defenses May Affect Your Claim
South Carolina uses a modified comparative negligence model with a 51% bar. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault. However, if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover damages. Your percentage of fault will also reduce your recovery.
In dog bite cases, the strict liability statute does not apply if the person attacked provoked or harassed the dog, and that provocation was the proximate cause of the attack. The dog’s owner may also argue that you were trespassing and, therefore, not lawfully on the property when the bite occurred.
These defenses are exactly why having an attorney matters. At McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy, we know how to counter these arguments and build a strong case to protect your right to compensation. Call 866-MCCRAVY to discuss the details of your situation.
South Carolina’s Three-Year Filing Deadline
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530, South Carolina sets a three-year deadline to file most personal injury claims, including actions for any injury to the person or rights of another. This means you generally have three years from the date of the dog bite to file your lawsuit.
Three years may sound like plenty of time, but evidence disappears, witnesses relocate, and memories fade. The sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.
Talk to Greenville Dog Bite Attorneys with 30 Years of Practice at McCravy, Newlon & Clardy
For 30 years, McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy has helped injured people across South Carolina pursue the compensation they’re entitled to. With seven offices throughout the state, including our Greenville office at 2 Butternut Drive, we’re here to provide honest guidance and answer your questions.
We believe in doing the right thing for our clients. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack in Greenville or anywhere in South Carolina, we’re here to help you understand your options and hold negligent dog owners accountable.
Your consultation is completely free, and you don’t pay us a fee unless we recover compensation for you. Call 866-MCCRAVY today to get started.