Greenville, like the rest of South Carolina, is very dog friendly. There are many scenic nature trails, off-leash parks, and other amenities for people and their pets throughout the city. Unfortunately, while dogs have gotten the nickname of being ‘man’s best friend,’ that is not always the case. They can bite and attack and these incidents are far more common than people think.
If you have been hurt by a dog while in a public space or lawfully on another person’s property, you may be entitled to compensation. Our Greenville dog bite lawyers can ensure your rights are upheld so you obtain the full damages you deserve.
Dog Bite Statistics
Dog bites and attacks are quite prevalent in South Carolina and throughout the country. The most alarming statistics that show this are as follows:
- According to the National Library of Medicine, there are more than 4.5 million dog attacks every year in the United States.
- Of all the dog bites that happen every year, more than 800,000 of them require medical treatment.
- More than half of all dog bite injuries are sustained by children aged 12 years old or younger.
- Seventy percent of dog bite fatalities involve children aged ten years old or younger.
- Children aged five to nine are most susceptible to sustaining serious dog bite injuries.
- An American is bitten by a dog every 75 seconds in the United States.
- Over 25 percent of all fatal dog bites and attacks involve animals that were chained at the time.
- In 2021, the average cost for dog bite claims was $49,025.
Dog Bite Laws in Greenville
The dog bite law in Greenville is very clear. If you have been bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog, you can hold the dog owner or person in control of the animal at the time liable for paying damages.
You do not have to prove that the dog had aggressive or violent tendencies, or that they have bitten a person in the past. The only exception to the law is when a dog bite victim was unlawfully on someone else’s premises. Property owners do not have any duty of care to trespassers in the state.
South Carolina also has another law that is known as ‘bystander recovery.’ Under this law, any parent who sees their child being attacked or bitten by a dog can obtain compensation for the emotional trauma they endured as a result.
Common Injuries Sustained in Dog Bites and Attacks
The injuries sustained during a dog bite or attack are often extremely serious. The most common of these are as follows:
- Cuts and scrapes
- Puncture wounds
- Avulsion, or tearing
- Bruises, medically known as hematomas and contusions
- Fractures
- Dislocations
- Amputations
- Crushing injuries, particularly head and skull injuries
The hands, arms, legs, feet, head, and neck are the most common areas of the body to suffer from a dog bite or attack. These serious injuries often require surgery, long hospital stays, and physical rehabilitation. Another factor that makes dog bites so serious is that a dog’s mouth is full of bacteria.
When their teeth puncture a person’s skin, that bacteria can make its way into the wound and cause serious infections and other complications.
Another factor that makes dog bite claims so complex is that not all injuries are physical. Victims can suffer from psychological trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even when a person loved dogs prior to a bite or attack, they may become very fearful of them and require therapy or counseling.
Lastly, one of the most troubling aspects of dog bites is that children and elderly individuals are the most vulnerable to suffering serious injuries. This is due to the fact that they are not as well equipped to fend off an aggressive dog and escape from a bite or attack. Children are also closer in height to a dog’s face, which is why head and facial injuries are so commonly suffered by children involved in a dog bite or attack.
Claiming Compensation for a Dog Bite
The vast majority of dog bite claims are paid by the homeowners’ insurance carried by the dog owner. According to the Insurance Information Institute, over one-third of all homeowners’ insurance liability claims every year involve dog bites and attacks.
It is important to understand homeowners’ insurance after a dog bite. Many people are hesitant to file a claim against their relative, neighbor, or friend because they do not want to place a strain on the relationship. In fact, it is the insurer that pays the claim and not the person you are close to.
Also, filing a claim is the only way to obtain the compensation you need for your medical bills, lost income, and more.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Although the dog bite law in Greenville is quite straightforward, the steps you take immediately afterward are still very important, as they can help strengthen your claim. The most important steps to take are as follows:
- If you do not know it already, obtain the name, address, and contact information of the dog’s owner.
- Take photos and video footage of the injuries, as this can help prove the dog bit or attacked you or your child.
- Seek medical attention immediately. This will help prevent infections and complications, and ensure your injuries do not get worse. Seeing a doctor will also document the nature and severity of the injuries, making it more difficult for the insurance company to refute them.
- Locate anyone who witnessed the bite or attack and ask for their name and contact information.
- Contact a Greenville dog bite lawyer who can help you through the process.
Contact Our Dog Bite Lawyer in Greenville for Help Today
The Greenville dog bite lawyer you choose to help with your case is important and can greatly determine how successful you are with your claim. At McCravy, Newlon, Sturkie, & Clardy, our experienced attorneys offer free consultations to review your rights and any compensation you may be entitled to. Call us now at 866-MCCRAVY or contact us online to schedule an appointment with our attorney and to learn more about how we can help.