A dog attack happens in seconds, but the consequences can last for weeks or months. You could be dealing with puncture wounds, stitches, an emergency room visit, and a stack of questions about who pays for all of it. If a dog bit you or your child anywhere in Spartanburg, you don’t have to figure this out by yourself. McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy has spent 30 years helping injured individuals across South Carolina, and we know how to hold dog owners accountable under state law. Call 866-MCCRAVY for a free consultation.
Why McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy for Your Spartanburg Dog Bite Case
When you’re hurting and worried about bills, you need a firm that’s experienced and honest with you. Three things set us apart.
First, three decades of experience. For 30 years, we’ve represented injured individuals throughout South Carolina. That depth helps us anticipate how insurance companies try to shift blame in dog bite claims and how to push back.
Second, a real Spartanburg presence. Our local office sits at 8801 Warren H. Abernathy Highway, so you’re not driving across the state to meet your legal team. With seven offices across South Carolina, help stays close to home.
Third, an ethics-first approach. We built our reputation by doing right by clients. That means honest case assessments, plain answers, and zero pressure. If we don’t believe you have a claim, we’ll say so.
Your consultation is free and comes with no obligation. Call 866-MCCRAVY to tell us what happened.
Common Spartanburg Dog Bite Cases We Handle
Most dog attacks don’t involve strays. They involve familiar dogs in everyday places, which is exactly what makes them so emotionally and legally difficult. Here are the situations we see most often.
Bites at homes and on private property
Many bites occur at a neighbor’s house, a relative’s backyard, or a friend’s place during a visit. People hesitate to file a claim because they don’t want to sue someone they know. In most cases, though, compensation comes from a homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy, not the person’s own pocket.
Children hurt by dogs
Children are bitten more often than adults, and their injuries tend to be worse because bites often reach the face, head, and neck. These cases can involve scarring, reconstructive surgery, and lasting emotional trauma that deserve serious attention.
Delivery drivers and workers on the job
Postal carriers, package delivery drivers, meter readers, and home health workers regularly encounter unrestrained dogs in Spartanburg neighborhoods. A bite sustained on the job may support a claim against the dog owner and, in some cases, a separate workers’ compensation claim.
Attacks in public spaces
Bites on sidewalks, in parks, and along Spartanburg’s walking trails are common, especially when an owner loses control of a leashed dog. Serious wounds from these attacks often send individuals to Spartanburg Medical Center, the region’s Level I trauma center.
South Carolina Dog Bite Law and How it Applies in Spartanburg
South Carolina law strongly favors individuals hurt by dogs, and understanding why can make a real difference in your case.
South Carolina’s strict liability rule
Under South Carolina’s dog bite statute, a dog owner is liable for the damages suffered by a person who’s bitten or attacked while in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the property of the dog owner or the person keeping the dog. This is known as strict liability. The statute imposes strict liability on dog owners when the person is lawfully on the property, except where the person provokes the dog. Unlike some states, South Carolina doesn’t give owners a “free pass” for a first bite. You don’t have to prove the dog bit someone before or that the owner was careless. The rule applies the same way in Spartanburg County as anywhere else in the state.
Provocation and shared fault
There are limitations. The statute does not apply if the person who was attacked provoked or harassed the dog, and that provocation was the proximate cause of the attack. South Carolina also follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar, which means you can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your share of the blame. Insurance companies know these rules and often argue that you provoked the dog so they can avoid paying. We build cases that anticipate that tactic.
The deadline to file your claim
South Carolina generally gives you three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. Section 15-3-530 sets a three-year limit for an action for any injury to the person or rights of another. Waiting hurts your case. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and the dog’s history gets harder to trace. The sooner you call, the more we can do.
Fault and deadlines can decide a case before it starts. Call 866-MCCRAVY before the insurance company builds its argument against you.
Our process: How we Handle Your Dog Bite Claim
We keep things simple so you can focus on healing while we handle the legal side.
We listen and investigate
First, we sit down with you for a free consultation to learn what happened and review your medical records. Then we identify the dog’s owner, locate the applicable insurance policy, and gather evidence, such as photos, witness statements, and any animal control reports.
We document your injuries and build the claim
We work to fully value your losses, including future medical needs and the impact of permanent scarring. We then present a demand to the insurance company, backed by clear evidence rather than guesswork.
We negotiate, and we prepare for court
Most dog bite claims settle through negotiation. If the insurer won’t offer a fair amount, we’re ready to file suit at the Spartanburg County Courthouse and take your case before a jury.
Damages: What You Can Recover After a Dog Bite
A dog bite can cost far more than one emergency room visit. Depending on your situation, you may be able to recover compensation for:
– Medical bills, from the emergency room through follow-up care and future treatment
– Reconstructive or plastic surgery and scar revision
– Lost wages and reduced earning ability if you miss work
– Pain, suffering, and emotional distress, including anxiety or a lasting fear of dogs
– Out-of-pocket costs tied to your recovery
For 30 years, we’ve helped injured South Carolinians pursue full and fair compensation for these losses. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is different.
Want to know what your dog bite claim could be worth? Call 866-MCCRAVY for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Spartanburg Dog Bite Claims
How much does it cost to hire a Spartanburg dog bite lawyer?
Your first consultation is completely free, and there’s no obligation to hire us. You pay no attorney’s fee unless we recover compensation for you. We’ll walk you through exactly how fees work before you commit to anything.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in South Carolina?
You generally have three years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit under South Carolina’s statute of limitations. Certain exceptions can change that window, so it’s best not to wait. Acting early also helps protect important evidence.
Do I have a case if the dog never bit anyone before?
Very likely, yes. South Carolina’s strict liability rule means an owner can be responsible even if their dog had never shown aggression. You don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
What if I were partly at fault?
You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 51% at fault, under South Carolina’s modified comparative negligence rule. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. The main exception is provocation. If you provoked or harassed the dog, which caused the attack, the owner may not be liable.
What should I do after a dog bite in Spartanburg?
Seek medical care immediately, even for wounds that look minor, because bites carry a high infection risk. Spartanburg Medical Center handles serious injuries. Report the bite to Spartanburg County Animal Control, identify the owner, and photograph your injuries. Then call a lawyer before speaking with the owner’s insurance company.
What if the dog belongs to a friend or family member?
This worries a lot of people, and it’s understandable. A claim is almost always paid by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, not out of your friend’s pocket. Pursuing fair compensation for your medical bills doesn’t have to damage the relationship.
Do you handle dog bite cases in Spartanburg?
Yes. Our Spartanburg office is at 8801 Warren H. Abernathy Highway, and we represent dog bite clients throughout Spartanburg County and the surrounding Upstate. If you are unable to come to us, we can come to you.
Talk to a Spartanburg Dog Bite Lawyer Today
You didn’t ask to be attacked, and you shouldn’t have to carry the cost of someone else’s dog alone. McCravy, Newlon, & Clardy brings 30 years of experience and an honest, client-first approach to every case. Call 866-MCCRAVY now for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your options, and handle the legal side so you can focus on healing.