Charleston Dog Bites Lawyer
At Query Sautter & Associates, LLC, we understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll that a dog bite or animal attack can have on an individual and their family. Our Charleston law firm is committed to representing victims of dog bites and animal attacks, ensuring they receive the justice and compensation they deserve for their injuries.
The Reality of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Dog bites and animal attacks can be traumatic experiences that leave victims with serious injuries, scarring, emotional trauma, and, in some cases, long-term disabilities. In Charleston and throughout South Carolina, pet owners are responsible for ensuring their animals do not pose a danger to others. When they fail in this duty, and someone is harmed as a result, they may be held legally liable.
Understanding South Carolina’s Dog Bite Laws
In South Carolina, the laws governing dog bites and animal attacks are designed to protect victims by imposing a “strict liability” rule on dog owners. This legal framework is particularly important for people who have suffered injuries due to a dog bite or attack, as it outlines the conditions under which they can seek compensation.
Under the strict liability rule, a dog owner can be held legally responsible if their dog bites or attacks someone. This liability applies regardless of the dog’s previous behavior, which means that even if the dog has no history of aggression or biting, the owner can still be held liable for the dog’s actions. This aspect of the law eliminates the need for the victim to prove that the dog owner was aware of the dog’s potential for aggression or that the owner was negligent in some way.
The law applies not only when a dog bites someone but also in situations where a dog’s behavior causes an injury. For instance, if a dog knocks someone over, causing an injury, the owner may still be held liable under the strict liability rule.
Victims of dog bites or attacks can seek compensation for damages. This includes medical expenses, which cover not only immediate treatment costs but also any future medical care related to the injury, such as surgery, physical therapy, and ongoing treatment for scars or disfigurement. Lost wages are another area of compensation, particularly if the injury results in the victim being unable to work for a period of time.
Pain and suffering are also considered in these cases. This not only covers physical pain but also the emotional and psychological trauma that often accompanies such incidents. Dog bites can lead to significant fear, anxiety, and even post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), especially in children.
In addition to these damages, victims may be entitled to compensation for any property damage that occurred during the incident, such as torn clothing or broken personal items.
Types of Injuries from Dog Bites and Animal Attacks
Injuries from these incidents can range from minor cuts and bruises to more severe injuries, including:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Head and neck injuries
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Infections and diseases (such as rabies)
- Psychological trauma, including PTSD
How We Can Help
Our attorneys at Query Sautter & Associates, LLC are experienced in handling dog bite and animal attack cases. We provide compassionate and comprehensive legal support through every step of your case:
- Investigating the incident to establish liability
- Gathering medical records and documentation of your injuries
- Negotiating with insurance companies for a fair settlement
- Representing you in court if a fair settlement cannot be reached
Contact Our Charleston Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite or animal attack in Charleston, do not hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact Query Sautter & Associates, LLC at 843-795-9500 or reach out online to schedule a consultation. We operate on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no fees unless we successfully recover compensation on your behalf.