South Carolina Dog Bite FAQ

Dogs are popular US household pets. While many dogs are friendly and well-behaved, it’s important to remember that dogs can be unpredictable and may attack without warning – whether or not they have a history of aggression. Dog bite cases are not only physically painful, but they often leave victims with emotional trauma and new fears as well. As experienced South Carolina dog bite attorneys, we’ve compiled a list of frequently asked questions regarding dog bites in our state.

For more information or to speak with a reputable dog bite lawyer today, simply call our office at (803) 888-2200 or fill out our secure online contact form.

Who Is Responsible for Dog Bite Injuries in South Carolina?

South Carolina follows “strict liability” in dog bite cases. This means that under South Carolina law, the owner of the dog is liable for any damages caused by their dog, whether the incident occured on private or public property (Section 47-3-110). 

South Carolina does not have a “one bite” rule. This means the owner can be held liable even if it was the dog’s first time biting someone or displaying aggressive behavior. This also means that dog attack victims do not need to prove the dog had a history of aggression in order to seek compensation.

Exceptions to Dog Owner Liability in SC

In some cases, the owner will not be responsible for a dog’s attack and resulting damages. If one or more of the following is true, then the owner may not be held liable:

1. The dog was harassed or provoked

If someone intentionally or unintentionally abused the dog, then the owner may not be held liable for the attack and resulting damages. Examples of abusive behaviors include hitting the dog, taking its food or water, stepping on the dog’s tail, startling the dog, trapping them, or pulling on its hair, tail, ears, etc.

2. The victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property

If the person who was bit was not permitted or invited onto the property, then the owner may not be held liable. 

This does not include if you had a legal obligation to enter the property, such as to deliver mail. 

If you were injured by a dog while working and lawfully performing duties on public or private property, you may be able to file a South Carolina workers’ compensation claim. 

What Are South Carolina Leash Laws?

Generally, dogs are required to be crated, contained, or on a leash that is no longer than six feet and controlled while in public areas.

Many South Carolina cities have their own leash laws, so it’s important to check leash requirements and adhere to them.

Failure to adhere to leash laws can result in warnings, fines, or even impoundment.

What Compensation Can I Receive Following a Dog Bite?

Following an animal attack, a reputable dog bite lawyer can help you seek compensation for all past, present, and future damages related to the accident. This includes but is not limited to compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: This includes compensation for all related care costs, such as vaccines, infection treatment, prescription medication, surgeries, and more.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: If the accident resulted in permanent scarring or disfigurement, you can seek this compensation.
• Lost Wages: If the accident caused you to miss time from work, you can seek compensation for those lost wages and/or reduced earning capacity.
• Property Damage: You can seek compensation for broken watches, torn clothing, and damage to other personal belongings. 
• Emotional Damages: You may seek compensation for any emotional trauma and pain and suffering that commonly results from dog attacks.

While this list is a good starting point of the damages you can seek compensation for in your South Carolina personal injury claim, what you qualify for will depend heavily on the specifics of your case. To learn more about what you may qualify for, reach out to our team today at (803) 888-2200.

What If I Was Bitten By a Friend’s Dog?

If you were bitten by a friend’s dog, you may feel slightly awkward and unsure what to do next. If the dog that bit you belongs to a friend, it is in your best interest to:

1. Seek medical care, even if you feel okay, as dog bites can result in various infections if not treated properly. 
2. Inform your friend of the incident (if they were not there when it occurred) and contact animal control. This will help you get answers regarding the dog’s vaccination status, any potential health issues, and your friend’s insurance information.
3. Consider speaking with an attorney. This doesn’t have to be an uncomfortable situation and oftentimes the owner’s home or renter’s insurance can cover your medical costs and related damages.

At Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, you can talk to a trusted dog bite attorney for free by calling our office at (803) 888-2200. We’re here to help you understand your options and take the next steps.

How Do I Report a Dog Bite in South Carolina?

If you or a loved one was bit by a dog, you should report the incident to your local animal control agency and the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control (DHEC).

In South Carolina, you generally have 3 years from the date of the dog bite to file an injury claim.

However, there are many benefits to beginning the process as soon as possible. For example, acting quickly will give you and your legal ample time to:

• Optimize your claim
• Collect fresh witness testimony
• Gather and preserve critical evidence, and more

We’re here to help optimize your claim, seek fair compensation, and make sure all deadlines are met. Simply reach out to our team today.

What If I Was Bit By a Dog While Working?

If a dog bit you while you were working in South Carolina, there are a few steps you should take to protect yourself:

1. Notify Your Employer: This must be done within 90 days of the accident via a written report to either your supervisor or administrator. Include photos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and other important details.
2. File a claim: You must file the claim within 2 years of the accident via a Form 50; however, the sooner the better.
3. Visit an Approved Medical Provider: Your employer or its insurance company will provide you with an approved medical provider. Make sure you visit that provider and follow their treatment plan.
4. Speak With a Workers’ Compensation Attorney: A workers’ compensation attorney will help you understand your rights, fight to get you the full compensation you deserve, and let you know if you have a third-party claim.

What If I Don’t Know Who Owned The Dog?

If you were bit by a dog and aren’t sure who the owner is, it is in your best interest to:

1. Attempt to identify the dog – ask neighbors, witnesses, and other bystanders about the owner, if applicable.
2. Gather relevant details – such as photos and/or videos of the dog, location where it happened, information about the dog, witness information, and more.
3. File a report – contact law enforcement or your local animal control.
4. Get medical attention – even if you feel okay, it’s in your best interest to seek medical care.
5. Contact an experienced dog bite attorney – your lawyer will collect and preserve evidence, help find the owner, get witness testimony, and fight to secure you the best outcome possible.

What If My Dog Was Bitten By Another Dog?

Our law firm is only able to handle cases that involve a dog biting and injuring a person. If you and your pet were both injured in the same accident, it’s important to understand that South Carolina law treats animals as property. This means you may be able to seek compensation for injuries or death to your pet and corresponding vet bills within your personal injury claim.

What Happens to the Dog If I Report a Dog Attack in South Carolina?

Once a dog bite or attack is reported in South Carolina, an investigation will begin. Likely, law enforcement will track down the owner to ensure the dog is up to date on vaccines such as the rabies vaccine. Reporting the incident helps keep a record that can help prevent similar situations from occuring in the future.

Under South Carolina law (47-3-710), a dog may be designated a “dangerous dog” if, “the owner knows or should reasonably know has a propensity, tendency, or disposition to attack unprovoked, cause injury, or otherwise endanger the safety of human beings or domestic animals.” This includes if the dog makes an unprovoked attack that causes bodily harm to a human. 

If someone’s dog is designated a “dangerous animal” the owner must keep them in a secure area such as in their home or in a fenced yard with a warning sign, properly restrain the dog when leaving their property, register the dog with local law enforcement, and maintain adequate insurance.

Contact an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney Today

With hundreds of 5-star reviews and decades of combined experience, you can trust the team at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC to have your back following a dog bite. For a free case evaluation with an award-winning lawyer, simply call our office at (803) 888-2200, email info@ctlawsc.com, or submit our online form.

With offices in Columbia and Charleston, our lawyers travel to and represent clients throughout the state of South Carolina.

Disclaimer: This article is presented for informational purposes only and is not legal advice.

Author – Joseph O. Thickens