Charleston Dog Bite Lawyer

Many of us love our furry friends, and they play positive roles in our lives as great companions with no issues. However, dogs are also animals with teeth who can turn in the blink of an eye and attack or bite without warning, whether they have a history of aggression or not. When these attacks happen, they can be very traumatic for everyone involved, especially injured victims. 

If you or a loved one was hurt by a dog, whether by a bite, serious scratch, or a jump/push resulting in a fall, protect your rights by speaking with an experienced dog bite lawyer. The attorneys at Cavanaugh & Thickens, LLC, have over 60 years of combined experience helping those who have been injured recover physically, financially, and emotionally following dog bites and other personal injuries. We are here to walk you through this process and get you the full amount that you’re owed.

To schedule a free consultation with our award-winning legal team, simply call our office today at (843) 888-9000. We are available 24/7 and are ready to fight for you.

Why It’s Important to Hire a Lawyer After a Charleston Dog Attack

Whether you or your child has been injured by a dog, you should not be left alone to fight the uphill legal battle. Sadly, the South Carolina legal system is not designed to be easy or fair for dog bite victims, and it’s the last thing you should be worrying about. Whether the attack was clearly the dog/owners’ fault or your case is more complex, an experienced dog bite lawyer can be crucial to your case.

When you hire Cavanaugh & Thickens, you can expect our team to:

• Speak with any witnesses to the attack
• Investigate the history of the dog and any prior attacks/complaints
• Give you a clear estimate on the cost of your physical injuries and emotional damages
• Prove liability through gathering evidence and optimizing your case
• Keep you informed on the status of your case and what to expect next
• Fight to get you the entirety of what you’re owed under SC law, inside or outside of court

Throughout the legal process, we will be negotiating with the insurance company to come to a fair decision and settle your case outside of court. If they will not come to a fair conclusion, then our team will aggressively fight for you in court. Schedule your free consultation online today or by calling (843) 888-9000. For your convenience, we offer in person and virtual appointments.

South Carolina Dog Bite Laws

In Charleston, SC, and throughout the state, the owner of the dog is typically strictly liable for damages caused by the dog, whether the attack occurs in public or on private property. There are some situations in which a third party may be held liable, such as landlords or dog walkers. 

In addition, South Carolina does not have a “one bite” rule, meaning that their dog does not have to have previously bit someone in order for the owner to be held liable. However, there are a few exceptions.

Dog owners may not be held liable for dog bite injuries or damages if one or more of the following circumstances occurred:

• Provocation or Harassment– This includes intentional or unintentional abusing or teasing the dog. This can include behaviors such as hitting the dog, taking its food/water, stepping on their tail, startling the dog, trapping them in a small space, or pulling on their ears, tail, legs, fur, etc.
• Trespassing – If you were not permitted/invited onto someone’s property and their dog attacked you, the owner may not be held liable. This does not include those who had a legal obligation to enter the property, such as delivering mail.

If you or a loved one was injured by someone else’s animal, our legal team is here to help you understand your options and liability specific to your situation. Speak to a lawyer today by dialing (843) 888-9000.

Injuries Resulting From Dog Attacks

Dog attacks can not only be terrifying, but they can also result in serious injuries. In addition to physical wounds and possible infections, dog attacks can also lead to other injuries, especially if the dog knocked down the victim. This is even more true if the dog attacked a small child.

The team at Cavanaugh & Thickens helps dog bite victims with all different injury types and severity levels, including:

• Cuts 
• Puncture Wounds
• Soft tissue damage
• Scars
• Infections
• Nerve Damage
• Brain Injuries
• Facial Injuries
• Concussions
• Spinal Cord Injuries
• Loss of Limbs
• Wrongful Death
• Emotional Damages, and more.

If you’ve been injured from a dog bite or dog attack in Charleston or surrounding areas, it’s critical to get a lawyer to help you recover the compensation you deserve for all past, current, and future damages. Get the justice you deserve. Call our office today at (843) 888-9000.

How Much Is My Dog Attack Claim Worth?

Dog attack cases are a form of personal injury case, and each case is different. It’s impossible to put an exact estimate on how much your case could be worth without knowing the details. If you’d like to learn more about how much your case may be worth, please contact our firm directly.

Generally, dog bite victims are often eligible to receive many different types of damages as long as they prove the owner liable. This can include compensation for:

• Medical Expenses: Past, Current, and Future Bills related to the accident.
• Plastic Surgery/Reconstructive Surgery Costs
• Disfigurement and Scarring
• Lost Wages
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity
• Property Damage
• Pain and Suffering
• Emotional Distress, and more.

What Causes Dog Attacks?

Canine aggression can be driven by fear, instinct, socialization issues, guarding, and more. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In Charleston, you have 3 years from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. It’s important to file quickly as the process can take some time. In addition, filing quickly allows witness testimony to remain strong and unclouded, as well as other forms of evidence.

Get a Free Consultation With Respected Charleston Dog Bite Lawyers

Our team is here to help you and your loved ones recover from a dog attack throughout your case and beyond. Having a lawyer on your side can increase your chances of getting a fair settlement for your physical, financial, and emotional damages. Schedule your entirely free consultation by calling our office at (843) 888-9000, emailing [email protected], or submitting your information via our website.