Do not let a negligent dog owner in South Carolina off the hook if their pet bites you. Ultimately, a dog owner is responsible for handling their pet. If you suffer a dog bite due to a pet owner’s negligence, it is in your best interests to file a Denny Terrace personal injury lawyer and seek compensation from this individual.
The South Carolina personal injury lawyers at Shelly Leeke Law Firm have provided legal assistance to dozens of dog bite victims over the years. We can connect you with a Denny Terrace dog bites lawyer who can help you get damages from a negligent pet owner. To learn more, please reach out to us.
What to Do if a Dog Bites You
If a dog bites you in Denny Terrace, try to remain calm. Call 911 so police officers and medical professionals will arrive on the scene. You can then get help to treat your dog bite injury and report the incident to the police.
Capture photos and videos of your dog bite injury. In addition, get the contact information of the pet owner involved in your dog bite accident and any witnesses who saw the incident happen. Keep track of any medical records and other documents relating to your accident.
In the days following your dog bite accident, get in touch with the team at the Shelly Leeke Law Firm. Our Denny Terrace dog bites attorney can help you file a premises liability claim in accordance with Section 47-3-110 of the South Carolina Code. To get started, please contact us today.
What Can Happen to a Dog After It Bites You
You may be worried that a dog will have to be put down after it bites you. In this situation, the dog will not necessarily be put to sleep. Oftentimes, the dog’s owner and not the pet itself can be held accountable for their negligence.
For example, a dog owner may let their pet roam around Denny Terrace off-leash. If the dog bites someone, the pet’s owner is considered negligent. Therefore, this individual can be held responsible for any harm their pet causes.
Of course, if you see a dog and believe it may attack you, be cautious. Keep in mind that even if you take precautions, a dog can still bite and injure you. If this happens due to a dog owner’s negligence, you can ask this individual for compensation.
When to File a Dog Bite Accident Lawsuit
There is a three-year window for personal injury claims in South Carolina. After a dog bites you in Denny Terrace, you have up to three years from the date of the incident to seek compensation from the at-fault pet owner. If you wait too long, you may lose your opportunity to pursue damages.
A dog bites accident attorney in Denny Terrace can explain what is a personal injury or accident case. They can review your accident and all of the facts surrounding it. If you have a valid claim, they can file your lawsuit before your window closes.
The best personal injury lawyer can teach you about the damages you can request in a premises liability lawsuit. You can ask for economic compensation, which relates to any medical costs and other quantifiable losses associated with your dog bite accident and injury. Also, you can pursue non-economic damages based on any pain, suffering, and subjective losses you incur.
What to Expect for Compensation in a Dog Bite Accident Case
There is no telling how much a pet bite will cost you now and in the future. In the short term, your dog bite accident may result in medical bills as you try to recover from your injury. For years to come after the incident, you may be forced to deal with medical expenses and other traumas that hamper your ability to enjoy your life to the fullest extent.
You may have concerns about whether you actually need a dog bites lawyer in Denny Terrace, SC. However, when you have an experienced injury attorney at your side, you can seek the most compensation possible. Your lawyer will help you calculate your immediate and long-term damages and prepare an argument designed to compel a judge or jury to award this amount to you.
In total, the compensation you receive in a pet bite accident case can total thousands of dollars. Your lawyer will explore every legal avenue to put you in the best position to get the maximum amount of damages. On top of that, your attorney will ensure that you can present a strong argument during your trial.
How a Dog Bite Lawsuit Can Be Settled Outside the Courtroom
One of the most common personal injury myths relates to the amount of time it takes to resolve a case. Many people believe it takes years to get compensation in a personal injury case. Yet, in most instances, dog bite cases and other personal injury claims get resolved in one year or less.
The legal process can be long and arduous, and the plaintiff and defendant in a personal injury case may be inclined to settle their differences outside the courtroom. To resolve a pet bite case, the defendant may propose a settlement. If the plaintiff approves the settlement, this individual receives compensation, and both parties can go their separate ways.
If the negligent dog owner in your premises liability case proposes a settlement, take as much time as you need to review it. You can evaluate the proposal with your attorney, and your lawyer can explain what can happen if you accept, decline, or counter the offer. In instances where a settlement proposal is nowhere near what you want, reject the offer, and you and your attorney can continue to get ready for your trial.
Partner with a Denny Terrace Dog Bite Lawyer Who Is Committed to Your Success
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, you will work with a Denny Terrace dog bite attorney who commits the time, energy, and resources to help you achieve your desired case results. For more information or to request a free case consultation, please contact us today.
