With the help of our Mt. Pleasant dog bite lawyer, you can make sure that you do not suffer any additional financial losses from this tragic incident. At the Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we stand behind our clients and utilize our decades of experience and legal skills to support you in this challenge. Do not wait to contact our Mt. Pleasant personal injury lawyer, an active member of the South Carolina Bar Association, for a free consultation to discuss your needs.
Our Mt. Pleasant Dog Bite Lawyers Are Ready to Help
When an aggressive dog attacks someone, it is terrifying. The injuries that dogs can cause can be permanent. The emotional toll is just as harrowing.
There is also a financial burden put on victims for the various treatments they need to heal the injuries from these attacks. Unfortunately, these attacks are common, with hundreds of people visiting emergency rooms daily for dog bites. Victims and families need legal help from a Mt. Pleasant personal injury lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm.
With a free, no-obligation consultation, we can provide you with insight into your legal options, including information about how much your case is worth. We are honest and transparent and will not tell you to take legal action unless we know you have the right to compensation beyond what you are receiving now. Our frequently asked questions provide plenty of answers for these situations.
Injuries Caused by Dog Bite Attacks
Injuries will range in severity by person, depending on how the dog bite happened. The size and ferocity of the dog will also affect your injuries. Children are highly susceptible to dog bites.
No matter who suffers the injuries, they are very real and very impactful to your quality of life. Our Mt. Pleasant dog bite attorneys are ready to guide you in getting the care you need. Physical injuries in Mt. Pleasant dog bite cases can include:
- Abrasions
- Broken bones
- Skin tears
- Puncture wounds
- Crushed limbs requiring amputations
- Tissue damage
- Infections
Treatment
The treatment required for these will depend on the severity of the injury. Many of these injuries have a long recovery, while some treatments will be ongoing, while other injuries will stay with the person long-term. Dog bite injury treatment can consist of the following:
- Reconstructive surgery
- Rehabilitation
- Surgery
- Psychological therapy
- Pain medication
These treatments are expensive, and injury victims are often unprepared to take on this extra burden. Nor should they have to. After all, the dog’s owner is responsible for the dog’s actions. You must act quickly to get compensation for your injuries – work with a dog bite attorney in Mt. Pleasant at Shelly Leeke Law Firm and review our testimonials today to learn more.
Laws Regarding Dog Bites
To help injury victims, South Carolina has laws designed to hold dog owners responsible. The dog owner or person caring for the dog is liable for any injuries the dog inflicts. There is no distinction in Mt. Pleasant assessing whether the dog attack happens on public or private property.
We have dangerous animal statutes for dogs with a history of aggression. Under this statute, if the owner knows that the dog poses a danger to humans, the dog must be confined. The confinement involves the dog being in a fenced-in area or a secured pen.
Additionally, the area must be marked to warn that the dog is harmful. The dog cannot be unrestrained. If an owner disobeys these laws, they can face fines or jail, so talk to our dog bites lawyers today.
Liability for Dog Bites in Mt. Pleasant
As you might guess, the dog’s owner is responsible for any injuries the dog inflicts. However, many victims wonder how the owner will pay them. Sometimes, victims are apprehensive about legal action because they don’t want to hurt their relationship with the dog owner.
If the dog owner has a home, you can file a claim with their homeowner’s insurance. The renter’s insurance can provide compensation if they are in an apartment. There may be other options for obtaining compensation through insurance claims as well.
Recovering compensation can be complex if the dog is on public property or in a retail store. While the owner will be financially liable for the dog, other parties can also be held responsible. To determine liability, it is best to speak to a dog bite lawyer in Mt. Pleasant.
Defenses Dog Owners Will Try to Use
There are rare instances where the dog owner or other entity can attempt to avoid liability. Trespassing is one of those rare instances. If they wish to use this defense, they must prove that you were on the property without their permission.
Another instance is if the dog was provoked. They can argue that the victim was taunting or threatening the dog. Therefore, the dog reacted and defended itself.
However, there must be evidence if they wish to use either of these defenses. Speak to a Mt. Pleasant dog bite attorney for help. You can depend on our team at Shelly Leeke Law Firm for comprehensive insight and support.
Recovering Damages for Dog Bites
Dog bites lead to a slew of challenges for the victims. Your medical bills are insurmountable, and the injury can lead to other lifestyle changes. You can become permanently disabled or unable to work.
A successful claim is necessary to recover the money you need for your current and future losses. Our experienced dog bite attorneys know how to fully evaluate your losses. Some potential dog bite damages available for Mt. Pleasant victims include:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Permanent disability
- Pain and suffering
- Travel expenses for treatment
- Household care assistance expenses
- Mental anguish
- Loss of consortium
How Much Is Your Dog Bite Case Worth in South Carolina?
Damages will be determined depending on the individual circumstances surrounding your injury. You can incur some or all of these losses, as well as other damages. The best way to determine your damages is through a case evaluation.
Time Is Ticking to File a Claim
The clock starts ticking the moment you suffer an injury. You must seek medical attention since dogs can carry various diseases. The hospital will have to check for rabies and other infections.
Aside from the medical steps, you must also get legal assistance. The clock for dog bite claims in Mt. Pleasant ends after three years. Once you reach this date, you will lose your right to recover compensation.
We understand that you are apprehensive about legal action, but that apprehension can lead to other challenges. Even though you have three years to file a claim, you should not wait this long. Our Mt. Pleasant dog bite lawyers must conduct an investigation, and the sooner we can start, the better evidence we can compile.
You Can Depend on Our Dog Bite Lawyers in Mt. Pleasant
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm, we take cases like this seriously. We know they carry a long-term, lasting impact on your future and quality of life. There are several key reasons why you want to work with our attorneys in cases like this:
- Proven case results: Take a look at our case results or speak to our Mt. Pleasant dog bite attorneys to learn about cases we have taken on that specifically align with your own case.
- Hold them accountable: Our personal injury law firm has recovered millions of dollars for our clients, including dog bite victims, and will apply the same pressure in your case.
- Recognized leadership: Our law firm is recognized within the community of Mt. Pleasant and across South Carolina for being a fair and just attorney. We fight for your rights.
Our dog bite attorneys in Mt. Pleasant are ready to help you with any case you are facing. If you are suffering from emotional or physical injuries due to a dog bite, we highly encourage you to contact us for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us fight for your right to compensation.
Let us Help You with Your Dog Bite Case
A dog bite can be frightening and create lasting effects on your daily life or even severe enough to be fatal. Dogs have powerful jaws capable of severe damage. Even if the dog doesn’t bite, jumping up on someone can even cause injuries.
Speak to a Mt. Pleasant Dog Bites Attorney
If you suffer a dog attack injury, you need a knowledgeable Mt. Pleasant dog bite lawyer to assist you. Shelly Leeke Law Firm helps dog bite victims fight for the settlement they deserve. Contact the firm by calling our office or filling out our contact form for a case evaluation.
