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In 2011, there were 31 fatal dog maulings in the United States, two of those fatal dog bite attacks, occurred in South Carolina. Every day, 1,000 people have to go to the emergency room because of a dog bite attack.
Children and the elderly are particularly at risk, but anyone can fall victim to an aggressive and unsecured animal. Unfortunately, children are the most likely victims of dog attacks at 60%.
When dog attacks happen, they can lead to a trip to the emergency room and surgery as well as lasting pain, scarring and other disfigurements. This can be especially painful for parents of children as injuries to children from dog bite attacks can be severe and life lasting with surgery or permanent scarring.
People in South Carolina love their pets. But while most animal owners exercise proper control and obey state laws, some are not so diligent. Dog bites and animal attacks do frequently occur.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog or attacked by an animal, Shelly Leeke Law Firm may be able to help you. While we are located in Charleston, with offices in Goose Creek and Mt. Pleasant, we serve all of the State of South Carolina. We help accident victims in Charleston, Mt. Pleasant, Goose Creek, Walterboro, Berkeley County, Dorchester County, North Charleston, McClellanville, Beaufort, Hanahan, West Ashley, Daniel Island, Moncks Corner, Florence, Sumter, Orangeburg, Georgetown, and all of South Carolina.
At Shelly Leeke Law Firm we believe in making sure our clients have all the information they need before we ask them to sign a contract or decide on any legal action. We provide free case evaluations and free initial consultations to people who are still weighing their options.
If you're thinking about going to court on an animal attack lawsuit, we can help.
South Carolina laws hold a dog owner and keeper responsible for injuries caused by the dog. If a person suffers an unprovoked attack, the dog owner or other person who has the dog in his care may be found liable and the victim eligible for damages compensation.
The law applies to bites and other losses that result from an animal attack. It makes no difference if the attack occurred on private or public property or what breed of dog was involved -- Pit Bull, Rottweiler, German Shepherd, etc. - owners are still responsible for controlling their animals.
In fact, under South Carolina law, the animal's owner need not even be present for a lawsuit to be viable. If a dog is under the supervision of a dog sitter or other caretaker when it bites, the owner can still be held liable.
There is also a "dangerous animal" statute which requires that owners of dogs that are "likely to pose a danger" to humans keep them confined in properly secured and constructed pens or fenced areas that are marked to indicate that the animal is harmful. A dog that falls under the "dangerous animal" statue is not permitted to be unrestrained, even on private property or in an owner's home.
Owners who fail to meet these requirements can be fined or even serve jail time.
Charleston attorney Shelly Leeke understands that the safety of your family and loved ones is your primary concern. That's why she's dedicated her career to fighting for the rights of people injured in her home state of South Carolina.
The Shelly Leeke Law Firm is founded on her belief that knowledge is power for individuals considering going to court on a personal injury case. She'll make sure you have the facts you need to make an informed decision and she won't steer you in the wrong direction.
If you've been injured by a dog bite or other animal attack contact us today for a free case evaluation and consultation. We have two convenient locations in Mt. Pleasant and Goose Creek, and we also provide home or hospital visits. Our offices are at 103 Laurel Avenue, Goose Creek and 222 West Coleman Boulevard, in Mt. Pleasant, SC. Call us at 843-277-6061 for a free case evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions- Your dog bite questions, answered.
Shelly Leeke, Attorneys At Law, LLC., serves areas including Charleston County (Charleston, North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant); Berkeley County (Goose Creek, Summerville, Moncks Corner, Daniel Island); Dorchester County, Colleton County, Georgetown County, Clarendon County, Beaufort County, Jasper County, Orangeburg County, Sumter County, Williamsburg County, Hampton County and Horry County.
