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South Carolina Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

In 2007, there were 33 fatal dog maulings in the United States, two of those fatal dog bite attacks, occurred in South Carolina. 4.7 million people are victims of dog bite attacks annually, with one in six dog attack victims requiring emergency medical treatment.

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, and over fifty percent of children who are victims of dog bites, require medical treatment for their injuries. 

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 Dog Bite Laws

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.

Experienced, Energetic Legal Counsel

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.

Shelly Leeke Law Firm serves all areas of South Carolina, particularly in the lowcountry, including Charleston County (Charleston, North Charleston, West Ashley, Mt. Pleasant, Awendaw, James Island, Ladson); Berkeley County (Goose Creek, Hanahan, Summerville, Moncks Corner, Daniel Island); Dorchester County, Colleton County, Georgetown County, Clarendon County, Beaufort County, Jasper County, McClellanville, Orangeburg County, Sumter County, Williamsburg County, Hampton County and Horry County. We have two convenient offices to serve you, and represent clients throughout the state of South Carolina. Call 1-888-690-0211 or 843-277-6061 for a complimentary case evaluation.

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Blog for Dog Bites

• It's Not Just Pit Bulls That Do The Biting!
• Man Fatally Attacked & Killed by Daughter's "Pet" Pit Bulls

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Library for Dog Bites:

• Dog Safety Tips for South Carolina Kids   
  Description: Children in South Carolina and throughout the country are at the highest risk for being bitten by a dog. Shelly Leeke Law Firm encourages you to follow these tips in teaching your child how to behave around dogs. Call Shelly Leeke Law Firm if you or someone you know has been attacked by a dog or other dangerous animal. Call 843-277-6061 today.
• South Carolina Dog Owners are Responsible if Their Dog Attacks or Bites An Innocent Person   
  Description: Dog owners in South Carolina are responsible for the actions, damages, and injuries inflicted by their dog. There are special requirements that come with keeping a dangerous animal or dangerous dog. Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers free reports and information for South Carolina Animal Attack or Dog Bite Victims. Call 843-277-6061 today.
• Dog Owners or Caretakers Are Responsible for The Actions of Dogs They Control   
  Description: South Carolina dog bite laws hold a dog's owner or caretaker responsible for injuries caused by the dog. Shelly Leeke Law Firm offers FREE reports and other information to help protect and educate parents whose children are victims of a dog bite or animal attack and other South Carolina dog bite victims. Call 843-277-6061 for information on your legal rights after a dog bite or animal attack.

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Frequent Questions for Dog Bites:

• If I have a dog bite case, what am I entitled to recover for my injury?
• If I am bitten by a dog or other animal, who is my case against?
• What should I do if my child is bitten by a dog?

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Web Resources for Dog Bites:

• Centers for Disease Control: Dog Bite Prevention

  Description:

  Who is most at risk?

  
  Children: Kids ages 5 to 9 years are at the highest risk for dog bites, and more likely than adults to require medical attention
  Adult Males: Males are more likely than females to be bitten.
  People with dogs in their homes: Having a dog in the household is associated with a higher incidence of dog bites. Having two or more dogs in the household increases the dog bite risk over five times.
  
  
  

  
  

• Dog Bite Awareness by The United States Postal Service, USPS.

  Description: The United States Postal Service provides information concerning a commonly reported public health problem: dog bites. Sponsored by National Dog Bite Prevention Week, a public service campaign that offers safety tips and emphasizes the need for increased pet owner responsibility in the prevention of dog bites.

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