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 Mt. Pleasant personal injury lawyer from Shelly Leeke Law Firm.
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.
Physical injuries in Mt. Pleasant dog bite cases include:
- Abrasions
- Loss of eyes
- Broken bones
- Skin tears
- Puncture wounds
- Loss of teeth
- Crushed limbs requiring amputations
- Tissue damage
- Infections
Treatment
The treatment required for these will depend on the injury severity. Many of these injuries have a long recovery, while some treatments will be ongoing. 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 unprepared to take on this extra burden. Nor should they have to. After all, the dog has an owner who is responsible for the dog’s actions. You must act quickly to get compensation for your injuries – work with the dog bites attorneys at Shelly Leeke Law Firm.
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.
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 responsible. To determine liability, it is best to speak to a dog bites attorney 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. 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 of either instance. Speak to an Mt. Pleasant dog bites attorney for help against these defenses.
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. 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
Damages will be determined depending on the individual circumstances surrounding your injury. You can have some or all of these losses, and there are also other damages you can incur. 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 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 bites lawyers must conduct an investigation, and the sooner we can start, the better evidence we can compile.
Speak to a Mt. Pleasant Dog Bites Attorney
A dog bite can be a small nip that barely bruises or is severe enough to be fatal. Dogs have powerful jaws capable of severe damage. Even if the dog doesn’t bite, by jumping up on someone, it can cause injuries.
If you suffer a dog attack injury, you need a knowledgeable dog bites lawyer in Mt. Pleasant 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 submitting our contact form for a case evaluation.
