803.937.5055 | 370 St. Paul Street | Orangeburg, SC 29115
803.937.5055 | 370 St. Paul Street | Orangeburg, SC 29115
Dog Bite Injuries
A dog attack can leave behind serious physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma, especially for children. The good news for victims: South Carolina law holds dog owners strictly liable in many situations, meaning you donโt have to prove the dog had a history of aggression to pursue compensation.
At The Williams Firm, we help dog bite victims in Orangeburg understand their rights under South Carolinaโs dog bite statute and pursue fair compensation for their injuries.
Bitten or attacked by a dog? Contact The Williams Firm today for a free consultation*.
Under South Carolina Code ยง 47-3-110, a dogโs owner is generally liable for damages if their dog bites or attacks someone who is lawfully in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the ownerโs own property. This applies regardless of whether the dog has ever bitten anyone before, with limited exceptions when the victim provoked the dog or was committing or attempting a crime, including trespassing.
In South Carolina, you generally have three years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim. Acting quickly also helps preserve key evidence, like the dogโs vaccination records and witness memories of the incident.
You donโt have to face the aftermath of a dog bite or animal attack alone. At The Williams Firm, weโll listen to what happened, explain your options in plain language, and handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on getting better.
Contact The Williams Firm today for a free consultation*. Let us help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve.
What if the dog that bit me had no history of biting?
Under South Carolinaโs strict liability dog bite statute, a prior history of aggression generally isnโt required to recover compensation. The owner can still be liable even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
Is the owner still liable if the dog was on a leash?
Yes. Being leashed doesnโt excuse an owner from liability if the dog still manages to bite or attack someone who was lawfully present, whether in public or on private property.
What if I was bitten by a neighborโs dog and donโt want to personally sue them?
Most dog bite claims are paid through the ownerโs homeownerโs or renterโs insurance policy, not out of their own pocket. Filing a claim is typically a conversation with an insurance company, not a personal conflict with your neighbor.
What if the dog bite happened on public property, like a park?
South Carolinaโs dog bite statute applies as long as you were lawfully in a public place when the attack occurred. You may still pursue a claim against the dogโs owner.
Can I file a claim if the dogโs owner doesnโt have insurance?
It can be more challenging, but options may still exist, including pursuing the ownerโs personal assets or looking at whether a landlord or property manager bears any responsibility. We can walk you through the realistic paths to recovery.
What if my child was bitten while playing at a friendโs house?
Children are common dog bite victims, and South Carolinaโs strict liability law applies to them just as it would to an adult. We handle these cases with extra care given how frightening the experience can be for a child and their family.
