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There is an undeniable bond between a dog and its owner. However, these fantastic and caring companions can turn hostile and bite, inflicting scars. Stats confirm an excess of 75 million dogs in the country; it’s no wonder there are more than 4.5 million dog bites, with 800,000 of these requiring urgent medical care. Sadly, at least 50% of these bite cases are children.
If you or your loved one has experienced a dog bite resulting in scarring in Charleston, SC, you have the right to bring a personal injury claim to the dog’s owner. The personal injury attorneys at David Aylor Law Offices can help with the claim.
Dog Bite Settlements
Insurance Information Institute (III) data shows that in 2020, there were 16,991 dog bite claims in the country with a value of $853.7 million. In most cases, insurance companies settle dog bite scarring cases before proceeding to court.
Each dog bite case in Charleston is unique, and there is no ‘one figure fits all.’ While your dog bite case varies from the others, there are common points you need to prove before any settlement happens. You have to prove the dog owner,
- Had a duty of care towards you.
- Violated their legal duty of care by failing to control their dog.
- The violation of care is the proximate cause of your scarring and other injuries. If the dog owner had leashed their dog correctly, then the dog would not have bit you.
- The dog bites resulted in your scars and injuries, and you have medical bills and statements for proof.
Insurance companies will always go for the minimum settlement. That is why it is best to contact and have a Charleston, SC personal injury lawyer to ensure you get a decent settlement.
Compensation In A Dog Bite Scarring Settlement In Charleston, SC
After proving fault as per South Carolina Code 43-3-110 Sec (A), that you were in a public space or lawfully in the private property when the dog bite occurred, the dog’s owner is liable for damages.
In Charleston, the damages you can recover include,
- All current and future medical bills, including shots, any bite-related infections, such as rabies, and constructive surgeries, which can inflate your medical bills
- Loss of wages and future earnings
- Loss of consortium and other relationships
- Pain and suffering
- Mental trauma, for the victim and yours, if you witnessed your loved one go through the ordeal.
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Emotional and physical therapy
If you or your loved ones have experienced dog bite scarring in Charleston, you have a right to damage recovery. Our experienced personal injury attorneys will fight for you and help you get maximum damage recovery and justice for the ordeal.
The Dog Bite Scarring Settlement Won’t Go Through If
South Carolina Code 43-3-110 Sec (B) states you won’t be compensated if;
You attacked, harassed, or provoked the dog resulting in the bite
The dog was working in a law enforcement capacity with a state entity. Also, it was the dog’s official duties provided that:
- The dog was following a lawful command from a duly certified canine officer
- The dog is trained and certified according to the standards adopted by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Training Council.
- The state entity has adopted a written policy on the necessary and appropriate use of dogs in the dog’s official law enforcement duties.
- The actions of both the dog or its handler don’t violate the state entity’s written policy.
- The actions of both the dog or its handler don’t constitute excessive force.
- The bite doesn’t occur on a third-party
Contact a Charleston personal injury attorney to understand these law exceptions better and know whether they’ll affect your dog bite scarring settlement.
Common Injuries Related To Dog Bites In Charleston, SC
Regardless of the size or breed of the dog, dog bite scarring results from various injuries. These injuries vary in severity, with some requiring more time and resources to heal and recover. In worst cases, a dog can maul a victim to death. According to DogsBite, 56 fatalities resulted from dog mauling.
Some common injuries include:
- Nerve damage
- Puncture wounds
- Mental trauma, such as anxiety, panic attacks, and PTSD
- Broken and crushed bones from large breeds, such as Pit bulls
- Bite related infections that occur in 10-15% of all dog bites, such as rabies, tetanus, sepsis, and capnocytophaga
- Abrasions
- Lacerations
- Disfigurements
A dog’s bite isn’t restricted to specific parts of the body; they can bite anywhere. Some injuries call for extensive medical care and corrective surgery, such as plastic surgery and skin grafting, which might be expensive. You need a Charleston personal injury attorney at David Aylor Law Offices to help you fight for your rights to compensation.
Dog Bite Scarring FAQs
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Do I need an attorney for a dog bite scarring in Charleston?
Dog bite scarring claims can be complex, especially when it comes to settling with insurance companies. You need a knowledgeable personal injury attorney to help you navigate the corridors of justice.
How long does a dog bite-scarring claim take to settle in Charleston?
Dog bite claims can be complicated, and there is no specific time before settlement. The best course of action is to let a personal injury attorney take charge and help speed up the settlement process.
How much time do I have to file a dog bite claim in Charleston?
Dog bite scarring is treated as a personal injury. South Carolina code of laws section 15-3-530, the statute of limitations caps the time to file your dog bite claim to three years from the date the personal injury occurred.
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Reach Out To A Charleston Personal Injury Attorney Today
Life after a dog bite scarring is different. Some injuries will heal, leaving no scars, but others might leave scars you have to live with for the rest of your life. Moving on from such might be a bit challenging, especially without any financial support. However, with legal representation, you have a chance at maximum settlement. If you or your loved one is a victim of dog bite scarring in Charleston, SC, contact a personal injury attorney at David Aylor Law Offices.