Columbia Dog Bite Lawyer

At Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers, our Columbia dog bite attorneys have a successful track record of handling claims on behalf of victims injured from dog bites and animal attacks throughout South Carolina. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at (803) 573-0869.

As respected South Carolina dog bite lawyers helping residents of Columbia and surrounding areas injured in dog bite incidents and animal attacks, we are here to work for your best interests.

Book a free consultation now to speak with an experienced Columbia, SC, dog bite attorney near you.

We understand the state-specific laws here in SC that are in place to protect the rights of individuals harmed by dog bites and animal attacks. Under current South Carolina law, the animal’s owner can be held liable for dog bite injuries even if the dog has never previously bitten someone or exhibited dangerous behavior. Other states have a “one bite rule,” but not South Carolina.

Columbia, South Carolina Animal Attack Attorney

Columbia, South Carolina Animal Attack Attorney

If you or a loved one was harmed in a dog bite or animal attack and were lawfully in the place where the incident occurred, there is a good chance the animal’s keeper or owner will need to compensate you for things like medical bills, future medical treatments, loss of income, and your pain and emotional suffering.

Under the South Carolina law known as “bystander recovery,” a parent who witnesses their child being attacked by a dog may receive compensation for the emotional turmoil they endured. In many cases, dog bite victims are left psychologically scarred by the event, which can later manifest into a fear of going outdoors or animal encounters.

Even if the dog owner accepts responsibility for what has happened, contacting our office as soon as possible to speak with an experienced Columbia animal attack lawyer may help you get compensated and avoid making mistakes along the way. You may be in for a long battle to be fairly compensated for financial losses to which you’re rightfully entitled. We have been through these battles before and are here to help.

Our team of dog bite attorneys are known for aggressively pursuing strong compensation in dog attack cases throughout South Carolina.

We have seen the types of life-altering wounds suffered by dog attack victims, injuries that can lead to permanent scarring, and life-long disabilities. Our legal team understands the urgency of these cases and works tirelessly to help dog bite victims recover what they are owed.

Alarming Dog Attack Statistics

Our Columbia animal attack lawyers have compiled the following statistics to illustrate how prevalent dog bite attacks are in the United States.

  • Over 4.5 million dog bite attacks occur annually in the U.S. (CDC – https://www.avma.org/resources-tools/pet-owners/dog-bite-prevention)
  • Over 800,000 of those require medical care
  • Every 75 seconds, someone in the U.S. is bitten by a dog
  • More than half of all dog attacks happen to children 12 and under
  • 70 percent of dog bite deaths happen to children 10 and under
  • Roughly 92 percent of fatal dog attacks involved unneutered male dogs
  • More than a quarter of all fatal canine attacks involved canines that were chained up
  • Children aged 5 to 9 are most susceptible to severe dog bite injuries
  • More than $2.3 million in insurance claims were paid out for SC dog attack victims in 2013
  • Over the past decade (2011-2021), State Farm has paid out over $1.1 BILLION for dog-related injury claims
  • The average cost for dog bite insurance claims in 2021 was $49,025

Following any type of dog bite or animal attack, there are several steps you can take to protect your legal rights, according to our dog bite attorneys in Columbia, SC.

It is useful if you are able to identify the exact animal that attacked you and caused the injury. Seek prompt medical attention for your wounds, and follow the doctor’s every instruction.

What to do after a dog bite?

  • Secure the name, address, and contact information of the animal’s owner.
  • Document your injuries with photos and video, and safeguard all medical documents pertaining to the treatment so you will have the evidence ready when it’s time to file a claim.
  • Speak with eyewitnesses who observed the attack and get their contact information.
  • Contact our firm to speak with an experienced dog attack lawyer near you.

Because statutes of limitation govern all personal injury lawsuits in South Carolina, it’s important to get your claim started right away. If you your statute of limitations runs out, you may lose any right to compensation. Our Columbia animal attack attorneys have represented many people that were injured from animal attacks and helped guide them through the aftermath. We handle the telephone calls, correspondence, and negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. We can also you help you find qualified healthcare providers to treat your injuries.

Common Dog Attack Injuries

Children are the most common victims of dog bites and are far more likely to be severely injured, having to sometimes endure pain and disfigurement for the remainder of their lives. Additionally, canine saliva carries harmful bacteria that can cause serious infection if not treated promptly, so seeking prompt medical attention is important.

Following the visit to the ER or doctor’s office, speaking with a dog bite attorney near you to discuss the details of your case can help you determine if you have the legal grounds to get compensation.

Some of the most common injuries our Columbia, SC dog bite attorneys have encountered include:

  • Broken bones
  • Deep puncture wounds
  • Lacerations
  • Torn tendons
  • Nerve damage
  • Scarring
  • Long-term emotional trauma

In 2014 in Upstate South Carolina, three pit bulls owned by a Fountain Inn man went on a rampage, savagely attacking a 10-year-old girl and her mother. The owner, Rayvon Denzel, was later charged with animal nuisance and four counts of failure to keep a vicious dog restrained. The little girl was playing with her own pup in her yard when the dogs attacked, biting both her and her pet. The mother was also bitten when she attempted to rescue her daughter.

Contact A Columbia, SC, Dog Bite Attorney For Help Today

Your choice of dog bite attorney is critical in the case of an animal attack or personal injury in South Carolina.  If you or a loved one has been hurt in a dog bite incident, contact our Columbia animal attack attorneys at Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers to book a free consultation about your rights for compensation. We serve Lexington, Columbia, Blythewood, Orangeburg, and all of South Carolina.

Remember, your future depends on what you do today. Don’t become a victim twice – we are here to help and advocate on your behalf.

Visit Our Personal Injury Law Office In Columbia, SC

Jeffcoat Injury and Car Accident Lawyers
1333 Main St 510 Columbia, SC 29201
Phone : (803) 373-1706
Business Hours: 24/7

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