Dog Bites Lawyers in Columbia

Helping Dog Attack Victims Obtain Maximum Compensation For Their Injuries and Pain and Suffering

If you or a loved one have been injured in a dog attack, you are dealing with painful bite injuries, expensive medical bills, and probably post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Dog bite injuries can range anywhere from torn skin to deep puncture wounds.

South Carolina dog owners have a legal responsibility to keep their dogs contained on their property. Dog owners can be held accountable if their animals are not properly restrained and injured adults or small children are not on private property when the attack occurs.

If you have suffered a dog bite, you must hire an experienced dog bite attorney who can help you seek compensation for injuries sustained in the attack. Our Columbia dog bite lawyers have a proven record of obtaining favorable client results in dog bite cases.

Contact The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC in Columbia, South Carolina, and ask to schedule a free consultation to discuss your dog bite claim and how we can help.

What Should I Do if I Have Been Injured in a Dog Attack?

If you have suffered a dog bite injury, you must follow several essential steps to ensure your ability to recover compensation for your injuries. These steps include:

• Seek medical attention: Even if the dog bite injury only appears to be torn skin, it could become more serious without medical intervention. The added benefit of being examined by a healthcare professional is that it provides documentation so the dog bite victim can file an insurance claim.
• Report the incident to animal control: Even if you have minor physical injuries, reporting an animal attack to the proper authorities is always best. Reporting the dog bite allows animal control to determine if the dog has rabies and
• Identify the dog owner: One of the most crucial aspects of a dog bite case is determining the dog’s owner. You must identify the owner to file an insurance claim and pursue compensation.
• Gather evidence: Evidence may include pictures and video of the dog, the area where the attack occurred, and the extent of your injuries. Finally, be sure to collect the names, phone numbers, and statements of potential witnesses who can support your claim.
• Seek legal representation: Injury victims must seek qualified legal representation immediately after a dog attack. A well-qualified Columbia, SC, dog bite lawyer can advise you of your legal rights and act as your advocate with the insurance company.

What Are the Most Common Dog Bites Injuries?

A medical professional should always examine dog bite victims immediately following the attack. Dog attacks frequently result in victims suffering puncture wounds, torn skin, or even rabies. Infected dog bite wounds are excruciating and may result in a long recovery time for the victim.

Some common dog bite injuries include:

• Broken bones
• Eye and facial injuries
• Neck and head injuries
• Nerve Damage
• Scar tissue

However, another common injury that is often overlooked is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The effects of PTSD can be debilitating for many dog bite victims, tiny children.

If you have suffered dog bite wounds, seek medical attention, and contact a Columbia dog bite lawyer who can inform you of your legal rights. The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC, has SC dog bite lawyers with comprehensive experience handling dog bite claims and would be honored to assist you.

What is Strict Liability For Dog Bites Under South Carolina Law?

Unlike other states, South Carolina has a “one-bite rule” that stipulates a dog must have previously bitten someone before the dog owner can be held liable. Instead, South Carolina has strict liability laws that assert a dog owner may be liable for a victim’s injuries even if the animal has not previously been deemed to be a vicious dog.

Dogs working as guard dogs are not exempt from owner liability. However, there are exceptions to South Carolina’s strict liability rule. Some examples include if the victim provoked the dog or if they were trespassing on private property, the dog owner most likely will not be held liable.

Nevertheless, working dogs acting in a law enforcement capacity are exempt from liability as long as they comply with their K9 officer’s commands.

If you still need clarification regarding South Carolina’s strict liability laws, contact a Columbia dog bite lawyer who can answer your legal questions. The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC has experienced attorneys who have experience handling dog attack cases. Contact our law offices and ask to schedule a free initial consultation to learn more.

Why Should I Trust Your Columbia Dog Bite Lawyer to Try and Help Me Recover Compensation

Most dog owners try to be responsible and keep their dogs from attacking others. However, sometimes dog owners are negligent in their responsibilities, which often leads to individuals suffering bite injuries. If it can be determined that a dog owner did not take reasonable steps to prevent their dog from attacking others, they can be held liable.

The Law Office of Joshua P. Golson, LLC can help you obtain financial compensation for medical bills and emotional trauma after suffering a dog bite injury. In addition, we may also be able to help you recover compensation for other related medical expenses such as physical therapy or rehabilitation.

Our law firm is committed to helping dog attack victims receive the fair treatment and justice they deserve. We will work diligently to hold the dog owner liable for their negligence. Furthermore, we will not allow the insurance company to try to deny your claim by asserting you are at fault.

Contact our Columbia, South Carolina, law office and schedule a free consultation to discuss your case and determine the available legal strategies.