Dog Bite Attorneys in Columbia, SC

Were You Bitten or Attacked by Someone’s Dog?

If you were bitten by someone else’s dog and suffered a serious injury, you should explore what legal options are available to you to seek fair compensation for your harm and losses. Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC and our Columbia dog bite lawyers are here to explain your options, support you during this difficult time, and represent you throughout the legal process, which could include going to court. We know that you are going through a lot right now. Let us help you get through it by fighting for your rights on your behalf.

Why should you choose us for your dog bite claim?

• Proven experience: Our attorneys have extensive experience successfully a variety of handling injury claims, including dog bite and animal attack cases.
• Track record of success: We’ve helped countless clients secure fair settlements and courtroom victories.
• Personalized service: No two cases are seen the same here. We offer tailored legal strategies to address your specific needs.
• Local knowledge: With a strong connection to the communities of Columbia and a comprehensive knowledge of South Carolina’s laws, we’re positioned to fight for your rights as attorneys, locals, and friends.

See what our compassionate and professional legal counsel can do for your dog bite case in Columbia. Call (803) 599-2207 and request a FREE case consultation.

South Carolina's Dog Bite Liability Laws

South Carolina enforces strict liability laws for dog bite injuries. Under this rule, dog owners can be held responsible for their pet's behavior even if the owner was not negligent or if the dog had no previous history of aggression. In other words, if the owner said that they had no way of knowing that their dog would attack you, it is not a justifiable reason to prevent you from using an injury claim to pursue compensation.

Key legal points you should know about South Carolina’s dog bite laws are:

• No negligence required: You do not need to prove the owner acted negligently at the time of the dog bite or attack. The fact that the dog caused your injury is sufficient to pursue a claim.
• Conditions for liability: Dog owners can be held accountable if the bite occurred in a public area or on private property where you were legally present.
• Exceptions to liability: Dog owners may be able to avoid some liability if you were trespassing on the property, or provoking, or injuring the dog at the time of the incident.
• Statute of limitations: You have three years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim due to South Carolina’s statute of limitations.

Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in serious physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma. Severe injuries can affect your ability to work, maintain relationships, and enjoy life as you did before the attack. All these injuries and consequences will be factored into the overall value of your dog bite claim by our attorneys.

Serious physical injuries caused by dog bites can include:

• Puncture wounds, lacerations, and deep cuts
• Scarring and disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face and hands
• Infections, including rabies, tetanus, or sepsis
• Nerve damage or reduced mobility in severe cases

Dog attacks can also cause mental or emotional injuries. Many people who survive dog attacks suffer from anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or a lasting fear of dogs after an attack. We will consider your nonphysical injuries when preparing your case as well.

Evidence to Use in a Dog Bite Claim

To prove your arguments in a dog bite claim, our attorneys can consider using various types of evidence, such as:

• Medical records: Documentation detailing the nature of your injuries and required treatments.
• Photos and videos: Visual evidence of your injuries, the location of the incident, and the dog involved.
• Witness statements: Testimonies from anyone who saw the attack and can describe what happened.
• Proof of ownership: Documentation proving the ownership of the dog, such as local registration or veterinarian records if this is called into question.
• Incident reports: Police or animal control reports that detail the dog attack.

Damages in a Dog Bite Claim

What sort of compensation can you pursue in a dog bite claim filed in Columbia, South Carolina? It all depends on the details of your case, such as the types of injuries you suffered and the extent of the dog owner’s liability. Part of our role as your chosen injury attorneys will be to study all the details of your case and how you have been affected, so we can accurately calculate the compensation that should be owed to you.

Different types of damages that we might be able to include in your dog bite claim include:

• Medical bills: Coverage for initial treatments, surgeries, medications, and future medical care.
• Lost wages: Recovery for missed work and lost earning potential.
• Therapy and rehabilitation: Costs for physical and psychological recovery.
• Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the injuries.
• Loss of enjoyment: Damages for the diminished ability to engage in activities you once loved.

Will the Dog Be Destroyed?

A common concern among dog bite victims is whether filing a claim will lead to the dog being destroyed or euthanized. South Carolina’s dog bite laws do not automatically require the animal's destruction. Instead, state authorities follow specific procedures for evaluating the dog’s behavior based on the incident.

If the dog is deemed dangerous or poses a continued risk to others, animal control may impose appropriate measures, such as quarantine, behavior rehabilitation, or stricter containment requirements. Euthanasia is typically a last resort and only occurs in cases of severe risk or repeated attacks. Filing a claim focuses on your right to compensation, not punishment for the dog.

Contact Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC Today

If you’ve been injured by a dog bite or were otherwise hurt by someone’s pet, don’t wait to seek the legal support and guidance you need. Our Columbia dog bite attorneys are committed to helping you secure justice and compensation for your injuries, so you can try to move forward with your life in a more comfortable place.

Take the first step today. Call (803) 599-2207 or use an online contact form now.