What Kind of Compensation Can I Receive for a Dog Bite?

Each year, canine attacks injure thousands of people. A dog bite can leave you with high medical expenses from laboratory testing, surgery, and physical therapy. These costs become more unmanageable if you also lose income or cannot work due to severe injuries.

The Spartanburg personal injury lawyers at Parker & Bain, LLC, understand the devastation you face after a dog bite. South Carolina law holds dog owners accountable for injuries their dog causes to others, with limited exceptions. If you are ready to learn the true worth of your case, do not hesitate to contact us at your earliest opportunity.

How Can I Prove a Dog Owner’s Liability?

South Carolina uses strict liability for dog bites. You do not need to prove the owner was negligent. You also do not need to show that the owner knew the dog was vicious. You can recover damages regardless. If you are unsure how to handle the legal details, our team can help.

Provocation Exception

The dog bite law has one major exception. If the victim provokes the dog, the owner may not be liable. Provocation means tormenting, teasing, or harassing the dog. For example, giving the dog a bone and pulling it away each time it tries to grab it. The circumstances will be considered to determine if provocation directly caused the attack. An animal behaviorist can help determine whether provocation occurred.

Hossenlopp v. Cannon

As decided in Hossenlopp v. Cannon, the South Carolina Supreme Court held that a dog owner is liable for injuries their dog causes. It makes no difference if it is the dog’s first, second, or third bite, or whether the owners knew the dog was dangerous. In Hossenlopp, a minor child was attacked, so the court ruled that the dog owners must reimburse the child’s parents for medical costs, hospital bills, and other damages.

Potential Damages in Dog Bite Cases

If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be able to recover the following damages:

•     Lost wages
•     Loss of future earnings
•     Emergency room care
•     Medical imaging and laboratory testing
•     Surgeries and treatments
•     Physical therapy
•     Infliction of emotional distress
•     Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
•     Scarring
•     Disfigurement

Your settlement or award depends on the severity of your injuries, the location of the bite, and your medical expenses. Non-economic damages affect your quality of life. These losses are harder to measure. For example, scarring may not mean more medical bills, but it can prevent job opportunities. PTSD can disrupt your sleep and lead to depression, anxiety, and irritability.

These emotional losses can be just as impactful as financial ones, severely affecting personal and professional relationships. When you work with a personal injury lawyer, you have someone who understands the insurance industry and can accurately calculate what is owed to you.

Reach Out to Our Spartanburg Personal Injury Attorneys Today

If you or your child has experienced a canine attack, you need aggressive representation in your corner. At Parker & Bain, our legal team has assisted numerous individuals in recovering the full amount of medical bills, lost wages, and emotional damages. Let us help you pursue full recovery for your losses and hardship. To arrange a confidential consultation with one of our Spartanburg personal injury lawyers, we can be reached online or by calling (864) 252-2650 today.