If a dog bites you in South Carolina, the law is on your side. In most instances, the dog's owner - as well as his/her insurance company - will be responsible for your medical bills and other losses. Holding the owner responsible for the injuries caused by his/her dog is important, especially considering the number of bites that occur each year.
Common Dog Bite Injuries in South Carolina
The most common injuries sustained are to the arm/hand (45.3%), leg/foot (25.8%), and head/neck (22.8%).
Dog bites may result in one or more of the following injuries:
- Fractured bones
- Cuts
- Scars
- Punctures
- Bruises; and
- Infections
​​According to the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine, large dogs can exert more than 450 pounds of pressure per square inch. Since their teeth are dull, the wounds inflicted usually involve crushed tissue and lacerations rather than puncture wounds. However, the injured tissue may be susceptible to infection. An article on MedicineNet.com states that each year, more than 30,000 dog bite victims undergo reconstructive surgery.
Psychological Injuries From Dog Bites
In addition to physical harm, many dog bite victims suffer from psychological injuries.
Psychological injuries include:
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Phobia;
- PTSD
Talk with a Personal Injury Lawyer About Your Legal Rights
If you or your loved one has been a victim of a dog bite, consider speaking with a South Carolina personal injury lawyer and learning more about your options before signing any insurance papers. As a lawyer for dog bite victims in South Carolina, I would be honored to answer any questions you may have. For answers, call us today at 803-790-2800 (Columbia, SC) / 843-427-2800 (Myrtle Beach, SC), or start a live chat 24/7 with a real, live person to arrange a free and confidential consultation.
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