A dog bite can lead to serious physical injuries and long-term emotional trauma—especially for children. If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in South Carolina, you may have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
At Durant Law in Surfside Beach and Pawleys Island, we help victims of dog bites and animal attacks hold negligent owners accountable and recover the damages they deserve.
South Carolina Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability
Unlike many states, South Carolina follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. This means:
- Dog owners are legally responsible for bites and attacks—even if the dog has never shown aggression before.
- The law applies whether the bite occurs on public property or when you are lawfully on private property, such as visiting someone’s home or working as a delivery driver.
The only exceptions are if:
- You were unlawfully trespassing, or
- You provoked the dog.
This makes it easier for injured victims to bring a successful claim.
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog attacks can result in:
- Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Infections, including tetanus or rabies
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma or PTSD
Children are especially vulnerable and often suffer injuries to the face, neck, and hands.
What to Do After a Dog Attack
- Get medical attention immediately, even for minor wounds.
- Report the bite to local authorities or animal control in Horry County.
- Identify the dog and owner if possible—get names, addresses, and any available insurance information.
- Document your injuries with photographs and keep records of all treatment.
- Contact an attorney to explore your legal options before speaking to an insurance company.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Depending on your injuries, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Medical bills (including ER visits, surgery, therapy)
- Lost income or reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or permanent injury
- Emotional distress
We’ll deal with the insurance company so you can focus on recovery.
Get Help From a Local Injury Lawyer Who Cares
At Durant Law, we’ve helped clients throughout Surfside and the Grand Strand area recover full and fair compensation after a dog bite. We offer personalized legal service, and there’s no fee unless we win.
If you or your child was bitten by a dog, call Durant Law today for a free consultation. Let us fight for the justice you deserve.