At Dejeu Law Firm, we understand that dog bites can be a traumatic experience. You may be wondering if you are entitled to compensation for your injuries. The answer depends on a few factors, such as whether the dog had a history of biting and whether you were trespassing on the owner’s property.
If you were bitten by a dog in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, contact Dejeu Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will review your case and determine if you are entitled to compensation.
Who Is Liable?
Dogs can be wonderful pets, but they can also be dangerous. According to the website of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs each year. This can lead to serious injuries, including infections and even death.
In most states, the owner of a dog is liable for any injuries that the dog causes. This means that if your dog bites someone, you could be sued for damages. It’s important to remember that even if your dog has never bitten anyone before, you could still be held liable if he or she injures someone.
It’s also important to take steps to prevent dog bites. If your dog is aggressive or tends to bite, you may need to keep him or her muzzled when out in public. You should also socialize your dog with other people and animals, so that he or she is less likely to become aggressive in unfamiliar situations.
According to South Carolina law, the owner of an dog who has bitten an individual is liable for the losses the bitten person suffers if that person is lawfully located in a private or public place when they were attacked.
Five things you should do after being bitten by a dog:
1. Seek medical attention immediately.
Dog bites can cause serious injuries, so it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. If the dog bite is severe, or if the victim is experiencing any of the following symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:
- Excessive bleeding
- Severe swelling
- Puncture wounds
- Infection
2. Get the contact information of the dog’s owner.
This will be important if you decide to pursue a legal claim against the owner. This, however, might not be possible, so document as much information as you have during and shortly after the incident, if you are able to do so without risking further injury to yourself or someone around you.
3. If you are able, take photos of your injuries and the scene of the attack.
This evidence can be helpful in proving your case. If you are not able to take photos, ask a friend or family member to do so for you. Keep all of your medical records and receipts related to your injuries. These documents can also help support your case.
4. Report the incident to animal control.
This will create a record of the attack and may help prevent future attacks.
- For the City of Myrtle Beach, click here.
If you are unable to contact animal control, try contacting the local police department.
5. Contact an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible.
Dejeu Law Firm can help you navigate the legal process and recover the compensation you deserve after you or a member of your family has been bitten by a dog.
If you were bitten by a dog in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, contact Dejeu Law Firm today for a free consultation. We will review your case and determine if you are entitled to compensation. Dog bites can be a traumatic experience, and it is important to know your rights. Dejeu Law Firm will fight for you to get the compensation you deserve.
