Dog Bite Attorneys With Extensive Experience In Your Court
Our dog bite lawyers and staff at Hammack Law Firm are committed to our clients. With more than 19 years of litigation and trial experience, Paul Hammack has received an AV rating from the prestigious Martindale-Hubbell. Paul has spent the last 17 years working for insurance companies, so he knows the industry playbook and he can put that knowledge and experience to work for you.
While every case is different, Hammack Law Firm has helped numerous people who have been injured in dog bites or attacks. If you have a need for an experienced dog bite attorney in Greenville who will give you the personal service, compassion and care that you deserve, call us today. Don’t let the dog bite without a fight.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Greenville, call 864-326-3333
Recent Dog Bite Accident Victories
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$1,600,000
Settlement involving a husband and wife who suffered debilitating injuries after being hit head on by a tractor-trailer.
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$525,000
Wrongful death settlement involving an elderly pedestrian who was run over and killed by a pickup truck in a restaurant parking lot.
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$125,000
Settlement arising out of a low impact parking lot collision that caused neck injuries resulting in surgery.
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Greenville Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 864-326-3333
Greenville Dog Bite Lawyer
All dog owners are responsible for the physical contact of their dog with third parties that may cause injury. A dog doesn’t have to be a vicious breed or violently attack someone for its owner to be liable for its actions. This includes individuals that are dog-sitting. Any person responsible for care of the dog at the time when it causes injury to a third party can be held accountable.
If you were attacked by someone else’s dog, you may be eligible for compensation for your medical bills and other expenses related to the attack. For an empathetic and diligent team, seek the Greenville dog bite attorney of Hammack Law Firm. Put your trust in our team, and get the compensation you deserve to recover from this horrific incident.
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Common Types of Dog Attack Injuries
A victim of an unprovoked attack should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. The following are all common injuries suffered by victims of dog attacks:
- Puncture wounds – Dogs have sharp teeth and can use their strength to clamp down on victims. Limbs are common areas that suffer puncture wounds. These can lead to severe bleeding, and in cases where the puncture is deep or results in loss of skin, scarring.
- Broken bones – When a dog attacks, they may launch at victims and the force can cause them to fall over. A hard fall can result in broken ribs or that of a limb used to brace the fall. If a dog clasps onto a limb with enough pressure, this may also shatter, fracture, or break bones.
- Infection of a bite – Due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth, a bite can lead to infection if the wound is not properly treated and disinfected. This is why it is essential to get necessary medical care after a dog attack. Some dogs may even be sick with rabies or other diseases, so always make sure to get the wound cleaned properly.
- Cuts, scrapes, and scratches – Even play with a dog can result in minor cuts and scratches. In the event of an attack, a dog can claw at the victim, causing these injuries to the entire body. These must also be cleaned and treated to avoid scarring or infection.
- Facial disfiguration – The face of a human is often the first target of a violent dog. When a dog bites or scratches a person’s face, the damage can be so severe that the victim may need plastic surgery to recover.
- Emotional trauma – An animal attack can lead to lifelong trauma and fear of interaction with dogs. Victims of violent dogs and owner negligence should pursue legal action to be compensated for their pain and suffering.
Dog Bite Laws in South Carolina
Statutory Liability
The modern dog bite statute of South Carolina states that a dog owner is strictly liable for damages suffered by a person who is “bitten or otherwise attacked.” The dog owner is not liable if the individual provoked the animal.
The ‘One Bite’ Rule
Under common law liability, the dog mad have had violent tendencies towards humans before the date of the attack, and it’s owner must have had some prior knowledge of the dog’s tendencies to act violently towards humans prior to the date of the attack.
South Carolina follows the common law in its implementation of the “one bite rule” in which:
Domestic animals are not deemed as violent towards humans in South Carolina, and prior to any liability of the owner for damages, the plaintiff must prove that the animal was of previous violent nature towards humans and the dog owner had a propensity towards the fact that their dog was of previous violent nature towards humans.
This implies that the dog owner has maintained possession of a previously violent dog, and thus took no precaution to prevent future attacks on humans.
Landlord Liability
Landlords are liable for dog attacks that occur in common areas of multi-family premises for which they are responsible. This applies if the landlord had some previous knowledge of the violent nature the animal had toward humans and was negligent in failing to remove the dog from the premises.
The landlord is not liable for injuries to a person if the dog attack occurred on the tenant’s property, where the violent dog was kept.
Reasons Dogs Attack and How They Warn Us
Although dogs are domestic animals and should not attack without reason, some causes of their aggression are not always obvious to humans. Besides being provoked, there are numerous factors that can lead a dog to act violently.
5 Possible Reasons A Dog Can Attack:
- Feeling Protective Over Possessions. Dogs may get violent if they feel their possessions are at risk. This is especially true for possession of their puppies, food, water, and even their owners.
- Dog Is Injured or Sick. Sometimes dogs attack when they are in an uncomfortable condition, such as being injured or sick. If a dog does not look well, never approach it.
- Fear. Unfamiliar surroundings and strangers can cause some dogs to be afraid. To stay on the safe side, if you are not familiar with a dog, do not try to pet it or interact with it.
- Unexpected Touch. An animal can respond differently to different physical interactions with a human. Sometimes even a pat to the head can result in feelings of discomfort or agitation. Never act in aggression or abrasive nature towards animals.
- Rough Play. Sometimes play can get out of hand. One minute, you are having fun, but the dog can get more aggressive as it progresses. Do not rough house with an unfamiliar dog and take caution even with dogs you know.
Take extra caution around unfamiliar dogs as you have no idea about their past. Some dogs may have been exposed to abuse, neglect, or other mistreatment. No dog acts violently without cause. Attacks can occur unexpectedly, so try best to avoid unfamiliar, stray, or seemingly provoked dogs to prevent attacks.
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Warning Signs and Taking Precaution
Dogs can change their behavior when they are about to attack. Some signals are obvious while others are too subtle for an unaware human to grasp. Knowing the signals and ways to prevent an interaction with a violent dog can keep you safe and reduce the chance of harm.
Dog Attack Warning Signs
Take caution and try to remove yourself from the situation when dogs begin to show theses body signals:
- Turns head away from human
- Animal walks away from human
- Avoiding eye contact
- Licking lips or yawning
- Whites of their eyes become visible
- Growling, snapping, or barking
- Showing teeth
- Raised wagging tail
- Tucked tail
- Fur is raised
- Rigid body
Steps to Prevent a Dog Attack
Owner intervention can seriously reduce the likelihood of attack. Under no circumstance should a violent dog make contact with the public. Owners can protect the public by taking these precautions:
- Keeping dogs leashed in public
- Not taking injured or sick dogs out
- Avoiding interactions with small children
- Warning others of a nervous dog
- Distracting your dog if it acts violently
Owners are not liable if and individual is attacked after provoking their dog. If a third-party comes in contact with an unfamiliar dog, they can take steps to prevent or defuse a possibly violent situation:
- Never approach or pet strange dogs
- Do not provoke an animal
- Know the warning signs
- Never try to outrun a dog
- Speak softly, especially to an agitated dog
- Distract a seemingly violent animal
Seek Professional Help After a Serious Dog Attack
First and foremost, always get the necessary medical attention after a dog bite or attack injury. If you wish to seek legal action against a violent dog with a negligent owner, South Carolina’s “strict liability” will not require proof of an owner’s failure to their duty of care.
Our dog bite attorneys in Greenville can assist you in recovering damages to deal with your medical costs, pain, and suffering. When an animal attacks you, it can result in emotional trauma and evoke fear that can last a lifetime. Negligent dog owners should be held responsible for putting you in harm’s way.
Your well-being is our ultimate priority. Seek individualized attention to your personal injury case today. The compassionate and experienced dog bite attorney of Hammack Law Firm are ready to serve you and assist in your recovery.
Contact our firm today at 864-326-3333 to get started.
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