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A dog attack can be terrifying leaving not only physical scars but also lasting emotional trauma. North Augusta and the Lowcountry are dog-friendly places from riverside trails to neighborhood parks, but when owners fail to restrain or properly supervise their pets, serious injuries can happen in seconds.
At Ted Law Firm, our North Augusta dog bite lawyers fight for victims of dog attacks across Aiken County and the surrounding region. Whether the attack happened in a park, neighborhood sidewalk, or pet-friendly business, we help you recover full compensation for your medical care, lost income, and emotional suffering.
Local Parks, Neighborhoods & Dog-Friendly Spaces
From the Savannah Riverwalk to Riverfront Greenway, from Edgefield Rd neighborhoods to downtown North Augusta side-streets, dogs are everywhere. While most dogs are well-behaved, irresponsible owners who fail to leash or control their pets can create danger. According to recent data, South Carolina’s dog-bite law is designed to protect victims, not to excuse lax pet-control. If you were a visitor, mail-carrier, child, or pedestrian lawfully in a place and were attacked, the law may protect you.
South Carolina’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Under South Carolina statute § 47-3-110, if a person is bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog while lawfully in a public or private place, the dog’s owner (or person keeping/harboring the dog) is liable for damages.
Key points:
- The “one-bite rule” does not apply in SC; it doesn’t matter if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
- The only main defenses: if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog.
- Liability applies even if you were on the dog-owner’s property, provided you were lawfully there (invited, tenant, or performing a duty).
Common Dog Bite Injuries
When a dog attacks, the harm can be severe. Our firm represents individuals suffering from:
- Deep puncture wounds, lacerations and torn tissue
- Infections (including MRSA, rabies risk, sepsis)
- Nerve damage and muscle tears
- Scarring or disfigurement (often on children’s faces, arms)
- Broken bones or torn ligaments from being knocked down
- Emotional trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Wrongful death in extremely severe cases
Children & Dog Bite Cases
Children are especially vulnerable they’re smaller, closer to a dog’s level of attack, and often suffer facial or neck injuries. South Carolina law allows parents to bring claims on behalf of minors, including claims for future medical care, lifelong scar revision, and emotional injuries.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
In SC dog bite cases, potential liable parties include:
- A dog owner or keeper (primary responsibility under § 47-3-110)
- A dog walker, pet-sitter or other person temporarily in charge of the dog
- A landlord or property-owner if they knew of the dog’s dangerous tendency and allowed it on premises
- A business (retail, apartment complex) if they allowed a dangerous dog on site and injured a visitor
Your lawyer will investigate all possible liable parties to maximize your recovery.
Who Pays After a Dog Bite?
Many dog bite cases are covered by the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. Insurance companies often try to reduce payout, claiming the bite was provoked, trespassing was involved, or the insurance policy excludes “dangerous dogs.” We identify all available coverage sources, including:
- Dog owner’s homeowners/renters insurance
- Landlord’s or property-owner’s liability insurance (if incident on rental property)
- Umbrella policies (if severe damages exceed basic limits)
- If multiple responsible parties exist, we pursue each liable entity.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in North Augusta
To protect your health and legal rights, follow these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately even minor bites can lead to serious infection.
- Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement (e.g., Aiken County Animal Services, City of North Augusta Police).
- Document everything: take photos of your injuries, the dog, the location, and any scars or bite marks.
- Get the owner’s name, address, vaccination records for the dog (if possible) and contact information of any witnesses.
- Do not give a recorded statement to a dog owner’s insurance company or sign any release before talking to a lawyer.
- Contact our firm as soon as possible starting early helps preserve evidence, identify witnesses, and build a strong case.
- Be aware of the statute of limitations: in South Carolina a person generally has 3 years from the date of the bite or attack to bring a personal injury claim.
Compensation You May Recover
If you were bitten or attacked by a dog in North Augusta lawfully, you could be eligible for compensation covering:
- Current medical bills (hospital, ER, surgeries)
- Future medical treatment and scar‐revision surgeries
- Lost income and lost earning capacity
- Pain, suffering, emotional anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disfigurement or disability
- In fatal cases, wrongful death benefits for surviving family
Why Acting Quickly Matters
Evidence disappears fast: dogs get removed, witnesses move away, records and vaccinations might be unavailable later. Immediate action increases your chances of a successful claim and fuller compensation.
Why Choose Ted Law Firm?
- A legal team exclusively focusing on dog-bite and animal-attack cases across South Carolina.
- Immediate free consultation no fee unless we win your case.
- Compassionate representation of bite victims including children and vulnerable populations.
- Skilled negotiation with insurance companies and willingness to take cases to court if necessary.
Five Star Service
We pride ourselves on creating “wow” moments for our clients. That’s why Ted Law Firm has 5 star ratings, a client choice award from Avvo and and clients hire us again and again.
Free Rental Car Help
Many people who have been involved in a car accident don’t know how to navigate their insurance coverage. Our attorneys will review your insurance policy for free* and ensure you’re getting any rental car benefits you’re entitled to.
Next Generation Law Firm
Our firm uses 21st century technology and the latest law to maximize claim value, push your case forward quickly, and keep you informed every step of the way.
Pay Nothing Until We Get You $$$
FREE* Case Review. Immediate work. We even front the cost for ordering medical records, getting police reports, and conducting an investigation while we work up your claim.
30 Day Guarantee
We’ll help you for 30 days, through the roughest part of your wreck. We’re so confident in our client experience that we offer this: If you’re not completely satisfied, you won’t be charged a fee and you’ll be free to do as you please.
FREE Legal Resources
We have created a ton of free videos and guides to get you immediate help on your claim.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Who is liable for a dog bite in South Carolina?
Under S.C. Code § 47-3-110, the dog’s owner or keeper is liable for damages when you were lawfully in place and did not provoke the dog. - What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
That doesn’t matter in SC—the “one bite” rule is eliminated and owners can be strictly liable even without prior incidents. - What defenses could the dog owner use?
The two main defenses are: you provoked the dog, or you were trespassing (illegally on the property). - How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in South Carolina?
Typically 3 years from the date of the bite or attack. Some exceptions apply for minors or special circumstances. - Can a dog bite claim include emotional trauma or PTSD?
Yes. Non-economic damages include emotional distress, fear of dogs, ongoing anxiety, in addition to physical injuries. - What if I was bitten on someone else’s property—am I still “lawfully” there?
Yes, if you were invited, a guest, tenant, or performing a duty (mail carrier, delivery) you are considered lawfully on the property under § 47-3-110. - Will homeowners insurance cover a dog bite claim?
Often yes—many dog-bite claims are covered by the owner’s homeowners or renters liability insurance. But large injuries may exceed policy limits. - Can a pet-sitter or dog-walker be liable if the dog bites someone?
Possibly yes—they may be considered “keeper” under the statute if they had care or custody of the dog at the time. - How much is a dog bite claim worth?
Every case is different. Value depends on severity of injuries, treatment needed, scarring/disfigurement, lost income, and long-term damage. - Do I have to go to court?
Many cases settle, but if the insurance company refuses a fair offer we will prepare your case for trial.
Contact Us North Augusta Dog Bite Lawyers
Were you or a loved one injured in a dog attack in North Augusta, Aiken County or the surrounding Lowcountry? You don’t have to handle this alone. At Ted Law Firm, we’re committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable and helping victims recover physically, emotionally and financially. Call us today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
