A dog attack can cause serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected medical expenses. Whether the bite happened in your own neighborhood, while walking near Broad Street, or at a park close to Shaw Air Force Base, you have the legal right to pursue compensation from the dog’s owner.
At Ted Law Firm, we help dog bite victims across Sumter County hold negligent pet owners accountable. We manage the legal process while you focus on healing and getting your life back on track.
South Carolina Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know
South Carolina has a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites. That means the dog’s owner is legally responsible even if the dog has no prior history of aggression.
You may have a valid claim if:
- You were in a public place or lawfully on private property
- You did not provoke the dog
- The dog’s owner failed to prevent the attack
These laws apply whether the injury was caused by a bite or another aggressive act (e.g., being knocked down).
Common Injuries from Dog Bites
Dog attacks can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. We represent victims who have suffered:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Infections, including MRSA or rabies
- Nerve damage or torn muscles
- Broken bones from falling or being tackled
- Facial injuries and permanent scarring
- Psychological trauma, anxiety, or PTSD
- Fatal injuries, especially involving children or the elderly
We work with medical experts to fully document your injuries and ensure you get proper treatment and compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If you were injured by a dog in Sumter, you may be entitled to damages for:
- Emergency medical care and surgery
- Infection treatment and wound care
- Physical therapy or plastic surgery
- Lost wages or missed work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Funeral costs in fatal cases
We calculate the full impact of the attack, not just what insurance companies want to offer.
What If the Dog Owner Blames You?
Dog owners often try to avoid responsibility by claiming the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing. But under South Carolina’s law, these defenses are limited.
We protect your claim with:
- Medical records and injury photographs
- Animal control reports and prior complaints
- Eyewitness statements
- Surveillance footage, where available
- Veterinary records and ownership information
We work quickly to preserve evidence and prove that you were not at fault.
How We Help Injury Victims
At Ted Law Firm, we guide you through every step of your dog bite claim. From the initial investigation to settlement negotiations or trial, we handle the entire legal process with care and experience.
We will:
- Investigate the dog attack and collect necessary evidence
- Identify the dog’s owner and their insurance coverage
- Document your medical treatment and expenses
- Handle all communications with insurers
- File a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses a fair offer
You’ll never have to deal with the legal system alone we’re here to protect your rights.
Don’t Wait South Carolina’s Statute of Limitations Is Three Years
You have up to three years to file a dog bite injury claim in South Carolina. But it’s important to act fast to preserve evidence and identify the dog’s owner. Early legal intervention can strengthen your case.
Talk to a Sumter Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Ted Law Firm proudly represents clients in Charleston, Greenville, Columbia, Myrtle Beach, and Atlanta advocating for individuals and families throughout South Carolina and Georgia. We’re dedicated to delivering trusted legal guidance when it matters most. During life’s most challenging moments, you can rely on Ted Law Firm to stand by your side.
Whether it’s a motorcycle accident lawyer you need after a crash on Whiskey Road, or a compensation lawyer after a defective product, our legal professionals are here for you with a record of success.
Schedule your initial consultation with our legal professional today and let us help restore your quality of life.
