Dog bites can result in serious physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term medical needs. In South Carolina, dog owners are generally responsible for their pets’ actions, and victims of dog attacks are often entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, you need a skilled attorney to help you recover compensation for your injuries.
At Ted Law Firm, we specialize in representing victims of dog bite accidents in Myrtle Beach and Horry County. Our experienced dog bite lawyers are dedicated to ensuring you receive the full compensation you deserve and guiding you through the legal process with compassion and expertise.
What Does Dog Bite Accident Compensation Cover in South Carolina?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to recover compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical treatment and rehabilitation: Coverage for hospital bills, doctor visits, surgeries, medications, and any future treatment you may need for your injuries.
- Lost wages: Compensation for income lost while recovering from your injuries, as well as any future lost income if you are unable to return to work.
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for the physical pain, emotional distress, and trauma caused by the dog bite.
- Emotional distress: Anxiety, depression, or PTSD that may result from the traumatic nature of the dog bite attack.
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement: Compensation for any permanent physical scars or disfigurement caused by the dog bite.
- Wrongful death: If a loved one was killed due to a dog attack, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
At Ted Law Firm, we are committed to ensuring that you are fully compensated for all your injuries, both physical and emotional.
Common Causes of Dog Bite Accidents in Myrtle Beach
Dog bite accidents can occur for many reasons, but most of them are the result of the dog owner’s negligence. Some common causes of dog bite accidents include:
- Failure to control the dog: Dog owners are responsible for keeping their pets on a leash, in a fenced yard, or otherwise under control to prevent attacks.
- Lack of proper training: Dogs that have not been properly trained may exhibit aggressive behaviors toward strangers or other animals.
- Provocation: In some cases, a dog may bite if it feels threatened or provoked, though the owner is still responsible for managing their dog’s behavior.
- Unsafe environment: Dogs may bite in unfamiliar or chaotic environments, or when they feel trapped or cornered.
- Inadequate warning: If a dog is known to be aggressive or dangerous and the owner fails to warn others, the owner may be liable for injuries caused by the dog.
If you were bitten by a dog due to the owner’s negligence or lack of control, you may have a legal claim for compensation.
Types of Injuries from Dog Bite Accidents
Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor to severe. Some common injuries include:
- Lacerations and puncture wounds: Deep cuts or punctures that may lead to infection or scarring.
- Broken bones: Injuries caused by being knocked down or falling as a result of the dog attack.
- Infections: Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria into the body, leading to infections like cellulitis, rabies, or tetanus.
- Nerve damage: Severe bites can damage nerves, leading to long-term numbness or weakness in the affected area.
- Facial injuries: Cuts, bruises, or fractures from the impact of the bite or from hitting the ground or other objects during the attack.
- Psychological injuries: Emotional trauma such as anxiety, PTSD, or a fear of dogs that may persist long after the physical injuries have healed.
It’s important to seek medical attention immediately after a dog bite to ensure proper treatment and reduce the risk of complications.
What to Do After a Dog Bite Accident in Myrtle Beach
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Myrtle Beach, here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention immediately: Even if the bite seems minor, it’s important to get medical care to prevent infections and document your injuries.
- Report the incident: Report the dog bite to local animal control or law enforcement. This will create an official record of the attack and help identify the dog and its owner.
- Document the scene: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, the location of the attack, and any other relevant details that may support your case.
- Collect information: Get the contact details of the dog owner, as well as any witnesses who saw the attack.
- Avoid admitting fault: Never admit fault at the scene, even if you think you provoked the dog. Let the authorities and insurance companies determine liability.
- Contact Ted Law Firm: Reach out to an experienced dog bite lawyer for a free consultation and guidance on how to proceed with your case.
Who Is Responsible for a Dog Bite in Myrtle Beach?
In South Carolina, the dog owner is generally responsible for their dog’s actions. However, there are exceptions in cases where:
- The dog was known to be aggressive: If the dog had a history of aggression or attacks, the owner may be held liable for failing to control the dog.
- Negligence: If the owner failed to properly restrain the dog (such as leaving the dog off-leash in a public area), they may be held accountable for your injuries.
- Premises liability: If the dog attack occurred on someone else’s property, the property owner may share responsibility for not properly warning visitors about the dog.
At Ted Law Firm, we will investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, gather evidence, and ensure that the responsible party is held accountable.
How We Help Dog Bite Accident Victims in Myrtle Beach
At Ted Law Firm, we provide comprehensive legal support for victims of dog bites. Here’s how we can help:
- Investigate the case: We gather all the necessary evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and any relevant details to support your case.
- Negotiate with insurance companies: We handle all communications with the dog owner’s insurance company to ensure that you are treated fairly and receive full compensation.
- File a lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and fight for justice on your behalf.
- Provide emotional support: We understand how traumatic a dog bite can be, and we are here to offer guidance and compassion throughout the legal process.
Talk to a Myrtle Beach Dog Bite Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Myrtle Beach, don’t wait to seek legal help. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can begin working on your case to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
At Ted Law Firm, we proudly serve clients in Myrtle Beach, Horry County, and throughout South Carolina. You don’t pay unless we win your case—no upfront costs, just experienced legal help from a team that puts your recovery first.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
