Award Winning
A dog attack can be terrifying leaving victims with physical wounds, emotional trauma, medical bills, and fear that lasts long after the incident. Whether the attack occurred in a Summerville neighborhood, a local park, an apartment complex, or visiting someone else’s home, South Carolina law protects you.
At Ted Law Firm, our Summerville dog bite lawyers help victims of dog attacks secure medical treatment, compensation, and justice against irresponsible dog owners.
Why Choose Us for Your Dog Bite Case
- We focus exclusively on injury cases, including dog bites, animal attacks, and negligent pet owner cases.
- We understand Summerville’s dog-friendly neighborhoods, HOA rules, and high-risk zones.
- We provide a free consultation and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- We handle everything from medical documentation, insurance claims, negotiations, and litigation.
Common Dog Bite Scenarios in Summerville
Neighborhood Attacks
Often involving inadequate fencing, unleashed dogs, or dogs escaping yards.
Dog Parks & Public Spaces
Including attacks near:
- Azalea Park
- Gahagan Park
- Hutchinson Square
- Sawmill Branch Trail
Apartment & HOA Community Attacks
Unsafe settings, weak leash enforcement, or negligent owners.
Child Dog Bite Cases
Children are at the highest risk for severe injuries, often to the face, neck, or hands.
Delivery Driver & Worker Attacks
Amazon, USPS, UPS, FedEx, and food-delivery workers frequently encounter unrestrained dogs.
South Carolina’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law
Under S.C. Code § 47-3-110, dog owners are strictly liable for damages when their dog:
- Bites
- Attacks
- Knocks down
- Scratches
- Injures a person
Victims must only show:
- They were lawfully present, and
- The dog caused the injury
Owners cannot avoid liability by saying:
- “The dog never bit anyone before”
- “I didn’t know the dog was dangerous”
This is why South Carolina is one of the most victim-friendly states for dog bite cases.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Liability may fall on:
- The dog owner
- Someone keeping or harboring the dog
- A landlord (in limited cases where they knew of danger)
- A business that allowed a dangerous dog onsite
- A property owner or homeowner
- Dog sitters, walkers, or caregivers (if controlling the dog)
We investigate every potential coverage source.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can cause severe, long-lasting injuries, including:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Facial injuries
- Broken bones
- Nerve damage
- Infections: MRSA, sepsis, cellulitis, rabies risk
- Torn muscles and ligaments
- Psychological trauma (PTSD, fear, anxiety)
Children often require plastic surgery, trauma counseling, and long-term monitoring.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Summerville
- Seek immediate medical care and infection risk is high.
- Report the attack to Summerville Police or local Animal Control.
- Identify the dog owner and get vaccination records.
- Take photos of injuries, the dog, and the scene.
- Save all medical records & receipts.
- Do not negotiate directly with the dog owner or insurer.
- Contact Ted Law Firm early legal action protects evidence and prevents denial of liability.
Damages You May Recover
Dog bite victims in Summerville may be entitled to:
- Medical bills
- Plastic surgery or scar revision
- Lost income
- Pain & suffering
- Emotional distress
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Property damage (e.g., torn clothing, broken devices)
- Long-term therapy costs
- In severe cases punitive damages
Deadlines & Important Legal Considerations
- Most dog bite claims in SC must be filed within 3 years.
- Claims involving government entities may have shorter deadlines.
- Early action improves evidence collection and case strength.
- Insurance companies may attempt to blame the victim especially in child cases.
Why Acting Quickly Matters
- Witness memories fade
- Dog owners may deny responsibility
- Video evidence is overwritten
- Medical records need timely documentation
- Insurance companies may offer low settlements early
Immediate legal involvement ensures your rights are protected.
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)
1. Do I have a case even if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes, SC is a strict liability state.
2. How long do I have to file a dog bite claim?
Typically 3 years from the date of the attack.
3. What if the dog owner claims I provoked the dog?
Provocation is a defense, but owners often exaggerate we fight these claims.
4. What if the dog attacked my child?
Children receive special legal protections.
5. Will the dog be put down?
Not necessarily wrongful death or injury cases are civil claims, not criminal.
6. What if the dog belongs to a friend or family member?
Claims are usually paid by insurance, not personal assets.
7. Does homeowners insurance cover dog bites?
Often yes, homeowners or renters insurance may apply.
8. What if the owner denies their dog bit me?
We gather medical, witness, and photographic evidence.
9. Can I sue a landlord for a dog bite?
Only in cases where the landlord knew the dog was dangerous and allowed it onsite.
10. What if I was working when the dog bit me?
You may have both a workers’ compensation claim
and a dog bite liability claim.
11. Can I recover emotional damages?
Yes — SC allows recovery for emotional trauma.
12. How much does it cost to hire your firm?
You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Contact Us Summerville Dog Bite Lawyers
If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog in Summerville, Dorchester County, or the surrounding Lowcountry, you do NOT have to handle this alone.At Ted Law Firm, we fight aggressively to protect victims, hold negligent dog owners accountable, and secure fair compensation. Call today for a free consultation. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
