Charleston Dog Bite Attorneys

If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Charleston, South Carolina law entitles you to pursue compensation from the dog’s owner. The state follows a strict liability standard for dog bites, meaning the owner is legally responsible for any injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before.

Dog bite injuries can range from puncture wounds and scarring to broken bones, nerve damage, and lasting psychological harm. Children are disproportionately affected due to their size and inability to protect themselves. Hughey Law Firm represents dog bite victims in Charleston, North Charleston, Mount Pleasant, and throughout South Carolina in claims against dog owners and their insurers.

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Charleston Dog Bite Guide

• Dog Bite Liability Under South Carolina Law
• Common Injuries in Charleston Dog Bite Cases
• Common Causes of Dog Attacks in Charleston
• What to Do After a Dog Bite in Charleston
• Compensation Available in a Charleston Dog Bite Claim
• When the Dog Owner or Insurer Disputes the Claim
• How Our Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help
• Frequently Asked Questions

Dog Bite Liability Under South Carolina Law 

Unlike other states, South Carolina does not follow the one-bite rule, which allows dog owners to avoid liability the first time their dog bites someone. Instead, according to South Carolina Code Section 47-3-110, dog owners are strictly liable, meaning victims do not need to prove that the dog had a prior history of aggression.

According to the statute, whenever a person is bitten or otherwise attacked by a dog in a public place or a private place where they are lawfully present, including on the dog owner’s property, the owner is liable for any damages suffered. This applies whether the victim is a child, adult, guest, postal worker, or anyone else lawfully present at the time and location of the attack.

Strict liability means the legal question is straightforward: Did the dog attack? And was the victim lawfully present? If the answers to both questions are yes, the owner is responsible for any resulting harm.

Common Injuries in Charleston Dog Bite Cases 

The range of physical injuries resulting from dog attacks depends on the size of the dog, the location and duration of the attack, and the victim’s age and physical condition. Common injuries in Charleston dog bite cases include the following:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations
• Broken bones and fractures
• Soft tissue damage
• Nerve damage
• Facial wounds and scarring
• Eye injuries and partial blindness
• Infections and sepsis
• Rabies exposure
• Disfigurement requiring plastic surgery
• Emotional trauma and PTSD

Because of their height relative to most dogs, children are particularly vulnerable to facial and head injuries from dog attacks. Adults who try to escape a dog attack often fall and sustain fractures and soft tissue injuries, even if they are not bitten directly.

When the Dog Owner or Insurer Disputes the Claim

Dog owners and their insurance companies often raise defenses or create obstacles when a bite claim is filed. Knowing what to expect can help victims protect their rights.

• Homeowner’s policies may exclude certain breeds: Some policies exclude specific breeds, including pit bulls and other dogs classified as high-risk. In these situations, the dog owner remains personally responsible for the damages.
• Claims of provocation: Dog owners often argue that their dog was provoked. South Carolina’s strict liability statute does not always require the victim to prove that there was no provocation, but provocation claims are often used to reduce or eliminate the owner’s liability.
• Failure to disclose prior behavior: If an owner knew their dog had previously shown aggression toward people but failed to disclose this information to their insurer, the insurer may deny coverage based on this omission. 
• Insurance company delay tactics: Insurers may delay investigations, request excessive documentation, or offer early settlements that do not reflect the full value of the claim. 

How Our Dog Bite Attorneys Can Help

At Hughey Law Firm, we handle every aspect of a Charleston dog bite claim, allowing victims and families to focus on recovery rather than navigating the legal and insurance processes.

We investigate the incident, gather evidence, obtain medical records, and identify all applicable insurance coverage. We also manage all communications with the dog owner and their insurer. If insurers deny coverage or offer inadequate settlements, we pursue the claim through negotiation and litigation. When needed, we work with medical experts to document the full scope of injuries and their long-term consequences.

All dog bite cases at Hughey Law Firm are handled on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we secure compensation for you. The initial consultation is free.