Dog bites and animal attacks can cause painful injuries, scarring, infection, and emotional trauma. According to the CDC, nearly 1 in 5 people bitten by a dog requires medical attention, and children are more likely to be bitten and may suffer more severe injuries.
CDC data has also estimated millions of dog bites occur in the United States each year, with hundreds of thousands requiring medical care.
If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite or animal attack in Charleston or elsewhere in South Carolina, you may have legal options. The circumstances of each case matter, including where the attack occurred, the severity of the injuries, and the applicable South Carolina law.
At Hoffman Law Firm, our dog bite attorneys can explain your rights, handle communications with insurance companies, and help you pursue compensation for qualifying medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Local Dog Bite Attorneys Serving the Lowcountry
Hoffman Law Firm is locally rooted in the Lowcountry. Our team understands the communities we serve and can help you find appropriate medical care after a serious dog bite or animal attack.
We focus on personal service throughout your case, from the initial consultation through negotiations with the insurance company. If you or a family member has been injured, schedule a free consultation to discuss your situation with our team.
$0 Upfront Attorney Fee. Free Case Review. No Pressure to Move Forward.
Hundreds-to-millions in settlements won for accident victims throughout the Lowcountry, Hoffman Law Firm delivers serious results.
Is the case review really free?
Yes. Your initial case review costs nothing. Our legal team will hear what happened, answer your questions, and explain your options.
If we take your case, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you do not pay attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today. $0 Upfront Attorney Fee. No Commitment to Hire.
What if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member?
Pursuing a dog bite or dog attack claim does not necessarily mean your friend, neighbor, or family member will have to pay out of pocket.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, homeowners and renters insurance policies commonly include liability coverage for dog-related injuries, although coverage depends on the policy and circumstances.
The insurance company may handle the claim and pay covered damages rather than your loved one personally paying your medical bills.
Hoffman Law Firm can handle communications and negotiations with the insurance company, helping you pursue compensation while minimizing the stress on your personal relationships.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today. $0 Upfront Attorney Fee. No Commitment to Hire.
Does it matter if the dog had never bitten anyone before?
Generally, no. South Carolina law does not require you to prove that a dog had a history of biting or aggressive behavior in order to pursue a claim under S.C. Code Ann. § 47-3-110.
The statute generally makes an owner or keeper liable when a dog bites or otherwise attacks a person who is lawfully on public or private property, subject to the exceptions in the statute.
This means a previous bite or known history of aggression is not necessarily required to establish liability.
Hoffman Law Firm can review the circumstances of the attack, determine whether the statute applies, and help pursue compensation for your injuries.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today. $0 Upfront Attorney Fee. There’s No Obligation to Proceed.
Will the dog be put down if I reach out to a lawyer?
No. Filing a personal injury claim does not automatically result in a dog being euthanized.
A civil injury claim and animal-control or public-health proceedings are separate matters. When appropriate, local authorities may take steps to address public health concerns, including rabies exposure and quarantine requirements.
These decisions are generally based on public safety and health regulations, not simply on whether an injured person seeks compensation.
Hoffman Law Firm focuses on protecting the injured person’s legal and financial interests while helping you understand what to expect throughout the claims process.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today. $0 Upfront Attorney Fee. Get Answers With No Pressure.
Can I file a claim if the bite happened on the owner's private property?
Possibly. South Carolina’s dog liability statute, S.C. Code Ann. § 47-3-110, can apply when a dog bites or otherwise attacks someone who is lawfully on public or private property.
Whether you were lawfully present is important. Depending on the circumstances, this may include being:
The facts surrounding your visit and the circumstances of the attack can affect your claim.
Hoffman Law Firm can review how the attack happened and help determine whether South Carolina’s dog liability law applies to your situation.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today. $0 Upfront Attorney Fee. No Pressure to Move Forward.
What if I didn't file an animal control or police report yet?
You may still be able to pursue a personal injury claim even if you have not yet filed an animal control or police report.
However, reporting the bite or attack can be important for documenting what happened and addressing rabies and other public health concerns. South Carolina law also contains reporting requirements for animal bites.
If you have not reported the incident, consider contacting the appropriate local health or animal-control authority as soon as possible.
Also preserve important evidence, including:
Hoffman Law Firm can help investigate the incident, communicate with insurers, and identify evidence that may support your injury claim.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today. $0 Upfront Attorney Fee. No Commitment Required.
What if the dog knocked me down instead of biting?
You may still have a claim. South Carolina’s dog liability statute applies to a dog that “bites or otherwise attacks” a person who is lawfully present, subject to the statutory requirements and exceptions.
A dog does not necessarily have to bite you to cause serious injuries. A charge, jump, or knockdown could result in:
The nature and severity of your injuries, along with how the attack occurred, can affect the value and legal basis of your claim.
Hoffman Law Firm can investigate the attack, gather medical and witness evidence, and help pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today. $0 Upfront Attorney Fee. No Obligation to Hire.
If you or your pet have been attacked by a dog, take these steps to protect your health and preserve important information:
Seek medical or veterinary care. Get treatment for injuries as soon as possible.
Report the attack. Contact your local animal control agency and report what happened.
Document the incident. Take photos of your injuries, the scene, and any property damage. Write down what happened while the details are fresh.
Get witness information. Collect names and contact information from anyone who saw the attack.
Get the dog owner’s information. This may help with medical treatment, animal control records, and a potential claim.
Consider your legal options. If you were injured and are considering a claim, speak with a personal injury attorney.
Hoffman Law Firm can help manage your dog bite case from beginning to end and pursue the compensation available under the law. We offer a free case review.
Follow your doctor’s or veterinarian’s instructions for follow-up care. If you are ready to discuss your legal options, contact our Lowcountry attorneys today.
Dog bites and other animal attacks can cause serious injuries and infections. If you have been bitten, wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water. If the wound is bleeding, use a clean cloth to apply gentle pressure.
After cleaning the wound, follow appropriate wound-care instructions and cover it with a sterile bandage. Seek medical attention when needed, especially for deep wounds, significant bleeding, severe pain, or signs of infection.
Watch for symptoms such as:
Your doctor may recommend additional treatment based on the injury. This may include stitches, a tetanus shot, antibiotics, or rabies prevention when appropriate.
Getting the dog owner’s contact information can also help your medical provider determine whether the dog has a known vaccination history or other relevant health information.
Medical records can also document your injuries and treatment if you later pursue a dog bite claim. For that reason, consider seeking medical attention even when an injury initially appears minor.
Dog attacks can cause injuries ranging from minor wounds to serious, life-threatening conditions. Even injuries that appear minor can become infected.
Common dog bite injuries include:
If you have suffered a dog bite or other animal attack injury, prompt medical care can help protect your health and create documentation of the injury.
The attorneys at Hoffman Law Firm have earned earned Super Lawyers®, Super Lawyers Rising Stars® and recognition from Lawyers of Distinction Member at 5-Star Rating for their dedication to injury clients.
$0 Upfront Attorney Fee. Free Case Review.
South Carolina law generally holds dog owners responsible when their dogs bite or attack a person who is in a public place or lawfully on private property.
If you were injured by a dog in Charleston or elsewhere in South Carolina, our dog bite attorneys can help you understand your legal options.
South Carolina follows a strict liability rule for qualifying dog bites and attacks. An owner’s prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior is generally not required to establish liability under the statute.
At Hoffman Law Firm, our dog bite attorneys can help you pursue compensation for damages related to your injuries, including:
Contact Hoffman Law Firm for a free case review and learn more about your options after a dog bite or animal attack.
If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in Charleston or elsewhere in South Carolina, seek medical attention as soon as possible. Then, consider speaking with a dog bite attorney about your legal options.
At Hoffman Law Firm, our personal injury attorneys represent people injured by dog bites and other animal attacks. We can help you understand your rights, handle communications with insurers, gather evidence, and pursue compensation for your injuries.
If you are ready to discuss your case, contact Hoffman Law Firm for a free consultation today.
The service and staff of Hoffman law firm was exceptionally professional. Staff lovingness and kindness was greatly appreciated.
-Vermelle
They were very helpful, compassionate, and nice. I was at ease during the process of getting help with them. I would recommend them to anyone who wants honesty and professional lawyers.
-Latvia
Hoffman Law Firm worked hard behind the scenes and completely surpassed our expectations. We will recommend them to our friends and family!
-Marty
Our experienced personal injury team proudly serves the Lowcountry, helping victims of dog bites and animal attacks pursue the compensation they may be entitled to. When an animal attack causes painful injuries, our attorneys are here to guide you through the legal process and protect your rights.
From filing your claim to handling communications and negotiations with the insurance company, we manage the legal process for you. Contact Hoffman Law Firm today to learn how we can help and schedule your free consultation.
Our Charleston litigators guide clients through the insurance and personal injury claim process, handling negotiations, communicating with insurers, and pursuing fair compensation for injuries and losses.
$0 Upfront Attorney Fee. Free Case Review.
Dog Bites Involving Delivery Drivers: Who’s Responsible?
Breed Bias in Dog Bite Claims: Does it Play a Role in Your Personal Injury Case?
It’s a Dog-Eat-Dog World: Animal Attack Injuries and Compensation
What are the Responsibilities of Pet Ownership at Pet-Friendly Venues?
Can A Personal Injury Case Be Reopened in South Carolina?
Common Mistakes to Avoid in a Personal Injury Claim
Do You Have A Personal Injury Case?
How Long Does It Take To Settle A Personal Injury Claim in Charleston?
Personal Injury Lawsuit: Definitions of Common Personal Injury Terminology
Maximizing Your Compensation in a Personal Injury Case
What is a Contingency Fee When Hiring a Personal Injury Attorney?
What Is the Role of Your Personal Injury Attorney?
What Qualifies As Pain and Suffering in a Personal Injury Case?
10 Reasons You Lost Your Personal Injury Lawsuit: How To Win Your Next Lawsuit
Does South Carolina follow a strict liability rule for dog bites?
Yes. Under S.C. Code Ann. § 47-3-110, South Carolina generally holds a dog owner or keeper responsible when their dog bites or otherwise attacks a person who is lawfully on public or private property, subject to certain exceptions.
This means you generally do not have to prove that:
The specific facts of the attack still matter, including where it occurred and whether any statutory exceptions apply.
Hoffman Law Firm can review your dog bite or animal attack and determine whether South Carolina’s strict liability law may apply. Contact us for a free consultation.
Does South Carolina have a one-bite rule?
No. South Carolina does not follow a traditional “one-bite rule” that gives a dog owner automatic protection from liability because the dog has never attacked anyone before.
Under S.C. Code Ann. § 47-3-110, liability may apply when a dog bites or otherwise attacks someone who is lawfully on public or private property.
You generally do not need to establish that the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner knew about previous dangerous behavior.
Hoffman Law Firm can evaluate the circumstances of the attack and explain whether you may have a claim. Contact us for a free consultation.
What defenses can a dog owner use against a bite claim in South Carolina?
South Carolina’s dog liability law includes exceptions that can affect a claim.
For example, the statute addresses situations where the injured person was unlawfully on private property or provoked or harassed the dog.
Whether an action qualifies as provocation depends on the circumstances. Simply being near a dog or making accidental contact does not automatically establish provocation.
Insurance companies may also dispute liability based on the facts surrounding the attack.
Hoffman Law Firm can investigate the incident, address disputed liability, and help protect your interests during the claims process. Contact us for a free consultation.
What if I was bitten by a dog belonging to a friend, neighbor, or family member?
You may still be able to pursue compensation even when the dog belongs to someone you know.
A dog bite claim may involve the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, depending on the policy and circumstances. This can allow you to seek compensation for covered losses without necessarily requiring your friend or family member to personally pay your medical expenses.
Insurance coverage varies, so it is important to understand what coverage may apply before assuming that the owner will have to pay out of pocket.
Hoffman Law Firm can communicate with the insurance company and negotiate your claim while helping minimize the stress on your personal relationship. Contact us for a free consultation.
Can I recover compensation for scars and plastic surgery after a dog attack?
Potentially, yes. Dog attacks can cause serious lacerations, facial injuries, scarring, and permanent disfigurement.
Depending on your injuries, a claim may seek compensation for:
The compensation available depends on the severity of your injuries and the specific facts of your case.
Hoffman Law Firm can document the full impact of your injuries and pursue compensation for both your current and future losses. Contact us for a free consultation.
What should I do immediately after being bitten by a dog in South Carolina?
After a dog bite, take steps to protect your health and document what happened.
1. Get medical care. Have the wound cleaned and evaluated for infection, tetanus, rabies exposure, and other complications.
2. Identify the dog and owner. Get the owner’s name and contact information and, if possible, information about the dog’s rabies vaccination.
3. Report the bite. Contact the appropriate local animal control or public health authority and follow their instructions.
4. Document your injuries. Take clear photographs and keep your medical records and treatment information.
5. Preserve evidence. Save witness information, photographs, messages, insurance information, and other records related to the attack.
6. Be careful when speaking with insurance companies. Consider consulting an attorney before providing a recorded statement or accepting a settlement.
Hoffman Law Firm can help investigate the attack, communicate with insurers, and pursue compensation for your injuries. Contact us for a free consultation.
What if the dog owner is a renter who does not own a home?
A renter may have renters insurance that provides liability coverage for a dog bite or animal attack, depending on the policy.
If there is no applicable insurance coverage, other potential sources of recovery may need to be evaluated based on the circumstances.
A landlord or property manager is not automatically responsible simply because the attack occurred at a rental property. Their potential liability depends on factors such as what they knew about the dog, their legal duties, and where and how the attack occurred.
Hoffman Law Firm can investigate the available insurance coverage and determine whether other parties may have legal responsibility. Contact us for a free consultation.
How long do I have to file a dog bite injury claim in South Carolina?
In many South Carolina personal injury cases, the statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of the injury under S.C. Code Ann. § 15-3-530.
However, exceptions and different deadlines can apply depending on the circumstances. Claims involving minors, government entities, or other special circumstances may have different rules.
Do not wait until the deadline is approaching. Important evidence, including medical records, photographs, animal control reports, and witness information, can become more difficult to obtain over time.
Hoffman Law Firm can review your circumstances and help identify the deadlines that may apply to your claim. Contact us for a free consultation.
How much does Hoffman Law Firm charge to handle a dog bite case?
Hoffman Law Firm handles qualifying dog bite and animal attack cases on a contingency fee basis.
There are no upfront attorney fees or retainer payments to begin a qualifying case. The firm’s attorney fee is based on an agreed percentage of the financial recovery obtained for you.
If there is no recovery, you do not owe an attorney fee.
Will the dog be euthanized or put down if I report the bite?
Reporting a dog bite does not automatically mean the dog will be euthanized.
Animal control and public health authorities may take steps such as investigating the incident or requiring a quarantine period to address potential rabies exposure.
What happens to the animal depends on the circumstances, applicable state and local requirements, and the dog’s behavior and health history.
A personal injury claim is separate from these animal-control or public-health proceedings.
Hoffman Law Firm can help you understand the injury claim process while allowing the appropriate authorities to handle animal-control and public-health concerns. Contact us for a free consultation.
Can I sue if the dog was off-leash in an area with leash laws?
Possibly. A violation of a local leash ordinance may provide important evidence about how the attack occurred, but it does not automatically determine the outcome of a personal injury claim.
South Carolina’s dog liability statute may apply when a dog bites or otherwise attacks someone who is lawfully present. Other negligence or local ordinance issues may also be relevant.
The specific leash requirements depend on where the incident occurred.
Hoffman Law Firm can investigate whether leash laws, the state’s dog liability statute, or other legal rules apply to your case. Contact us for a free consultation.
What if a dog knocked me down or caused a crash, but did not actually bite me?
You may still have a personal injury claim.
South Carolina’s dog liability statute addresses dogs that “bite or otherwise attack” a person who is lawfully present, subject to the statute’s requirements and exceptions.
A dog does not necessarily have to break your skin to cause serious injuries. A charging or jumping dog could knock you down and cause:
A loose dog could also contribute to a bicycle or motorcycle crash, depending on the circumstances.
Hoffman Law Firm can investigate how the incident happened and pursue compensation for your injuries and related losses. Contact us for a free consultation.
What should I do if I was bitten by a dog while working as a delivery driver or service worker?
If you were attacked while working, you may have more than one potential source of compensation.
You may be able to pursue workers’ compensation benefits through your employer for covered medical treatment and lost wages. Depending on the circumstances, you may also have a separate claim against the dog owner or another responsible third party.
A third-party personal injury claim may provide compensation that is different from workers’ compensation benefits, including damages for pain and suffering when available under the law.
Hoffman Law Firm can evaluate both the work-related injury and potential third-party claim to help you understand your options. Contact us for a free consultation.
What if the dog owner does not have homeowners insurance or refuses to give me their information?
Do not put yourself at risk by confronting the dog owner.
If you do not have the owner’s information, consider reporting the attack to the appropriate animal control or law enforcement agency. An official report may help document the incident and identify the dog and its owner.
If there is no homeowners or renters insurance, an attorney can investigate whether other sources of insurance or potential liability may exist.
Hoffman Law Firm can investigate available insurance coverage, identify potentially responsible parties, and help pursue your claim. Contact us for a free consultation.
Do I have to pay my health insurance company back from my dog bite settlement?
Possibly. If your health insurance, Medicare, Medicaid, or another benefit provider paid medical expenses related to your dog bite injuries, that provider may have a right to seek reimbursement from a settlement or recovery.
These reimbursement rights can vary based on the type of coverage, applicable law, and the specific terms involved.
An attorney may be able to negotiate with insurers or other lienholders to determine what amount, if any, must be repaid.
Hoffman Law Firm can help address medical liens and reimbursement claims as part of the settlement process. Contact us for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
100% Confidential • Free Case Review • No Obligation to Hire
