Avoid These Common Mistakes If You Have Been Bitten By Someone’s Dog In South Carolina
Dog bite cases are quite common in South Carolina. Fortunately, if a dog bites you in South Carolina, you can recover compensation from the dog owner even if they didn’t know their dog could bite. This is because South Carolina applies the “strict liability” law. However, after a dog bite, it is crucial that you avoid making some common mistakes that people make to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve. The following are some of the most common mistakes you need to avoid if someone’s dog has bitten you to ensure you recover the compensation you deserve for your injuries and damages.
Not Reporting the Bite
If you’ve suffered a dog bite in South Carolina, you need to report the incident to the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control or your regional DHEC Environmental Health Services Office. Having a written report of the dog attack can prove quite helpful once you file a claim against the dog owner.
Not Seeking Immediate Medical Attention
After getting bitten by a dog, you must seek immediate medical attention. Even if you think the bite is not serious, ensure you seek medical attention immediately. What seems like a minor injury might actually be a serious injury.
If you do not see a medical professional promptly after being bitten by a dog and then you file a claim, the dog owner might claim that you were not injured to the extent you claim. The dog owner might claim that you suffered your injury in a different incident. In other words, seeing a doctor immediately after a dog bite can help you prove the severity of your injury and the link between the bite and your injury.
Not Gathering Key Evidence
After sustaining a dog bite, you should gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the attack. For example, you should gather witnesses’ names and contact information. Witness testimonies can prove quite beneficial once you file a claim against the dog owner. It would also be helpful to take photos of your injuries after being bitten by a dog. Remember that injuries heal over time, but images remain unchanged. An image of your injuries taken soon after your dog bite can help you show the severity of your injuries. Additionally, you should take photos of the dog and the scene.
Not Hiring a Personal Injury Lawyer
After suffering a dog bite, it would be best if you avoided dealing with the dog owner and their insurance company without the help of an experienced South Carolina personal injury lawyer. The dog owner and their insurer might take advantage of you if you don’t have a legal representative. A skilled lawyer can help ensure you are not taken advantage of. A qualified personal injury lawyer can help you build a strong case that can ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
Contact the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm
If you’ve sustained an injury after a dog bit you in South Carolina, speak with an experienced Charleston dog bite injury lawyer at the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm. We can help you recover the compensation you are owed.
Source:
scdhec.gov/reporting-treating-animal-bites-possible-rabies-exposures
