How Much Can You Recover In A South Carolina Dog Bite Case In 2023?
If you sustained a dog bite injury, you should know that you are not alone. Even though dogs are considered man’s best friend, dog bites resulting in injuries are quite common. According to research, approximately 800,000 dog bites each year require medical attention, with over 330,000 cases being severe enough to warrant treatment in a hospital. People sustain dog bites in different ways. However, as long as you were not trespassing and did not provoke the dog, you are entitled to recover compensation from the dog owner if you suffered a dog bite. South Carolina follows the “strict liability” rule, so a dog owner is liable even for their dog’s first bite. In other words, a dog owner is liable for a dog bite, even if the dog never seemed dangerous in the past.
If you have a valid South Carolina dog bite case, one of the questions you might be asking yourself is how much your dog bite settlement is worth. So, what is the average dog bite settlement in South Carolina in 2023? Some might tell you that the average settlement for a dog bite case in South Carolina is $30,000. Others might tell you $40,000, and others $50,000. However, the truth is that all dog bite cases are different, and the settlement for a dog bite case is unique to the individual and can vary based on the factors surrounding your case. However, what is given is that it can be challenging to recover the full value of your injuries and damages. Thus, it is best to retain a skilled attorney to help you with your case.
What Factors Can Affect the Value of Your SC Dog Bite Case in 2023?
As hinted already, if you file an SC dog bite case in 2023, the value of your case will depend on the factors surrounding your case. But which factors can affect the value of your South Carolina dog bite case in 2023? The following are some factors that can affect the value of your SC dog bite case in 2023;
- The severity of your injury. The more serious your injury, the more you can expect to recover in your SC dog bite case. For example, if you suffered a disabling injury, you can expect to recover a substantial amount of money.
- Whether or not your injury is visible. If you sustained an injury that is visible to the human eye, you have a high chance of recovering substantial compensation. This is because people tend to be more sympathetic once they see a visible scar.
- Whether or not your injury has any long-term effects. If your injury requires ongoing medical care, you can recover compensation for future medical expenses. Such compensation can significantly increase the value of your SC dog bite case. If your injury will need ongoing medical care, ensure you mention that during your negotiations with the defendant.
Additionally, the fact that South Carolina follows the strict liability rule could impact the value of your SC dog bite case. The dog owner can’t avoid liability based on the argument that they did not know about the dog’s aggressive tendencies. This could help during negotiations.
Contact the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm
If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury in South Carolina, the Charleston dog bite lawyer Gus Anastopoulo at the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm can help you recover the compensation you deserve. Contact us today to schedule a consultation.
Source:
chp.edu/injury-prevention/safety/home-and-yard/dog-bites/aftermath
