My Child Was Bitten by a Dog in South Carolina. What Are Our Rights?
A parent’s worst nightmare is seeing their child hurting, especially from an incident that could have been avoided, like a dog bite. If a dog bites your child in South Carolina amidst the confusion and anger, you may be wondering what your rights are as a family and if you can hold the dog owner responsible for the injuries and trauma caused to your child. In South Carolina, there are laws to protect you in a situation like this, and understanding your rights is essential to ensure your child receives the justice they deserve while offering your family peace of mind and comfort. Read on to find out the rights you have following a dog bite attack on your child.
- Right To Seek Compensation
In South Carolina, dog owners are held strictly responsible for injuries inflicted by their dogs. Strict liability means a dog owner is liable even if they have no prior knowledge of its potential danger. Even if their dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner can still be held liable. This means that as a parent to a child whom a dog has bitten, you can seek compensation for the damages, including current and future medical bills, property damage, and trauma. For a successful compensation claim, you must preserve all medical records relating to the injury, pictures of the injuries arising from the dog bite, and any loss of income experienced while caring for your child.
- Right To Report the Incident
After seeking medical attention for your child, you have the right to report the incident. Visit your local animal authority, providing details of both the dog and the dog owner. You should also report the incident to the police, as this shows you took the matter seriously.
- Right to Not Talk to an Insurance Adjuster
If a dog has bitten your child, an insurance adjuster may reach out, claiming to help. However, it is essential to understand that insurance adjusters are mainly out to minimize or refute your claim. They may do this by asking leading questions about their desired answers or claiming that your child provoked the dog, resulting in the dog bite. You have the right to avoid communicating with the insurance company directly and refer them to your attorney instead. If you have to speak with them, it is essential to do so with your lawyer’s guidance to avoid hurting your claim.
- Right to Litigation
You also have the right to file a lawsuit against the dog owner to bring to justice the owner of the rogue dog, which may bring peace and comfort to your family. Additionally, you can file a lawsuit against the insurer if they have unreasonably refuted your claim. South Carolina courts require insurance companies to act in good faith and deal fairly in all contracts, making them liable for additional damages if they fail to do so.
As with all personal injury lawsuits in South Carolina, a time limit exists for filing a lawsuit. Working with an experienced dog bite attorney ensures that you meet the statute of limitations in addition to dealing with tactical insurance companies.
Protect Your Child’s Rights With an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer Today.
Suppose your child has been involved in a dog bite incident. In that case, a compassionate and experienced dog bite lawyer can help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation your family deserves. Contact our Charleston dog bite lawyer at Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm to schedule an appointment.
