Suffering From A Dog Bite Injury?
Dog bites are not something to be taken lightly. They can result in severe and even permanent harm. Dogs can be our best friends, but, like other animals, they can also be dangerous and unpredictable. If you have suffered serious injuries as a result of a dog bite in Charleston or the greater South Carolina area, the law is on your side. You do not have to shoulder the physical and financial burden of a dog bite alone. An experienced personal injury lawyer can help you file a claim and get the compensation that you are entitled to and need to move forward.
What to do After a Dog Bite
Dog’s mouths are full of bacteria, so if you are bitten or scratched by a dog and it breaks the skin, it is important to disinfect it as soon as possible. You can do this by washing the wound, cleaning it with alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and then cover it in triple antibiotic ointment before dressing it until you can see a doctor. After your doctor has treated you, which may involve prescribing antibiotics to control any possible infections, you should continue to change the dressing on your wounds every couple of days.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dogs are very strong and can cause extensive damage. Dog bites can cause torn ligaments, trauma to limbs, and puncture wounds, as well as the transmission of diseases such as rabies. Dog attacks can also prompt other injuries, such as falls. For instance, if a dog jumps up on someone and they fall over backwards, they may suffer a traumatic brain injury such as a skull fracture or concussion. Depending on how the person falls they may also experience broken or fractured bones or other injuries. The most common injuries experienced due to a dog bite, though, are generally puncture wounds and flesh wounds. You should always see a doctor after you experience a dog bite, even if you are not sure that the wound is serious. This ensures that any potential infections can be stopped and that if the injury is more serious than it appears, appropriate action can be taken. This is also an important step in documenting your claim.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in South Carolina?
South Carolina applies a strict liability law to dog bite claims. This means that all dog owners are strictly liable, or automatically liable, for any injuries that their dog causes by biting other people. This means that even if they had no prior knowledge that the dog was a threat or was likely to bite or attack someone, they will have to pay for your injuries. This is different from most personal injury cases where you have to prove that someone’s negligence resulted in your harm. In dog bite cases negligence is presumed, so you only have to show that you were harmed by their dog. Your injury must have resulted in medical bills or other financial harm as well.
Contact the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm
If you have been bitten by a dog and have suffered physical and financial harm as a result, the Gus Anastopoulo Law Firm wants to hear from you. Contact Charleston dog bite lawyer Gus Anastopoulo today and find out how we can help you get the compensation that you are entitled to.
