Charleston Dog Bite Lawyers

Representing the Rights of Dog Bite Victims

Dog bite attack victims understand the significant harm that dog bites and dog attacks can cause. From scarring to disfigurement and nerve damage, uncontrolled dogs have the ability to cause serious injuries and even death. If you have suffered a dog bite injury in the Charleston area, you need the experienced team at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC on your side.

Our skilled Charleston dog bite lawyers know how to hold negligent pet owners responsible for your medical expenses, injuries, lost wages, and all other damages. Our office is located in Charleston, South Carolina, and we proudly serve the entire tri-county region and clients statewide.

Dog Bite Liability in South Carolina

When a dog bite victim is lawfully present on public or private property, South Carolina law holds the pet owner strictly liable for the damages caused by their dog. Through a thorough investigation of the circumstances of the attack, we strive to hold dog owners accountable for harm resulting from their pet’s actions and to seek fair recovery for your serious injuries.

According to South Carolina Code of Laws section 47-3-110, owners can be held liable for injuries their dogs cause if:

• The dog bites or "otherwise attacks" another person
• The injured person was in a public place or lawfully in a private place; and
• The injured person did not provoke the dog

The phrase "otherwise attacks" covers situations when someone is injured by a dog—even without a bite—such as a strong jump that causes a person to fall and get hurt. Injuries and infections from scratches can also be included. Notably, South Carolina does not have a "one bite rule," meaning dog owners may be liable even if the dog has never bitten or shown aggression before.

Types of Dog Bite Injuries

For some dogs, their bark is worse than their bite—but for others, the bite is just as dangerous. While dogs are often cherished companions, they can display aggressive or territorial tendencies if threatened or poorly trained. Dog bites can result in many kinds of injuries, each with its own level of severity.

Safety Tips to Prevent Dog Bites

If you or someone you know owns a dog, proactive safety measures can help reduce the chance of bite-related injury. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, important prevention tips include:

• Never leaving a dog alone with infants or young children
• Avoiding aggressive play with a dog
• Spaying or neutering your dog
• Seeking professional advice if your pet displays aggression
• Proper obedience training

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Step 1: Clean and Dress the Wound

The first task after a dog bite is to clean your wounds thoroughly and stop any bleeding. Wash the area with soap and water and apply an antibiotic ointment before dressing with a sterile bandage. In the event of severe bleeding, call an ambulance so a medical professional can promptly address your injuries.

In Charleston, you should also report the bite to Charleston County Animal Control immediately. Filing a report helps local authorities trace the animal for health threats, such as rabies, and ensures official follow-up with pet owners. Officers may investigate, especially if the dog appears aggressive, unregistered, or if the owner’s information is unavailable. Maintaining copies of your reports and communications with healthcare or animal control supports your documentation if you need to file an insurance claim or a legal complaint. Acting quickly safeguards your physical health and your legal rights under South Carolina dog bite laws.

Step 2: See a Doctor

Once possible, visit a healthcare provider to examine your injuries. A doctor can properly assess the extent of your dog bite, determine whether you need stitches, and provide wound-specific care.

If deeper wounds are present, a physician may require x-rays to evaluate the risk of fractures or hidden damage. Regardless of severity, medical professionals in Charleston usually test bite victims for infection and prescribe the appropriate medication if necessary.

Step 3: Pursue Legal Action

The owner of the dog that bit you may be legally responsible for your injuries. If so, you could recover compensation for medical bills and other damages through a claim or lawsuit. Consult a dog bite lawyer in Charleston as soon as possible to protect your rights and start the recovery process.

Legal Counsel for Adult & Child Dog Bite Victims

While dogs may attack anyone, children are particularly vulnerable to serious or even fatal bite injuries. Their small size and natural curiosity mean children are more likely to be targeted in an attack. Our Charleston dog bite lawyers have extensive experience handling cases involving injuries to both children and adults.

At Pierce | Sloan, we thoroughly collect evidence for every Charleston dog bite claim—including medical documentation, eyewitness statements, and dog owner records. As strong negotiators and litigation attorneys, we pursue every dollar you may rightfully recover for dog bite injuries. Our membership in the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum® and AV® Rating from Martindale-Hubbell® are testaments to our unwavering professionalism and advocacy for clients in the Lowcountry.

Time Limits for South Carolina Dog Bite Lawsuits

Victims of dog bites in South Carolina have three years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog owner in civil court. This deadline, called the “statute of limitations,” applies to all personal injury claims throughout the state. If you miss this deadline, your case will almost certainly be dismissed, and you will lose your ability to seek compensation for your injuries.

Although three years may sound sufficient, every Charleston dog bite attorney knows that investigating dog bite cases, gathering evidence, and negotiating with insurers requires significant time. Missing the deadline may forfeit your right to pursue compensation, so consult with a knowledgeable Charleston dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after your injury.

In Charleston, the deadline for starting your dog bite claim is the same as South Carolina’s general rule, but taking steps such as obtaining hospital records, working with animal control, or identifying a dog’s owner can delay your legal action. If your case involves injury on rental property, at a tourist spot, or public event, or if the responsible party cannot be identified quickly, starting early helps ensure critical evidence is preserved. Engaging a Charleston dog bite lawyer early also lets us meet local court filing requirements and maximize your chances for a timely and fair outcome.

Schedule a Free Consultation With Us

Contact Pierce | Sloan to schedule a FREE consultation with our trusted Charleston dog bite lawyers. We are happy to come to your home or hospital, if needed. Our firm proudly represents clients all over the tri-county region and in locations including Sumter, Orangeburg, Williamsburg, Clarendon, Georgetown, Horry, Jasper, Allendale, Richland, Beaufort, Hampton, Darlington, Colleton, Florence, Berkeley, and Dorchester.

Recommended Reading

• Are Certain Dog Breeds More Likely to Bite?
• Tips to Be Safe Around Dogs
• How to Recognize & React to an Aggressive Dog
• What to Do If Your Child is Bitten By a Dog

Frequently Asked Questions

What Damages Can I Recover From a Charleston Dog Bite Claim?

When you are bitten by a dog in Charleston, you may be eligible to recover several types of compensation. Recovery may include payment for your medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, ongoing treatment, and therapy, as well as lost wages due to time away from work. Victims may also be able to recover for pain and suffering, permanent scarring, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. The dog bite lawyers at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC will examine every aspect of your situation and work with local medical professionals and financial specialists in Charleston to ensure no eligible damages are overlooked. Consulting an experienced dog bite attorney in Charleston allows you to fully understand your rights and pursue maximum compensation for your injuries from negligent dog owners and their insurance companies.

Is the Dog Owner Always Liable for a Bite in South Carolina?

Under South Carolina law, dog owners are typically held strictly liable for any injuries their pets inflict, as long as the person bitten was lawfully on the property and did not provoke the animal. However, certain exceptions may apply, such as cases involving law enforcement animals in the line of duty or provocation prior to the attack. Additionally, Charleston ordinances and county regulations can impact how a claim is investigated and documented. Reporting the incident promptly to Charleston County Animal Control is important for your legal claim and ensures the situation is addressed appropriately. The attorneys at Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC thoroughly evaluate your case and handle all communications with local officials to ensure every legal angle is covered for victims of Charleston-area dog bites.

How Long Does It Take to Resolve a Dog Bite Claim in Charleston?

The timeframe for resolving a dog bite claim in Charleston can range from a few months to more than a year, depending on the complexity of the attack, severity of injuries, and the cooperation of insurance companies and defendants involved. Straightforward cases with clear evidence and minor injuries might be settled quickly, whereas more severe or disputed claims—especially those requiring litigation—can extend well beyond a year. Gathering all records from Charleston County Animal Control, local hospitals, and witness statements can sometimes cause delays. At Pierce, Sloan, Kennedy & Early LLC, our Charleston dog bite attorneys proactively manage every step, keep you informed, and advocate for a swift, favorable resolution while protecting your rights and ensuring all damages are considered.