Greenville Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog bites can be traumatic, painful, and terrifying, especially when the attack happens without warning. South Carolina law recognizes the seriousness of these incidents, and victims have the right to pursue compensation for their injuries. But dog bite cases are rarely simple. Owners often deny responsibility, insurers may minimize injuries, and the facts surrounding the attack can be heavily contested. At Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys, we bring extensive experience, balanced by empathy and strategic insight, to every dog bite case we handle in Greenville and Upstate South Carolina.

Our Greenville dog bite lawyers have worked on both sides of injury cases, representing victims as plaintiffs’ counsel and defending claims on behalf of insurance carriers and businesses. That dual experience gives us an exceptional understanding of how insurers and defense lawyers evaluate dog bite claims, what arguments they are likely to make, and what evidence they need to see before offering fair compensation. Today, we use that knowledge exclusively for the benefit of injury victims, ensuring our clients’ cases are thoroughly prepared and strongly positioned from day one.

We know that dog attacks cause more than physical wounds. They create emotional and psychological trauma, disrupt daily life, and leave victims with bills and uncertainties they never expected to face. Our team approaches every client with compassion and respect, while building the strongest possible case to achieve meaningful results.

South Carolina Dog Bite Law

South Carolina has one of the more victim-friendly dog bite statutes in the country. Under S.C. Code § 47-3-110, a dog owner is strictly liable when their dog bites or attacks someone who is lawfully on public or private property, including the dog owner’s property. Unlike states that require proof that the dog was dangerous or had a prior history of aggression, South Carolina does not impose a “one free bite rule.” Instead, owners are responsible even if the dog has never shown any signs of aggression before.

However, strict liability does not mean automatic liability. Owners and insurers frequently raise defenses such as trespassing, provocation, or comparative negligence. They may argue that the injured person provoked or harassed the dog, ignored warnings, or entered an area they were not permitted to access. These defenses can significantly impact a claim if not addressed properly.

Because of our deep background in handling premises liability cases, we understand exactly how insurers evaluate these arguments. We also know how to counter them with evidence, witness statements, expert testimony, and a clear understanding of how South Carolina courts interpret the statute.

Serious Injuries in Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite injuries vary widely depending on the size of the dog, the force of the attack, and the location of the bite. Even what may appear to be a small bite can cause complications such as infection, nerve damage, or scarring. Children are particularly vulnerable because dogs often reach their faces and hands.

Common injuries include:

• Lacerations, puncture wounds, nerve damage, and fractures caused by bite force
• Scarring, disfigurement, soft-tissue damage, and emotional trauma, such as anxiety or fear of animals or open spaces

These injuries often require emergency care, reconstructive procedures, follow-up appointments, and mental health treatment. The physical and psychological impact can be long-lasting, and settlements must reflect not only immediate medical costs but also future care, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Why Dog Bite Cases Are Challenging

Although the law is favorable to victims, these cases can still be difficult. Insurers often claim that the victim provoked the dog or was in a restricted area. Others attempt to shift blame by arguing the injured person “assumed the risk” of being near the animal. In rental properties, disputes can arise over whether the landlord, tenant, or both bear responsibility. In cases involving multiple dogs or unclear circumstances, determining ownership or control can become complicated.

Our dual experience on both sides of injury cases enables us to anticipate these challenges early. We take a comprehensive approach to each investigation, looking at property conditions, prior complaints, the dog’s training or lack of training, veterinary records, leash use, local animal control reports, and witness accounts. We also explore whether multiple parties may be liable, including homeowners, landlords, property managers, or commercial property owners, depending on where the attack occurred.

What Victims Should Do After a Dog Bite

The steps taken immediately after a dog attack can significantly impact the strength of a claim. If possible, victims should:

1. Obtain immediate medical care to treat wounds and reduce the risk of infection. Prompt treatment also helps document injuries clearly.
2. Report the incident to local animal control or law enforcement so an official record is created and the dog’s vaccination status is confirmed.

Photographs of injuries, the scene of the attack, and the dog (from a safe distance) can also be critical. Collecting contact information from the owner and any witnesses further strengthens a case. However, many victims are too shaken, injured, or distressed to gather this evidence, which is understandable. In these situations, our team acts quickly to investigate, preserve evidence, and ensure the owner is identified and the dog’s history is documented.

The Importance of Skilled Legal Representation

Insurance companies frequently attempt to settle dog bite claims quickly and cheaply, particularly when liability appears straightforward. These early offers rarely account for ongoing medical treatment, permanent scarring, emotional trauma, or the long-term impact on a child’s life. When victims accept early settlements, they give up their right to pursue additional compensation later, even if complications or long-term injuries develop.

Our firm is committed to helping clients avoid these pitfalls. We work with medical professionals, mental health providers, and, when necessary, plastic surgeons or life-care planners to fully document the impact of the attack. We also negotiate with insurers from a position of strength, backed by detailed evidence and the ability to take a case to trial when needed.

Our defense-side insight allows us to prepare cases the way insurance companies expect to see them. We build records that leave little room for dispute and demonstrate not only liability but the full extent of damages. This approach frequently leads to stronger settlements and more successful outcomes for our clients.

Holding Negligent Owners Accountable

Dog owners have a responsibility to ensure their pets do not harm others. When they fail to meet that responsibility, the consequences can be serious and life-changing. Pursuing a claim is not about punishing the dog; it is about holding the owner accountable and ensuring victims receive the financial support necessary to recover.

We approach each case with empathy and respect. We know that many victims are friends, neighbors, family members, or guests of the dog’s owner. Claiming against a homeowner’s insurance policy is often a way to relieve financial burdens without personally harming the dog owner. We take the time to explain this process clearly so victims understand their rights and options.

FAQs About Dog Bite Claims in Greenville

Do I have a case if the dog never bit anyone before?

Yes. South Carolina does not follow the one-bite rule. Owners are liable even if the dog had no known history of aggression.

Can I recover compensation if the dog belonged to a friend or family member?

In many cases, yes. Claims are typically made against the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, not the individual personally.

What if the dog owner claims I provoked the dog?

Provocation is a common defense, but it must be supported by evidence. South Carolina law still protects victims in the vast majority of cases.

Are landlords ever responsible for dog attacks?

Sometimes. Liability depends on who controlled the premises, whether the landlord knew of the danger, and whether they had the ability to remove the animal.

Contact Our Greenville Dog Bite Lawyers Today

If you or your child were injured in a dog attack in Greenville or Upstate South Carolina, you deserve a dedicated legal team with the experience, compassion, and resolve to protect your rights. At Davis & Snyder Injury Attorneys, we use our extensive background in both defense and plaintiff-side litigation to build the strongest possible cases for injury victims. Contact us today for a consultation and let our team fight for the full and fair compensation you need to move forward.