You're walking through your Anderson subdivision when a neighbor's unleashed dog unexpectedly charges and attacks you. What should have been a pleasant after-dinner stroll suddenly leaves you with painful wounds, mounting medical bills, and the anxiety of facing a long recovery.
South Carolina's strict liability laws hold dog owners accountable when their pets attack others, regardless of whether the animal had previously shown aggressive tendencies. You don't need to prove the owner was negligent to receive compensation. At Pracht Injury Lawyers, our Anderson dog bite injury lawyers have extensive experience helping animal attack victims recover the full compensation they deserve.
Medical Expenses for Dog Bite Treatment
Dog bites often require extensive medical care that can create significant financial strain. The costs become even more substantial when serious injuries occur, especially to vulnerable areas like the face or hands.
Current Medical Care
Current medical expenses form the foundation of most dog bite claims. These typically include emergency room visits immediately following the attack, which can be extensive when deep bites require wound cleaning, stitches, or treatment to prevent infection. Follow-up care with doctors, prescription medications, and rehabilitation treatments should all be documented as part of your claim.
Long-Term Medical Costs
Future medical needs must also be considered, particularly for victims who require reconstructive surgery to address scarring. For instance, if your Anderson dog bite attorney helps you prove that you'll need multiple surgeries in the future, these anticipated costs should be included in your settlement demand.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
Many South Carolina dog bite victims miss work during their recovery, resulting in lost wages that add financial stress during an already difficult time. Your total compensation claim should account for every penny of lost income directly resulting from your injuries.
Current Lost Wages
Immediate time off work often follows a dog bite incident. Even relatively minor bites may require you to miss several days for emergency treatment, follow-up appointments, and initial recovery. More severe attacks can lead to extended absences, especially if hospitalization or surgery is required.
Reduced Earning Potential
Diminished earning capacity becomes relevant when dog bite injuries affect your ability to perform your job duties long-term. For example, if you work in construction and a severe dog bite damages the nerves in your hand, you might be unable to return to your previous position. In such cases, you may be entitled to compensation for the difference between what you could earn before the injury and what you can earn afterward.
Pain and Suffering Damages
Beyond measurable economic losses, South Carolina law recognizes that dog bite victims endure significant physical and emotional distress that deserves compensation. These non-economic damages, often called "pain and suffering," can form a substantial portion of your total recovery.
Physical Pain
Physical pain compensation acknowledges the actual discomfort and suffering you've experienced due to your injuries. Dog bites can be extremely painful, both during the attack and throughout the recovery process. Your Anderson personal injury lawyer will help document how the pain has affected your daily life.
Emotional Distress
Emotional distress often accompanies dog attacks, sometimes persisting long after physical wounds have healed. Many victims develop a fear of dogs (cynophobia) or anxiety when in situations where dogs might be present. Some experience flashbacks, nightmares, or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. These psychological impacts deserve recognition in your compensation claim.
Scarring and Disfigurement Compensation
Dog bites frequently leave visible scars, which can have both physical and psychological impacts on victims. South Carolina courts recognize the unique harm caused by permanent disfigurement and typically award additional compensation for these injuries.
Facial Injuries
Facial scarring cases often receive the highest compensation, as facial injuries are immediately visible and can affect self-image and social interactions. Even relatively small scars on the face can have a significant psychological impact, particularly for children who must cope with visible differences throughout their developmental years.
Reconstructive Surgery
Reconstructive surgery costs should be fully covered when medical experts recommend procedures to minimize scarring. These specialized treatments can be extremely expensive, often requiring multiple procedures over several years to achieve optimal results.
Insurance Coverage for Anderson Dog Bite Claims
Most dog bite claims in South Carolina are paid through insurance policies rather than directly by dog owners. Understanding the available coverage can help you pursue all possible sources of compensation for your injuries.
Homeowners Insurance Policies
Homeowners' insurance typically provides the primary coverage for dog bite incidents, just like drowning accidents at private pools. These policies usually include personal liability coverage that applies when a homeowner's dog injures someone, either on or off the property. Policy limits vary but often range from $100,000 to $300,000, which covers many dog bite claims.
Other Liability Coverage
Renters' insurance often provides similar liability coverage, though typically with lower limits than homeowners' policies. Additional sources may include special animal liability policies or even property owners' liability in cases where a landlord knew about a dangerous dog but failed to act.