Greenville Dog Bite Lawyer

Legal Help After A Serious Dog Bite

A dog attack can leave you or your child facing painful wounds, infection concerns, scarring, and fear that does not fade when the bandages come off. In the middle of medical visits and insurance questions, it can be hard to know if you have any legal rights or where to start. If you were bitten by a dog in or around Greenville, our team at Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC is here to guide you.

We focus our work on people who have been injured, and we understand how confusing and emotional a dog bite situation can be. You may worry about medical bills, missed work, or what it means to bring a claim when the dog belongs to a neighbor or family member. Our goal is to answer those questions in plain language and help you make informed decisions.

With more than 100 years of combined experience in South Carolina personal injury and workers’ compensation law, we know how to navigate complex claims and stand up to insurers that try to deny or minimize responsibility. Let our firm help you secure your entitled compensation.

Contact our firm today at to schedule a free case evaluation.

Understanding Dog Bite Claims in Greenville, SC

A dog attack can lead to severe injuries such as puncture wounds, infections, scarring, nerve damage, and psychological distress. Children are especially vulnerable, but adults can also suffer life-altering injuries. In many cases, victims require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and time away from work.

Dog bite claims are typically based on negligence or strict liability. This means a dog owner may be responsible if their pet injures someone, especially if they failed to properly control or restrain the animal. A Greenville dog bite attorney can investigate the circumstances of the attack, identify liable parties, and build a strong claim on your behalf.

South Carolina Dog Bite Law

South Carolina follows a strict liability rule for dog bites. Under state law, a dog owner can be held responsible if their dog bites or attacks someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place. This applies even if the dog has never bitten anyone before and the owner had no prior knowledge of aggressive behavior.

However, there are exceptions. A dog owner may not be liable if:

1. The victim provoked or harassed the dog
2. The victim was trespassing
3. The dog was working in a law enforcement or military capacity

Common Causes of Dog Bite Incidents

Dog attacks can happen for many reasons, often involving negligence or lack of supervision. Some of the most common causes include:

• Failure to leash or restrain a dog
• Inadequate fencing or containment
• Poor training or socialization
• Allowing aggressive dogs near visitors or children
• Ignoring prior signs of aggression

Property owners, landlords, or caretakers may also share liability if they failed to address known dangers.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can be severe and sometimes permanent. Victims often experience both physical and emotional consequences. Common injuries include:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
• Infections such as rabies or tetanus
• Nerve damage and loss of function
• Facial injuries and scarring
• Broken bones from being knocked down
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Medical treatment can be costly, and recovery may take months or years. In severe cases, victims may require surgery, rehabilitation, or long-term care.

Recovering Compensation After a Dog Bite in SC

If you were injured in a dog attack, you may be entitled to compensation for your losses. A Greenville dog bite attorney can help you pursue damages such as:

• Medical expenses and ongoing treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Property damage

Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims. Having legal representation can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, we advocate for victims and negotiate aggressively with insurers to pursue full and fair compensation.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

Taking the right steps after a dog bite can protect your health and strengthen your claim. If possible, you should:

1. Seek medical attention immediately
2. Report the incident to local animal control or authorities
3. Gather contact information from the dog owner and any witnesses
4. Take photos of injuries and the scene
5. Keep records of medical treatment and expenses
6. Contact a Greenville dog bite attorney

Prompt action can help preserve evidence and support your case.

Dog Bite Claim FAQs

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in South Carolina?

In most cases, South Carolina law allows three years from the date of the incident to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline could prevent you from recovering compensation.

What if the dog never bit anyone before?

South Carolina’s strict liability law means the owner may still be responsible even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.

Can I file a claim if the bite happened on private property?

Yes, as long as you were lawfully on the property, such as a guest, delivery driver, or service provider.

What if I was partially at fault?

Your compensation may be reduced if you were partially responsible, but you may still recover damages depending on the circumstances.

Will the dog be put down if I file a claim?

Not necessarily. Legal claims are typically handled through insurance, and outcomes depend on the severity of the incident and local animal control policies.

Do I need an attorney for a dog bite claim?

While not required, working with a Greenville dog bite attorney can help protect your rights and improve your chances of securing fair compensation.

Why Injured Dog Bite Victims Choose Us

When you are searching for a dog bite attorney, you are not just looking for someone who knows the law. You are looking for a team that will listen carefully, treat you with respect, and stay by your side throughout a stressful process. At Smith Born Leventis Taylor & Vega, LLC, our entire structure is built around helping injured people, including those harmed by dog attacks in the Greenville area.

Our attorneys bring more than a century of combined experience in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. Over the years, we have built and resolved multimillion-dollar claims in matters involving denied liability, disputed facts, and catastrophic injuries. This background allows us to move efficiently, anticipate insurance company tactics, and build strong cases when wounds, scarring, or trauma from a dog bite are severe.

From the first call, you can speak openly with an attorney without pressure or commitment. We take time to understand how the bite happened, how it has affected your life, and what you need to feel more secure about the future.

To speak with our team, call today.