Dog Bite

Dog bite injuries

Charleston Dog Bite Lawyer

Suffering a dog bite can lead to both physical as well as psychological injuries. Adding to the stress, the dog that attacked you could be owned by a family member, friend, or someone else you are close to. However, when you sustain serious injuries caused by a dog, you need financial support to aid in your recovery. Charleston dog bite attorney E. Lindsay Blanks is dedicated to helping you obtain the compensation you need to cover the costs of your injuries. Mr. Blanks and his team offer compassionate and complete legal representation to victims who have suffered a dog attack, working diligently to make sure those responsible are held legally liable. If you, or a loved one, has been a victim of a dog bite in Charleston or the surrounding areas, contact E. Lindsay Blanks PA Law Firm today to find out more about how we can help.

Dog Bite Injuries

When a dog attacks a person, significant, sometimes permanent injuries can result. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports that the most common injuries in these types of incidents are to extremities including hands, arms, legs, feet, as well as to the head or neck. The CDC has also stated that more than 4.5 million people suffer a dog bite each year nationally, with 800,000 of those victims requiring medical treatment. Almost half, 42 percent, of all victims of a dog attack are children. After seeking immediate medical attention, it is also important to consult a knowledgeable dog bite attorney in Charleston who can start gathering evidence to make sure your legal rights remain intact.

When a dog bite is severe, a victim can suffer puncture wounds, bruises, dislocated or fractured bones, and sometimes even amputations. Disfiguring injuries are also common in these cases. In addition to the physical injuries, victims may also suffer a psychological impact as well, such as fear and anxiety towards dogs or other animals. Treatment can include hospitalization, multiple surgeries, physical rehabilitation, and extensive counseling for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Liability for Dog Bite Incidents

When someone is bitten by a dog, the dog owner is almost always the one responsible for compensating a victim for their injuries. In South Carolina, there is no “one-bite” law that allows an owner to escape liability the first time their dog is aggressive. The only exceptions to avoid liability is if a person is bitten because they harassed or otherwise provoked the dog before the attack. Damages from dog bite claims are most often paid from a homeowners’ insurance policy’s benefits. Many insurance companies will try to avoid paying on dog bite claims by writing policy exclusions that may not be enforceable. Having a seasoned Charleston dog bite lawyer as a strong advocate on your side when dealing with these issues is vital to obtaining a successful outcome in your claim. If an individual suffers a dog bite while at work, such as a delivery driver, they may also be entitled to benefits in a workers’ compensation claim.

Victims of dog bites are entitled to compensation for damages they sustain from their injuries. These damages can include past medical expenses including emergency room costs as well as future medical costs such as those for surgery and ongoing physical therapy. Victims can also recover loss of income and compensation for pain and suffering, including financial support for counseling required to deal with any psychological trauma.

Dog Bite Injury Attorney Serving Charleston Residents

Many people do not know what to do or who to turn to after they have suffered a dog attack. With growing medical bills and often lengthy recovery times spent away from work, victims of dog bites need help. Charleston dog bite lawyer Lindsay Blanks offers that help. At E. Lindsay Blanks PA Law Firm we are with clients every step of the way – from gathering evidence, dealing with insurance companies, to litigation if necessary. Our firm represents clients throughout South Carolina, including Charleston, North Charleston, Summerville, Goose Creek, Ladson, Hanahan, Moncks Corner, Mt. Pleasant, and Kingstree. If you have questions following a dog bite incident, contact us at (843) 863-1800 or online to speak with an attorney today.

Client Reviews

Lindsay went above and beyond

Courtney Workman/Google Reviewer/actual client

Mr. Blanks was very receptive to inquiries, returning phone calls promptly, returning email inquiries (sometimes multiple times a day) and continuously involving us in the process.

Arielle Davis/Google Reviewer/actual client

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