Dog Bite Lawyer in Myrtle Beach

Helping Murrells Inlet, Grand Strand & Inlet Area, Georgetown County, and Horry County Residents Recover After a Dog Attack

Safe and friendly dogs can suddenly become aggressive and bite, even if they have never shown such behavior before. Victims of dog bites suffer serious, long-term physical and emotional injuries, requiring extensive medical treatment. 

Virtually any type of dog in any situation can attack. Children, particularly those ranging from 5 to 9 years old, are at substantially greater risk compared to adults. The majority of attacks on kids are carried out by familiar, even family pets. As such, it is important to know what to do in the immediate aftermath of a dog bite, as well as how to recover compensation for your damages.

Often driven by a deep-rooted compassion for animals and an in-depth understanding of our clients, the dependable Myrtle Beach dog bite lawyers at Joye, Nappier, Risher, & Hardin LLC can represent your best interests, providing vigorous advocacy that can maximize your compensation. We serve all of South Carolina.

Request a complimentary “meet and greet” of your own with our team when you call us at (843) 357-6454 or fill out our online contact form here.

The Serious Damage Dogs Can Cause

A quick chomp from a family dog can result in typical dog bite damages. However, many dog attacks do far worse. Territorial dogs can cause severe lacerations and crush injuries that can leave permanent scars. Dogs on the move can chase down and knock people over, rendering them unconscious, cracking their skulls, causing traumatic brain injury (TBI), or even breaking necks.

People and children who are quite small and infirm are the most at risk of becoming severely injured by a vicious dog bite.

In addition to physical injuries, the emotional impact of such attacks can be profound. Victims, particularly children, may experience anxiety around dogs or develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Understanding these psychological effects is crucial as they often require specialized treatment and contribute to the overall damages affected individuals seek to address through legal avenues.

Infections from Dog Bites

Bacteria can reside in their saliva—especially if unclean—and prove to be a source of infection when it enters a person’s tissue through a puncture wound. The injuries sustained from dog bites are typically concentrated within the immediate vicinity. Legs and forearms are often the first point of attack as the unfortunate person tries to prevent an attack on more sensitive areas of their body.

It is critical to seek immediate medical attention after an incident to prevent these complications. Treatment may include antibiotics, wound cleaning, and, in severe cases, hospitalization to manage the infection effectively and minimize long-term health impacts.

Local Community & Support Resources for Dog Bites in Myrtle Beach

Myrtle Beach offers various community resources and support centers dedicated to helping dog bite victims. The South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control provides helpful information about dog bites. Additionally, local hospitals and clinics are equipped to handle such emergencies and can provide necessary vaccinations and wound care.

For ongoing emotional support, Myrtle Beach has a number of counseling centers that can provide services for those dealing with trauma recovery. Engaging with these resources means that victims are not only physically cared for but also mentally supported in their recovery journey. Awareness of these resources and utilizing them can significantly impact the overall healing process.

Laws That Apply to Dogs in South Carolina

Following any dog bite in South Carolina, the police or an animal control officer may come to the scene of the attack. They may need to issue a search that requires the dog to be tested for rabies. Forcing responsible parties to face legal ramifications can provoke pet owners into taking reckless actions that will worsen events. If traceback issues occur or professional law enforcement is involved, it can be helpful to have a dog bite incident outlined by an attorney.

Based on where the dog bite occurs, local, municipal, and governing laws may apply to a claim for damages. A dog that bites an individual while they are on public property may put more responsibility on the dog owner. Dogs involved in a single-bite scenario typically involve fewer insurance coverages. However, if a dog owner was careful to maintain control of their dog and avoid creating damage, the zone or property owner may shoulder the burden.

Understanding the nuances of these dog laws is vital. For example, South Carolina operates under strict liability for dog bites, meaning the owner can be held liable regardless of the dog's previous behavior. Having skilled legal support helps navigate these complexities and ensures proper documentation and representation throughout the legal process.

Contact Our Myrtle Beach Dog Bite Team for a Complimentary Consultation

The consequences of being harmed by a dog run deep. Family pets are recognized as family members that were supplementary to dogs that play substantial roles in assisting disabled individuals in basic needs. Regardless of how a dog bite is accounted for, our clients deserve every available opportunity to a flexible future in which their damages are minimized.

Our team at Joye, Nappier, Risher, & Hardin LLC is dedicated to providing comprehensive consultations that lay the groundwork for effective legal strategies. By taking the time to understand each client's unique circumstances, we can tailor our approach to align with their specific needs, ultimately striving to reach a settlement that fully compensates for their injuries and inconveniences.

Speak to us in a complimentary consultation to get started on your claim. Contact our team online or call (843) 357-6454 to speak with our skilled Myrtle Beach dog bite attorney.