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Legal Services:
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It has been
estimated that nearly 4.7 million people in this country
are bitten by dogs each year.
Of those, nearly 350,000 require treatment in an
emergency room. Thousands of others require in-patient
care, with
the
average hospital stay being estimated at 3.6 days. In
addition to these injuries, dog bite attacks also cause
death. In 1997 and 1998, for example, 27 people died as
a result of dog bite attacks in the
United States.
Most often, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries
caused by their dogs. There is no "one free bite rule"
in
South Carolina.
Under
South Carolina
law, dog owners are strictly liable for dog bites in
most instances. If you or a loved one is seriously
injured by a dog, you need to do the following:
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Seek medical attention
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Notify the local police of law
enforcement
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Notify the local animal control
authority
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Notify DHEC
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Contact the dog owner for
information on the dog’s vaccinations
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Take photos of the injuries
immediately and a few days later
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Take photos of the dog and the
scene, if possible (but, do not trespass)
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Contact Smith & Griffith, LLP for
experienced legal representation.
In any injury, early treatment and
legal consultation will preserve evidence and protect
your right to a fair recovery for personal injury,
property damage, lost wages, and medical bills.
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