What Happens If Your Dog Bites Someone?
What Happens If Your Dog Bites Someone In South Carolina?
As a dog owner, you should know what happens if your dog bites someone in South Carolina. Depending upon the severity of the bite and the situation, what actions that can be taken against your dog vary.
The South Carolina Code of Laws states if someone is bit, and that person has not provoked the dog, is lawfully on someone’s private property when bit or in a public place, and that person is injured, the dog’s owner may be held liable.
However, if the person who gets bit or attacked by a dog provokes or harasses the animal, there is no owner liability. If someone is trespassing on your property, and gets bitten, that person does not have the right to claim compensation as a result of the bite.
In addition, if someone is bitten by a law enforcement canine in it’s official duty and capacity, the law enforcement agency is not liable. This includes if the law enforcement canine subdues an alleged perpetrator on the command of her police handler.
As long as the canine handler is acting in her official capacity, uses the dog in accordance with her law enforcement department’s policy and does not use excessive force, neither she nor the agency is liable if the canine bites someone to halt their pursuit.
Beyond all of this, what happens if a dog bites someone who is visiting you?
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First, how severe is the bite, and what was the situation when the dog bit the person? If the bite was very light, did not puncture skin or cause an abrasion, there may not be any action necessary. If the visitor was acting inappropriately with the dog – rough housing, harassing, teasing, physically abusing the animal – this is also taken into account.
If the dog breaks skin, make sure the individual treats the wound. If the person indicates she is going to consult an attorney, the homeowner should also retain legal counsel to protect her rights as a dog owner.
If the bite is severe, a doctor’s visit or emergency room visit may be necessary. Work with the bite victim as much as possible to quickly treat the wound.
Depending upon the dog breed, it may have to be quarantined until a final disposition is decided.
In South Carolina, there are certain breeds that are considered dangerous. They have to be sterilized and are considered vicious, dangerous and restricted:
- Pit bulls
- Cane corsos
- American bulldogs
- American bullies
- Rottweilers
- Chow chows
- Doberman pinschers
If you own one of these breeds, you will need to ensure visitors and people passing by your property are safe from being attacked or bitten.
If your dog bites someone and you need legal representation, let the South Carolina personal injury lawyers at the Anastopoulo Law firm review your case at no cost to determine what the best legal strategy will be. Call today at 800-777-777.
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