A dog bite can be  a frightening, traumatic experience that left you hurt and suffering. It’s tough to get over the pain and fear that comes with an animal attack. At HawkLaw, PA, we know how being hurt by a dog can affect your quality of life. 

Worse, you might not have the financial compensation you need for your losses because the dog owner hasn’t taken responsibility. Because of this, you might be suffering and stuck paying out of pocket for their carelessness. Luckily, a Columbia dog bite lawyer can help you get compensated for these losses. 

Who’s Responsible for a Columbia Dog Attack?

If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you need to know first who’s responsible for your injuries. If you were bitten by a dog outside of someone’s home, it can be tough to tell who owns the loose dog. 

Typically, though, the dog’s owner is the one who’s responsible for the pet’s actions. Just as someone is responsible if a part of their property is dangerous, dog owners should take care to protect others from dangerous pets. 

One of the most important dog bite laws you may encounter in a South Carolina claim is strict liability for dog bites. You might be worried that the owner may not be held liable for the actions of their pets, especially if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Fortunately, strict liability means that no matter how well-behaved the dog has been in the past, you may still sue for your losses.

Because of strict liability, the owner can be held responsible for a bite even if the dog has never attacked anyone before. Your dog bite attorney in Columbia can help you focus on these laws and address other concerns, like time limits to file, for your lawsuit. 

Damages for a Dog Bite in Columbia

When you’re bitten, the physical damage of a dog bite can be severe. Puncture wounds are often deep and difficult to clean. That means it’s easy to develop a severe infection, as well as other diseases, like rabies. Crushing injuries can also cause fractures, especially in areas with many smaller bones, like hands. 

The emotional trauma can affect you well after the attack. You might develop a phobia of dogs, and many people suffer from nightmares and flashbacks, not to mention the pain of your injuries. All these can affect your quality of life, but a Columbia dog bite attorney can help you get compensation for your financial losses and mental trauma. 

Call a Columbia Dog Attack Attorney

If you’ve suffered through a dog bite, you may need help getting compensation for your losses in Columbia. It can be tough to get compensation for the dog bite, especially when you’re hurt and struggling to understand the legal aspects of your claim. 

That’s why you may need a lawyer from HawkLaw, PA to help. If you’re struggling with a dog bite claim in Columbia, you can get started with a free consultation,* where we’ll talk about your options for filing a lawsuit after a dog attacks you. 

Get a free consultation* with a Columbia dog bite lawyer by calling 1-888-HAWK-LAW (429-5529) or filling out the following online form.