What to Do After a Dog Bite in Charleston
Dogs are everywhere here: along the Battery, around Hampton Park, in West Ashley neighborhoods and on the islands. When a walk turns into an attack, get away from the dog and get care.
A bite to the face or hands, heavy bleeding or a deep puncture is an ER trip, and a call to 911 if needed. After that, keep up with wound care, follow-ups and any surgery.
While you're being treated, someone with you can get the owner's name, address and phone, and ask about the dog's shots and any paperwork. Report the bite to animal control or the public health office, give them the details, ask about rabies records and any observation period, and keep your copy of the report.
Photograph the bite on day one and every few days after. A torn jacket, broken sunglasses or a ruined leash can go in a bag. Get a phone number from anyone who saw it, save medical receipts and messages with the owner, and hold off on signing anything until a lawyer has looked.
South Carolina's Dog Bite Statute
A dog's owner, or the person who has the dog in their care, is generally liable when it bites or attacks someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, including the owner's own property. You generally don't have to show the dog had bitten before or that the owner knew it was dangerous.1
Exceptions exist. If the injured person provoked or harassed the dog into the attack, the statute may not apply. Where you were, and whether you were lawfully there, can matter too.1
Attacks count, not just bites. A dog that attacks and knocks someone down may be covered with no bite at all, while a bump from a playful dog may not be.1 Other claims may still exist. A hard fall on a downtown sidewalk can mean a broken hip or a head injury, especially for an older adult.
The Time to File
Most South Carolina personal injury claims must be filed within three years.2 That is a deadline for filing suit, and an insurance claim does not pause it.3 A dog kept by a government agency brings a separate deadline that may come sooner.4
Want someone to look at your situation?
Talk with our team about what happened and ask the questions on your mind.
When a Child Is Bitten
Photograph the wound often, from the first day until it heals. Track every follow-up and scar treatment, and note changes in sleep, school or how your child acts around dogs. Children may have more time than adults to file, but that additional time is limited and exceptions apply.5 Get advice early.
More detail is on our South Carolina dog attack page.
Talk With Us About What Happened
Scars can last, and so can a fear of dogs. Tell us where it happened, whose dog it was and how you've been since. When the owner is a friend or neighbor, we keep that in mind.
Our office is on King Street in downtown Charleston, and you can start by phone. For severe bites, see catastrophic injury claims in Charleston.
South Carolina Law on This
- Under South Carolina law, a dog's owner or keeper is generally liable, even without proof they knew the dog was dangerous, when it bites or attacks someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, unless the person provoked or harassed the dog into the attack.1
- Most personal injury claims in South Carolina must be filed within three years.2
- South Carolina's statute of limitations generally sets the deadline for filing a lawsuit in court. Simply opening a claim with an insurance company or negotiating with an insurance adjuster does not stop the statute of limitations from running.3
- Claims against a South Carolina state or local government agency have their own filing deadline, which can be shorter, and there could be caps on damages under the South Carolina Tort Claims Act, depending on the facts of the case.4
- Under South Carolina law, children may have more time than adults to file personal injury claims. However, that additional time is limited, and certain exceptions may apply.5
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is responsible for a dog bite?
Generally the dog's owner or the person keeping it, when the dog bites or attacks someone in a public place or lawfully on private property. There's an exception if the injured person provoked or harassed the dog into the attack.1 Where it happened and who had the dog both matter.
A dog knocked me down on the beach but didn't bite. Is that covered?
It may be. A dog's owner or keeper is generally liable when it bites or attacks someone, so no bite is required.1 Whether a dog jumping up or running into you counts depends on what happened, and other claims may exist.
My child was bitten. What comes first?
Medical care, then photos and the owner's details. South Carolina law may give children more time to file, but that extra time is limited and exceptions apply.5 Get advice early rather than counting on extra years.
The dog belongs to a neighbor I like. What now?
That's a common worry. A lawyer can explain your options, including whether insurance might apply, before you decide. Asking questions doesn't commit you to anything.
Sources
This page is general information about South Carolina law, not legal advice for your situation. Every case depends on its own facts.
