Dog bites can result in severe injuries, emotional distress, and financial burdens. If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog in South Carolina, understanding your legal rights is crucial. South Carolina’s dog bite laws are designed to protect victims and hold dog owners accountable for their pets’ actions.
However, navigating these legal complexities requires the expertise of a skilled attorney. Hiring one of the best dog bite lawyers in South Carolina can significantly impact your chances of securing the compensation you are entitled to.
This article provides a detailed list of the top 10 dog bite lawyers in South Carolina for 2025, along with insights into the state’s dog bite laws and how these professionals can help you.
Why You Need Dog Bite Lawyers in South Carolina
South Carolina follows a strict liability law for dog bites under Section 47-3-110 of the South Carolina Code of Laws. This means that dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their dogs, even if they were unaware of their pet’s aggressive tendencies.
However, there are exceptions to this rule:
- The victim was trespassing at the time of the attack.
- The victim provoked the dog.
Hiring experienced dog bite lawyers in South Carolina ensures that you:
- Understand your legal rights and options.
- Build a strong case with evidence like medical records and witness statements.
- Negotiate effectively with insurance companies to maximize your compensation.
Benefit | Description |
Legal Expertise | Knowledge of South Carolina’s strict liability laws. |
Evidence Collection | Gathering medical records, witness statements, and photos to strengthen claims. |
Maximizing Compensation | Ensuring all damages are accounted for, including medical expenses and emotional trauma. |
South Carolina Dog Bite Laws at a Glance
Strict Liability
South Carolina applies strict liability to dog bite cases, meaning:
- Dog owners are liable for injuries caused by their pets, even if they had no prior knowledge of aggressive behavior.
- The victim must have been in a public place or lawfully on private property at the time of the attack.
Statute of Limitations
Victims have three years from the date of the incident to file a lawsuit under South Carolina law (S.C. Code Section 15-3-530). Failing to file within this period may result in case dismissal.
Compensation Available
Victims may be eligible for:
- Economic Damages: Medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, scarring or disfigurement.
- Punitive Damages: Awarded in cases involving recklessness or gross negligence.
How We Selected the Top Dog Bite Lawyers
To compile this list, we evaluated lawyers based on:
- Experience: Years handling dog bite cases specifically.
- Client Reviews: Positive testimonials reflecting client satisfaction and trust.
- Success Rates: Proven track records of securing favorable settlements or verdicts.
- Accessibility: Availability across South Carolina for consultations.
These criteria ensure that each lawyer on this list is highly qualified to handle dog bite cases effectively.
Top 10 Dog Bite Lawyers in South Carolina
1. HawkLaw (Statewide)
- Why They Stand Out: HawkLaw offers a digital-first approach with quick online consultations and efficient case handling.
- Specialty: Strict liability cases under South Carolina law.
- Contact Information: Available statewide via online consultation.
2. Joye Law Firm (Charleston, Myrtle Beach)
- Why They Stand Out: With over 50 years of experience, Joye Law Firm focuses on maximizing compensation for pain and suffering while providing compassionate service.
- Specialty: Cases involving severe injuries or lost income due to recovery time.
- Contact Information: Offices in Charleston and Myrtle Beach.
3. Goings Law Firm (Columbia)
- Why They Stand Out: This firm excels at handling complex strict liability cases involving dangerous dogs and premises liability claims.
- Specialty: Premises liability cases involving dangerous dogs.
- Contact Information: Based in Columbia but serves clients statewide.
4. George Sink P.A. Injury Lawyers (Statewide)
- Why They Stand Out: With over four decades of experience handling personal injury cases, George Sink’s team is skilled at negotiating with insurance companies to secure maximum settlements.
- Specialty: Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies.
- Contact Information: Offices throughout South Carolina.
5. Lovely Law Firm (Georgetown)
- Why They Stand Out: Known for their compassionate approach, Lovely Law Firm provides free consultations and focuses on securing compensation for long-term injuries and emotional trauma caused by dog attacks.
- Specialty: Cases involving emotional trauma and long-term injuries from dog attacks.
- Contact Information: Georgetown office available for consultations.
6. Jebaily Law Firm (Florence)
- Why They Stand Out: Jebaily Law Firm has a strong reputation for handling cases involving children or elderly victims with care and precision.
- Specialty: Cases involving vulnerable victims like children or seniors.
- Contact Information: Florence office serving nearby areas.
7. McWhirter, Bellinger & Associates (Lexington)
- Why They Stand Out: This firm is known for its strong record of securing settlements that cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
- Specialty: Complex cases involving multiple parties or severe injuries.
- Contact Information: Lexington office with statewide reach.
8. Anastopoulo Law Firm (Charleston)
- Why They Stand Out: Offering a “We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Do” guarantee, Anastopoulo Law Firm specializes in high-value claims involving reconstructive surgery or permanent scars resulting from dog bites.
- Specialty: High-value claims involving severe injuries or disfigurement.
- Contact Information: Charleston-based but serves clients across South Carolina.
9. The Derrick Law Firm (Myrtle Beach)
- Why They Stand Out: The Derrick Law Firm is known for crafting personalized legal strategies tailored to each client’s unique situation.
- Specialty: Premises liability cases involving dangerous dogs on private property.
- Contact Information: Myrtle Beach office available for consultations.
10. Morris Law Firm (North Myrtle Beach)
- Why They Stand Out: Morris Law Firm is recognized for its aggressive courtroom representation when settlements fall short of expectations.
- Specialty: Cases involving disputed liability or insurance denials.
- Contact Information: North Myrtle Beach office serving nearby communities.
Key Factors to Consider When Choosing Dog Bite Lawyers in South Carolina
When selecting a lawyer to handle your case, consider these factors:
Factor | Description |
Experience | Years handling dog bite cases specifically. |
Track Record | Success rates and notable case outcomes related to dog bites. |
Client Reviews | Testimonials from previous clients highlighting satisfaction and results. |
Accessibility | Office locations and availability for consultations across South Carolina. |
Choosing the right lawyer ensures you receive the best possible representation for your case.
Common Questions About Dog Bite Lawsuits in South Carolina
What is the statute of limitations?
Victims have three years from the date of the incident to file a claim under South Carolina law.
What damages can I claim?
You can claim compensation for:
- Medical expenses (e.g., surgeries, rehabilitation).
- Lost wages due to recovery time or disability.
- Pain and suffering (e.g., emotional trauma).
Damage Type | Examples |
Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, reconstructive surgery costs |
Lost Wages | Income lost during recovery |
Pain & Suffering | PTSD, anxiety around dogs |
Takeaway
Dog bites can leave lasting physical scars and emotional trauma that require significant financial resources to address. Hiring one of these top-rated dog bite lawyers in South Carolina ensures you have an advocate who understands local laws, knows how to deal with insurance companies, and will fight tirelessly to secure fair compensation on your behalf.
If you’ve been injured by a dog attack, don’t delay—South Carolina law limits your time to file a claim after an incident occurs.
Contact one of these experienced attorneys today for a free consultation and take the first step toward justice with help from trusted dog bite lawyers in South Carolina.