Dog bite victims face not only the immediate pain and shock of the attack but also questions about their legal rights and options for recovery. Knowing what to do after a dog bites you is crucial for protecting both your health and your ability to seek compensation.
If you have been attacked by a dog or another domestic animal in Myrtle Beach, Jebaily Law Firm can guide you through the legal process to pursue the justice you deserve.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite or Animal Attack in Myrtle Beach
After a dog attack, taking immediate and careful action is crucial for your safety and potential legal claims. Taking these prompt steps can help prevent further injury and preserve evidence for a possible personal injury case:
- Ensure safety – Move away from the animal to avoid additional attacks.
- Assess injuries – Check your wounds and apply direct pressure with a clean cloth to control bleeding.
- Seek medical attention – Get a thorough medical exam following an animal attack, and be sure to tell the doctor that an animal hurt you.
- Collect owner information – If you are able, obtain the dog owner’s name, contact details, and any vaccination records for the animal.
- Identify witnesses – Get names and contact information of anyone who saw the attack.
- Report the incident – Notify Myrtle Beach Animal Control or local law enforcement to create an official record.
- Document everything – Keep detailed records and photos of injuries, the scene, and any medical treatment received for potential legal use.
- Contact our lawyers – Call Jebaily Law Firm as soon as possible for a free consultation with a Myrtle Beach dog bite attorney.
Why Medical Treatment Is Critical After a Dog Bite
You should seek immediate medical attention after a dog bite, even if the injury seems minor, to prevent serious infections. Medical evaluation ensures proper wound cleaning, antibiotics, and necessary rabies or tetanus treatment. Face and neck bites require emergency attention due to vital structures.
Document serious dog bite injuries with photos from multiple angles and maintain detailed records of all medical visits, treatments, and prescriptions. These steps are crucial for protecting your health and supporting any potential compensation claim.
Filing an Insurance Claim for a Dog Bite in Myrtle Beach, SC
South Carolina law generally holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their animals cause. That means you can file a homeowners’ liability insurance claim for a dog bite without proving the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression.
The dog bite claim process begins with notifying the owner’s insurance company, but exercise extreme caution when dealing with insurers. It is better to have our dog bite lawyers handle the insurance company for you.
Insurance adjusters often contact victims quickly, hoping to secure statements or offer inadequate settlements before the full extent of injuries becomes apparent. Avoid providing recorded statements or accepting early settlement offers without legal representation. Instead, let our personal injury attorneys handle all communications with insurance companies while you focus on recovery.
Compensation You May Be Entitled to After a Dog Bite in South Carolina
Victims of dog bites can pursue compensation for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, medications, and future treatment. Lost wages and diminished earning capacity are also recoverable if your injuries prevent you from working.
Pain and suffering damages account for physical discomfort and emotional distress, such as anxiety or post-traumatic stress. Property damage, like torn clothing, may also be reimbursed in a dog bite case.
Contact Our Myrtle Beach Dog Bite Lawyers for a Free Consultation
With over 100 years of combined legal experience, the personal injury attorneys at Jebaily Law Firm have successfully fought for injury victims throughout South Carolina for more than 50 years. We want to help you seek maximum compensation for your dog bite injuries.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
