Personal Injury/Torts

Dog Bite

Frequently children and others lawfully on the property of an owner or possessor of dangerous or vicious dogs are severely bitten and in some cases are mauled to death. What are the rights of persons injured under these circumstances? In both South Carolina and North Carolina, the law provides for strict liability against owners of dangerous animals which cause injury with some exceptions. In South Carolina, an owner or possessor of a dog can avoid liability of the dog was provoked or enticed into biting the individual. In North Carolina, the plaintiff must show that the animal possessed a vicious propensity and the owner or keeper knew or should have known of the animal's vicious propensity, character and habits. In some cases, liability for dog bites can extend beyond the owner or possessor of the dog, such as a landlord in North Carolina, under certain circumstances may also be liable. South Carolina has established that a landlord is not liable for injuries caused by an animal kept by a tenant on leased property.

Our firm's attorneys are experienced with the type of insurance policies that provide liability insurance for injuries caused by the negligence of an insured under an insurance policy whose dog or other animal causes injury or damage. If you would like to speak with one of our attorneys concerning an incident of this type, please do not hesitate to contact us by telephone or e-mail to discuss your possible case.