🐾 South Carolina’s ‘Strict Liability’ Dog-Bite Statute Explained
(No One-Bite Rule Here)
Many states still follow the old “one-bite rule,” letting a dog’s first attack slide unless the owner knew it was dangerous. South Carolina is different. Under S.C. Code § 47-3-110, dog owners are strictly liable the very first time their pet bites or attacks—no prior “free bite” required.
Below is a clear breakdown of how the law works, the defenses owners try to use, and what victims need to do to recover full compensation.
⚖️ The Statute in Plain English
South Carolina Code § 47-3-110 says an owner (or person keeping the dog) is liable when:
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The dog bites or otherwise attacks a person, and
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The victim is in a public place or lawfully in a private place (e.g., invited guest, postal carrier), and
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No provocation (teasing, tormenting, abusing) occurred, and
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The dog is not a police K-9 performing duties.
If those boxes are checked, the owner must pay damages—even if the dog never showed aggression before.
❌ Common Owner Defenses (and Why They Often Fail)
|
Defense Claimed |
Why It Usually Fails Under § 47-3-110 |
|---|---|
|
“My dog never bit anyone before.” |
Prior knowledge is irrelevant; strict liability applies. |
|
“Victim should’ve known better.” |
Contributory fault only matters if the person provoked the dog or trespassed. |
|
“The gate was closed; victim assumed risk.” |
If the victim was lawfully present (delivery driver, meter reader, invitee), the owner is still liable. |
|
“Dog is a rescue / therapy animal.” |
Breed or purpose doesn’t change strict liability. |
💰 Damages You Can Recover
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Medical expenses — ER, surgery, rabies shots, plastic surgery
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Lost wages — days off work, reduced earning capacity
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Pain and suffering — physical pain, scarring, infection risk
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Emotional distress & PTSD — especially common in children
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Permanent impairment — nerve damage, loss of mobility, disfigurement
🏥 What To Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
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Get medical care — dog bites infect quickly.
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Call Animal Control (or police) — they’ll issue a bite report and quarantine order.
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Identify the owner — name, address, homeowners or renters insurer.
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Document wounds — photos day-of and through healing stages.
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Contact a South Carolina dog-bite lawyer — before speaking with any insurer.
⏳ Statute of Limitations
You generally have 3 years from the date of the bite to file suit, but evidence (e.g., CCTV, witness memories) degrades fast. Act quickly.
🐶 FAQ
Q: Does the law cover “knock-down” injuries (no actual bite)?
A: Yes—§ 47-3-110 covers injuries “caused by” a dog. If a dog lunges and knocks you over, the owner may still be liable.
Q: What if the dog’s sitter was walking it?
A: The statute applies to “owners and keepers.” Both the sitter and the legal owner can be sued.
👨⚖️ How Burts Law Can Help
We’ve recovered for dog-bite victims across across the Carolinas. We:
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Track down insurance coverage (homeowners, renters, umbrella).
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Work with plastic-surgery and infectious-disease experts.
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Document psychological trauma for maximum non-economic damages.
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Charge no fee unless we win.
📞 Free Consultation
Bitten in South Carolina? Find out your rights before the insurer calls.
📱 (866) BURTS-LAW | 💻 BurtsLaw-SC.com
Strict liability means one thing: the dog’s owner pays—not you.
