Legal Question in Civil Litigation in South Carolina

dog bite

what legal rights do I have in a dog bite case where my dog died as a result of a dog bite.my dog was on a leash and neibors dog was not. i was on a public road and my dog was attacked. i took my dog abouit 50 yards from the house and without warning at full run, appeared out of no were. he bit my brother-in-law and his owner came out when summoned. aHe tried to get dog of of mine and was too late. I took my dog to the vet and died the next day. SDThe owner of the dog that bit got scared and took the dog and released him to a place unknown. the animal control told him that he had to return the dog. with that the dog was under quarenteen. I have since been to my sons house for a visit and could not stay in the house because he has a dog and I am affraid of dogs now. Can I get pain and suffering as a result of losing my pet? thank you very much.and excuse my spelling.


Asked on 11/29/06, 6:41 pm

1 Answer from Attorneys
Robert Johnston Law Offices of Robert J. Johnston

Re: dog bite

First of all, I am sorry to hear about your dog. I am a huge dog lover and I can't imagine what that was like. Now, as to your question. Sadly and tragically, suing over the loss of a dog is not usually an optimistic thing. Under the law, a dog/animal is considered personal property and therefore, your legal damages, that is a monetary amount that you can sue for is very limited. Its not fair, but its the law. You said your brother-in-law was bit. He might have a case worth persuing. You might too, but its possible that it wouldn't be much of a case. I do not agree with the law and I do not like it, but I have to recite it honestly with you. I encourage everyone to get a second legal opinion. Good luck.

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Answered on 11/29/06, 6:56 pm


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