Stats on Dog Bites in Lexington

Dog bites are more common than most people think, and when one happens to you or your child, the physical and emotional aftermath can be overwhelming. If you have been bitten, the first thing to do is seek medical attention, document the injury with photographs, and report the incident to Lexington County Animal Services.

At Kinard Law Group, our attorneys handle personal injury cases throughout South Carolina, including dog bite claims in Lexington, West Columbia, Cayce, and the surrounding areas.

Dog Bite Statistics Across the United States

Dog bites impact millions of Americans every year, and the incidence continues to rise. An estimated 4.5 million dog bites occur annually in the United States, with around 800,000 requiring medical attention. Children ages five to nine are at the greatest risk, and most incidents occur during routine interactions with dogs the victim already knows rather than with stray animals.

Insurance companies paid more than $1.57 billion in dog bite liability claims in a single recent year, according to recent research reported by the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm, reflecting the serious financial toll these injuries carry for victims and families nationwide.

Dog Bite Trends in South Carolina and Lexington County

South Carolina consistently ranks among the states with the highest rates of dog-bite hospitalizations. Statistics posted by The State confirm 10,772 recent dog-bite reports. Lexington County, with its mix of suburban neighborhoods, rural properties, and growing communities along U.S. Route 1 and near Lake Murray, sees a steady volume of reported bites each year.

Many incidents occur in residential areas like Irmo, Batesburg-Leesville, and neighborhoods surrounding Lexington Medical Center, where families and pets share close quarters. Factors that contribute to local bite rates include:

• Loose or unrestrained dogs in neighborhoods without leash enforcement
• Lack of spay and neuter compliance
• Unsupervised interactions between children and unfamiliar animals
• Owners who fail to properly contain dogs in fenced yards
• Encounters with stray or abandoned animals in rural parts of the county

South Carolina’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

South Carolina holds dog owners responsible for bite injuries without requiring the victim to prove the animal had a history of aggression. South Carolina’s strict liability law states that if a dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner is liable for damages, regardless of whether the dog has bitten before. Recoverable compensation in a Lexington dog bite case may include:

• Healthcare bills and future treatment costs
• Lost wages and benefits
• Diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional distress and counseling
• Property damage

Don’t Wait to Consult a Lexington Dog Bite Lawyer

Have you or a loved one been injured by someone else’s dog in Lexington County? Dog bite injuries can lead to costly surgeries, lasting scars, and emotional trauma that affects your daily life, and the clock on your legal rights starts running from the day of the attack. Call Kinard Law Group at 803-359-1003 or contact us online to schedule a case review with a Lexington dog bite attorney who will evaluate your claim, identify the responsible parties, and pursue the full compensation your injury demands.