South Carolina Dog Bite Settlement Calculator & Compensation

Understanding South Carolina’s Dog Bite Law

South Carolina’s Dog Bite Statute (S.C. Code § 47-3-110) makes owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone who is:

• Lawfully in a public place, or
• Lawfully on private property (including the dog owner’s property).

Unlike states with a “one-bite rule,” South Carolina doesn’t require proof that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The victim doesn’t need to show negligence — only that the bite happened.

However, there are limits under S.C. Code § 15-38-15, the state’s modified comparative fault rule:

• If the victim is 51% or more at fault, they cannot recover damages.
• If they are 50% or less at fault, their compensation is reduced by that percentage.

For example, if you were found 20% at fault for provoking the dog, your $100,000 claim would drop to $80,000.

What Compensation Can Include

Dog bite settlements in South Carolina typically include two major categories of damages:

1. Economic Damages

These are measurable financial losses:

• Past and future medical bills
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage (such as torn clothing or broken glasses)

2. Non-Economic Damages

These reflect the pain, trauma, and lasting effects:

• Pain and suffering
• Scarring or disfigurement
• Emotional distress or PTSD
• Loss of quality of life

The calculator uses both types to provide a full estimate.

How the South Carolina Dog Bite Calculator Works

This calculator is built to mimic how an attorney or insurance adjuster might estimate claim value — using multipliers and modifiers for injury severity, victim details, and legal factors.

Step 1. Input Economic Damages

You’ll enter:

• Medical costs (past and future)
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Insurance policy limits

These form the base economic damages.

Step 2. Assess Injury Severity

The calculator uses the Dunbar Bite Scale (Level 1–6) to rate the seriousness of the bite:

• Levels 1–2: Surface wounds
• Level 3–4: Deep punctures
• Level 5: Multiple severe bites
• Level 6: Fatal injury

A higher level increases the multiplier applied to medical damages.

Step 3. Apply Personal and Context Factors

It adjusts for:

• Age (children and elderly often receive higher damages)
• Gender (minor multiplier for potential scarring impact)
• Injury location (face or neck injuries increase value)
• Psychological trauma (PTSD or anxiety adds weight)
• Physical impact (disability or permanent impairment multiplies total)

Step 4. Factor in Comparative Fault

If the victim partially caused the attack (e.g., teasing or trespassing), the settlement is reduced proportionally:

• 0–50% fault: Compensation reduced by that amount
• 51% or more: No recovery allowed

Step 5. Apply Policy Limits

Insurance coverage often caps payout.
If total damages exceed the dog owner’s policy limit, the calculator displays both:

• Pre-cap total, and
• Final capped settlement

Example Scenario

Let’s walk through a sample calculation.

Estimated Result:

• Total Economic Damages: $15,200
• Pain & Suffering: ≈ $60,000
• Total Pre-Cap Settlement: ≈ $75,200
• Final Payout: $75,200 (within policy limit)

How Comparative Fault Affects Settlements

The calculator follows South Carolina’s 51% bar rule.
Here’s how fault changes outcomes:

This reflects real-world settlements where adjusters or courts determine fault contribution.

Factors That Can Increase Settlement Value

• Dog owner’s insurance policy covers $300,000 or more
• Permanent scarring on visible areas
• Victim is a child or elderly
• Psychological therapy or PTSD diagnosis
• Long-term disability or disfigurement
• Factors That Can Reduce Settlement Value
• Trespassing or provocation
• Incomplete medical documentation
• Delayed treatment or inconsistent care
• Lack of insurance coverage

South Carolina Dog Bite Settlement Averages

While every case is unique, typical South Carolina dog bite settlements range:

• Minor injuries: $10,000 – $30,000
• Moderate injuries: $40,000 – $75,000
• Severe or disfiguring injuries: $100,000 – $300,000+
• Fatal attacks: Often exceed $500,000

The calculator’s estimates often fall within these brackets, giving victims a realistic sense of value before consulting an attorney.

Why This Calculator Matters

For victims, the South Carolina Dog Bite Settlement Calculator provides:

• A quick, educational estimate of compensation potential
• Insight into how legal and factual variables affect payouts
• A useful reference before speaking with an attorney

While it’s not a replacement for professional legal advice, it’s a smart starting point for understanding your rights and the financial implications of a dog bite case in South Carolina.