Columbia, SC personal injury attorney Mark D. Chappell Jr. talks about what you should do immediately after a dog bite incident. He advises that if someone is attacked by a dog in South Carolina, the first and most important step is to seek proper medical treatment. Dog bites can expose victims to serious risks, including communicable diseases such as rabies, making immediate medical evaluation essential.

In addition to treatment, he stresses the importance of documenting the incident to create a reliable evidentiary record. The best way to do this is by contacting local authorities—calling 911 or the animal control division—so officials can investigate. They can determine whether the dog is current on vaccinations, whether there is a rabies concern, and can often provide official documentation. This documentation can later serve as critical support for a potential legal claim arising from the dog bite or attack.