Month: February 2026

Dog bites can cause serious injuries, emotional distress, and expensive medical bills. If you or your child has been injured by a dog in South Carolina, you may be wondering what to do next and who is responsible.

South Carolina law provides legal protections for victims of dog bites. But many people are not aware of their rights or how to pursue compensation for their injuries. Taking early action and understanding the law can help you protect your health, recover damages, and avoid common mistakes.

South Carolina Has Clear Laws About Dog Bites

In South Carolina, the law generally holds dog owners responsible when their animal bites someone. Unlike some states that follow a “one bite rule,” South Carolina adopted a stricter approach. If a dog bites a person in a public or private place where the person is lawfully present, the owner can be held liable, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.

Liability may not be limited to bites. If a dog knocks someone over and causes injury, the same legal protections may apply.You can review the state’s full legal position on dog bite injuries here, including how the law defines ownership and the types of defenses that may be raised.

In South Carolina, title issues are one of the most common reasons a closing is delayed or canceled entirely. A thorough title review protects the buyer’s investment, prevents surprises post-closing, and keeps your transaction on schedule.

Why Title Surprises Can Delay or Derail Your Sale

When a property goes under contract, one of the first things your real estate attorney will do is run a title search. This search uncovers the legal history of the property. It verifies that the seller has the right to transfer ownership, and checks for any liens, errors, or legal restrictions.

If there are issues with the title, they will need to be resolved before the sale can move forward. Some of the most common problems include:

• Old or unreleased mortgages
• Liens from unpaid taxes or homeowners’ associations
• Clerical errors in recorded documents
• Missing probate estates or heirs issues

These issues can slow down your sale or create roadblocks that are expensive and time-consuming to fix. In some cases, the buyer may walk away altogether.

You can read more about what can go wrong when selling a property and how early preparation can help avoid these outcomes.

As a parent, you spend every day thinking ahead. From school schedules to doctor visits, you plan carefully to protect your children and give them the support they need. Estate planning is simply an extension of that care. It ensures that if something unexpected happens, your children are protected and your wishes are respected.

While it may feel difficult to plan for scenarios that involve loss, the absence of a plan can create far greater stress, conflict, and confusion for your loved ones. Taking the time now to put legal protections in place is one of the most important steps you can take for your family’s future.

What Happens If You Do Not Have a Plan?

In South Carolina, if a parent passes away without a will, state intestacy laws determine how assets are distributed, and the probate court will appoint a guardian for minor children.

This can create avoidable delays, additional legal fees, and emotional strain. Without a clear plan, family members may disagree on what should happen. Naming someone you trust and putting your intentions in writing can prevent confusion and protect your children from being caught in the middle.For parents who want to understand how these situations can unfold, this article from Forbes highlights what can happen when a loved one dies without a will.