On Valentine’s Day, February 14, 2024, 11-year-old A’Rhyan Anderson was heading to a bus stop on North Livingston Street in Clinton, South Carolina, when he was attacked by a pack of dogs. The animals bit him over 60 times before a neighbor intervened, saving his life. A’Rhyan was airlifted to the hospital, spent 33 days receiving surgeries and ongoing physical therapy and his family has already accrued more than $500,000 in medical expenses.
A’Rhyan’s mother has filed a negligence lawsuit against Laurens County and the Town of Clinton, arguing they failed to act despite multiple prior complaints about uncontrolled dogs in the bus stop area. She claims authorities did not investigate or enforce animal-control measures leading to this preventable tragedy.
Negligent Enforcement of Animal-Control Laws
Government entities may be found liable if they were aware or should have been aware of roaming dangerous dogs and failed to act.
Vicarious Liability Possibly Raised
If a town dog-control policy exists but wasn’t enforced correctly, plaintiffs may argue for accountability under municipal liability frameworks.
Victim Compensation
A’Rhyan may be entitled to compensation for:
In cases like this, families should:
Document Complaints & Reports
Record any prior alerts made to authorities about dangerous animals.
Preserve Medical Records
Detailed records of injuries and ongoing treatment support claims for future damages.
Identify Witnesses
Neighbors and the heroic neighbor who intervened may provide testimony.
Act Within Time Limits
Under South Carolina’s laws, you generally have three years from the date of harm to file civil negligence lawsuits.
Government-related negligence claims are complex and challenging to prove. Legal counsel can help by:
Determining which parties can be held accountable
Exploring both medical and emotional damage recovery
Navigating government immunities and procedural requirements
Ensuring critical evidence is preserved promptly
If your loved one has been injured by unrestrained or dangerous animals and authorities were aware but failed to act, legal recourse may be available. Call our South Carolina personal injury attorneys offer a free and confidential consultation to evaluate your situation and determine the best path forward.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and reflects public reports as of July 10, 2025. We do not guarantee the accuracy or completeness of the information provided. It is not intended as legal advice. For specific guidance, please contact our qualified attorneys.
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