Mississippi
Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog attack happens fast, but the harm can last a long time. Serious dog bites injure thousands of people every year, leaving physical scars and emotional pain. If a dog bit you, call a Mississippi dog bite lawyer to discuss how you can seek payment for your injuries.

TopDog Law connects victims of dog attacks in Mississippi with legal help. Call (769) 247-5049 today to discuss your case.

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Your Guide to Dog Bite in Mississippi

James Helm, Personal Injury Lawyer

Mississippi Dog Bite Laws Explained

Mississippi doesn’t have a simple statewide dog bite statute like some other places. Instead, dog bite cases usually fall under general legal principles.

Proving Fault in Mississippi

In many Mississippi dog bite cases, the injured person needs to show that the dog owner was somehow careless or knew their dog could be dangerous. You might need to show:

  • The owner knew the dog had bitten someone before or had acted aggressively (like snarling, charging, or snapping).
  • The owner should have known the dog was potentially dangerous based on its behavior.
  • The owner was negligent, meaning they didn’t use reasonable care to control the dog. This could involve violating local leash laws or failing to secure the dog properly on their property.

Proving these things alone can be difficult, but a Mississippi dog attack lawyer can gather evidence like witness statements, veterinary records, or proof of past incidents involving the dog to bolster your claim.

Time Limits for Filing a Claim

Mississippi has a time limit, called a statute of limitations, for filing personal injury lawsuits. Generally, you have three years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit.

If you miss this deadline, you usually lose your right to seek compensation through the courts. Act quickly and contact a dog bite lawyer in Mississippi to protect your rights.

What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Attack in Mississippi?

If a dog owner is found responsible for your injuries, you may be able to recover money for the harm you suffered. This payment is called damages. 

Common types of damages in Mississippi dog bite cases include:

  • Medical Bills: This compensation covers everything from emergency room visits and hospital stays to follow-up doctor visits, physical therapy, medications, and any future medical care needed because of the bite, like plastic surgery for scars.
  • Lost Wages: If the injury kept you from working, you could recover your lost income. If the injury affects your ability to earn money in the future, you might also seek compensation for lost earning capacity.
  • Pain and Suffering: This compensates you for the physical pain, discomfort, and emotional distress caused by the dog bite and your injuries.
  • Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites often leave permanent scars. Compensation may be available for the lasting physical changes and their emotional impact.

A dog bite attorney in Mississippi can help determine the full value of your damages based on your situation.

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How Can a Mississippi Dog Bite Lawyer Help?

Navigating the legal system after a serious injury is tough. Dealing with insurance companies alone can be frustrating, as their goal is often to pay out as little as possible. An experienced Mississippi dog bite attorney understands the laws and how to build a strong case.

Here’s what a lawyer handling dog bite cases can do:

  • Explain Your Rights: An attorney can help you understand Mississippi’s laws and how they apply to your specific case.
  • Investigate the Attack: They gather evidence, talk to witnesses, check animal control records, and determine how the bite happened and who is responsible.
  • Handle Insurance Companies: Your lawyer will communicate with the dog owner’s insurance company to protect you from saying something that could hurt your claim.
  • Calculate Your Damages: They work to calculate the full extent of your losses, including future medical needs and pain and suffering.
  • Negotiate a Settlement: Many cases are settled out of court. A dog bite lawyer in Mississippi fights to get you a fair settlement offer.
  • File a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, they can file a lawsuit and represent you in court, making sure all deadlines are met.

Having legal counsel lets you focus on healing while they handle the legal details.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mississippi Dog Bite Claims

What Should I Do To Protect My Rights After a Dog Bite in Mississippi?

After getting medical help, try to gather important information. Write down the dog owner’s name and contact details, and get names and numbers of any witnesses. Take clear pictures of your injuries and the location where the bite happened. 

Report the dog bite to your local animal control or health department. Avoid giving recorded statements to the dog owner’s insurance company without speaking to a Mississippi dog bite lawyer first.

Does the Dog Owner’s Homeowner’s Insurance Usually Cover Dog Bites?

Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies frequently provide liability coverage for injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog, even if the bite happens away from their property. However, some policies exclude certain breeds or dogs with a known history of aggression. 

A Mississippi dog attack attorney can help investigate the owner’s insurance coverage.

What Happens to the Dog if I Make a Claim or File a Lawsuit?

Making an insurance claim or filing a lawsuit is about seeking compensation for your injuries—it doesn’t automatically determine the dog’s fate. 

Local animal control authorities typically decide whether a dog is declared dangerous or needs to be quarantined or if other steps must be taken. 

This usually depends on the severity of the bite, the dog’s history, and local ordinances, not just whether a legal claim is made.

Personal Injury Lawyer

Take Control After a Mississippi Dog Bite

James Helm with Phone and Cash Bag

TopDog Law Personal Injury Lawyers

Mississippi Office

317 E Capitol St suite 200C
Jackson, MS 39201

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