Dogs have a long history as our loyal and loving companions. Unfortunately, despite this close relationship, there are times when dogs attack innocent people, and the consequences can be dire. Depending on the dog’s size and the circumstances surrounding the attack, the injuries that stem from a dog bite can range in severity.
If you have suffered serious injuries from a dog attack, a Southaven dog bite lawyer can help you recover the compensation that the law affords. Board-certified personal injury attorney David E. Gordon can help you pursue the maximum possible amount of compensation available to you.
Types of Injuries Arising from Dog Bites
Dogs can come in varying shapes, sizes, and breeds, which means that they will also vary in strength and aggression. Many injuries can result from dog bite attacks, with the most common being:
- Scratches
- Scars
- Broken bones
- Puncture wounds
- Face injuries
- Neck injuries
No matter what type of injury the attack has caused, David can help determine the best course of legal action to proceed.
Laws Surrounding Dog Bites in Southaven
There are a few different rules governing dog bite litigation that an injured person must be aware of when they begin their claim.
“One Bite Rule”
In Mississippi, there are no specific statutes that govern dog bites. A person can seek a financial award from this type of incident under the general negligence rules. However, since there is no legislation surrounding dog bites, Mississippi observes the “one bite” rule. In other words, for an owner of a dog to be held liable for the injuries caused by a dog bite, they must have been previously aware of the dangerous propensities of the dog. An injured person must show the following in order to make a financial recovery in a dog bite action:
- The dog had dangerous or aggressive propensities before the attack
- The owner should have been aware of these dangerous propensities
- The owner should have known that the attack was foreseeable
If a local dog bite attorney cannot show all of the above, then a successful claim for a dog bite attack may be more difficult. The Law Office of David E. Gordon thoroughly investigates dog bite cases to determine whether the dog had previously attacked someone else, has a history of aggressive behavior, fights with other animals, growls at visitors, et cetera. This history can help establish the dog owner’s knowledge required to satisfy the requirements and prove liability for the attack.
Statute of Limitations
Since no specific legislation governs dog bites in Mississippi, the general rules for negligence claims will apply. As with all other personal injury cases, the client must file their claim within the timeframe set by the state’s law. This timeframe is known as the Statute of Limitations. In Mississippi, the deadline in which a client must file a lawsuit is three years from the date of the attack.
Available Compensation from a Dog Bite Lawsuit
There is an array of compensation that a Southaven animal attack lawyer can pursue, depending on the severity of the injury and nature of the attack. Some of the damages which are available are:
- Medical bills
- Loss of income
- Loss of future earnings
- Physical pain and suffering
- Emotional pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Loss of consortium
A person might not always know what kind of compensatory awards they are entitled to, which is why it is wise to speak with legal counsel.
Call a Southaven Dog Bite Attorney for Guidance
If you have been bitten by a dog or some other domesticated animal, you might be confused about the specifics of dog bite claims. Call a Southaven dog bite lawyer from the Law Office of David E. Gordon. They can review your case and advise you as to your likelihood of success, as well as the possible compensation you could receive.
