Mississippi is full of dog owners and dog lovers. Pets in many households are like furry members of the family. In this environment, it can be hard to remember that any dog can still bite under the right (or wrong) circumstances. Almost no one expects their pet to bite someone, but each dog has its triggers and limits that might lead to an unexpected attack, sometimes with tragic consequences.
Understanding the common causes of dog bites in Southaven can help prevent these attacks from happening. However, if you or someone you love has suffered from a dog bite, it is important to reach out to an experienced dog injury attorney. You may be entitled to compensation from the dog’s owner to help you pay for doctor visits and other medical bills as well as your pain and suffering.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
When a beloved pet bites, it can feel like it comes out of nowhere. However, there are almost always warning signs if you know what to look for. Warning signs that a dog might bite include barking, growling, or snapping without making contact with a person. The posture of the dog’s body may also communicate that they feel threatened or uncomfortable.
It is also important to be familiar with the main triggers that prompt a normally nonaggressive dog to bite. The first trigger is fear. A dog that is afraid is much more likely to feel that biting is their best option, especially if they are cornered. Closely connected to that is another trigger, which is being startled or surprised. In these cases, the dog’s instincts may kick in, causing them to bite even if they are usually even-tempered. A dog that is injured or in pain may also bite more readily, just like humans are more likely to snap at others when they are not feeling well. Owners in Southaven who know that their dog is easily startled or who have an injured dog should warn others about these traits to prevent biting incidents.
Many people appreciate that their dogs are protective of children in the family and sometimes even purchase dog breeds known to be guard dogs or watch dogs. A dog may feel pressured to bite someone that they mistakenly believe is threatening a child or other family member. One way to prevent this reaction is to take the time to introduce the dog to any new people in the presence of an adult the dog trusts. For example, the owner should introduce the dog to a new babysitter and spend some time with them together before leaving the dog and children alone with the babysitter. Otherwise, the dog may perceive the babysitter as a threat and bite them when the owner leaves, believing them to be a threat to the children of the household.
Dogs may also demonstrate protecting or guarding behavior around treats or food, especially if they think that food is being removed unexpectedly. Dogs may also be spurred to bite by certain types of play, especially puppies or younger dogs. It is important to explain this to guests, neighbors, and others who might interact with pets, especially children.
Mississippi Breed-Specific Dog Bite Laws
Owners of certain breeds that have been identified as “potentially dangerous,” such as pit bulls, may face stricter requirements regarding how their dogs are restrained and housed.
Regardless of breed type, a dog may also be considered potentially dangerous if it severely injured people or animals on or off the owner’s property without provocation in the past, or if it demonstrates a pattern of attacking people or animals. If one of these types of dogs was involved in your attack, our proactive attorneys will investigate whether or not the dog’s owners were complying with the relevant regulations.
Contact a Southaven Lawyer for Help with Your Dog Bite Case
If you or a loved one has suffered because of a dog bite, or if you are worried about an incident that occurred with your own dog, you need to talk to an attorney. You may need to file a personal injury suit to get compensation for your medical bills and the pain and suffering that go along with an unexpected animal attack.
A lawyer familiar with the common causes of dog bites in Southaven can discuss your case with you and inform you of your legal rights and options. Working with the right legal team can give you the peace of mind you deserve after dealing with a serious injury. Call The Law Office of David E. Gordon today to schedule a free consultation with one of our dedicated legal professionals.
