Dog bites can cause serious injury to you or your loved ones. A dog owner may be responsible for protecting the public from its animal when it knows its likelihood of being dangerous. A failure to uphold this duty could create dog bite liability in Southaven for an owner and allow you to seek compensation from them for related injury.
Our knowledgeable dog bite attorneys at The Law Office of David E. Gordon provide experienced representation and advocacy for people with dog bite injuries by pursuing available claims in court. Schedule a free consultation with our team to get started with a potential lawsuit.
The One-Bite Rule
Dog bite liability in Southaven only applies when there is some proof the owner knew the animal had a dangerous disposition and should have reasonably foreseen the likelihood of an attack. In other words, dog bite liability may exist after an owner becomes aware of their dog’s dangerous demeanor, which is why it is commonly referred to as the “one bite” rule.
State courts have further defined what evidence is sufficient to establish a dog’s dangerous behavior, and it includes more than a previous bite incident. Any tendency to injure another person, such as barking or chasing, could also qualify as proof. Dog bite liability cases need evidence to show the owner knew their pet’s dangerous history. Our lawyers at David E. Gordon can assist in the process of investigating liability by engaging with potential witnesses and gathering other available documentation of a dog’s dangerous tendencies.
Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Case
People injured in a dog bite attack can file a civil lawsuit against the owner to recover compensation for damages that result from their injury. Dog bites are painful and traumatic experiences that cause both physical and emotional harm. The compensation available in a case depends on the severity of the dog bite and its effect on the injured party’s life. For example, they may have a right to claim compensation for experienced pain and suffering, medical care costs, lost wages, and other losses.
Comparative Fault Could Affect Compensation
The state’s comparative fault can also impact an injured client’s compensation in a dog bite liability case in Southaven. This statute could diminish an injured person’s compensation if a jury determines they have a percentage of fault for the dog bite. For example, comparative fault could apply if the injured person provoked the dog bite or invited the attack. The Law Office of David E. Gordon can help to manage claims of comparative fault by making available factual arguments or negotiating a potential settlement that limits the risk of an unfavorable judgment from a jury.
Schedule a Free Consultation with The Law Office of David E. Gordon
The state has a three-year statute for filing a personal injury lawsuit, which generally begins the day of the attack. You should consult with an attorney as soon as possible after suffering a dog bite injury to begin the process of evaluating available claims and whether the one-bite rule may apply to your suit for dog bite liability in Southaven. Schedule a free consultation with David E. Gordon today to discuss your case.
