Biloxi Dog Bite Lawyer

For many, pets are not just animals, but a part of the family. But unfortunately, even these lovable companions can attack, causing serious injuries to others. Sometimes, this happens due to the negligence of the pet owner.

If a dog hurt you, you can seek compensation for your related damages. At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, we are here to help guide you through the recovery process.

When you’re injured due to someone else’s negligence, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the financial burden by yourself. Find out how our Biloxi dog bite lawyer can assist with your claim.

A dog bite can turn an ordinary day into a painful and stressful ordeal. While some may seem minor, others can cause serious, lasting injuries. According to data in a study by Craniomaxillofacial Trauma & Reconstruction, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, and out of that, 885,000 require medical attention.

These bites are often more than just cuts and bruises. They can lead to deep puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, and even life-altering physical and emotional damage.

Unfortunately, many victims struggle with anxiety, fear of dogs, and even post-traumatic stress. Some of the most common injuries sustained in these incidents include:

• Puncture wounds
• Lacerations
• Infections
• Broken bones
• Scarring and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Biloxi, you may be facing weeks or even months of medical treatment, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and follow-up appointments. All that costs money, and you should not have to pay because of someone’s negligence.

While the dog’s owner is often the main party responsible, others may sometimes share responsibility. Here is a breakdown of who may be liable for a dog attack:

The Dog’s Owner

Dog owners have a responsibility to control their pets and prevent them from causing harm to others. A responsible owner will:

• Secure the dog in a fenced yard
• Use a leash in public spaces
• Take extra precautions if the dog has shown aggressive tendencies in the past

Failing to do so can make the owner liable for any injuries caused by their dog. Keep in mind that the owner can argue that the victim provoked the dog or trespassed on their private property.

The Dog’s Handler

In some cases, the dog may have been under the control of someone other than the owner at the time of the attack. Many people employ a professional dog walker or trainer to walk their pet. In some cases, even a friend or owner’s family member may be in control of the dog.

However, if the dog attacks, then that individual might share liability. These handlers are expected to exercise reasonable care in controlling the dog and preventing injuries.

For example, if a dog walker failed to properly leash the dog in a public area, allowing it to attack someone, they could be held responsible for negligence. Also, a trainer who mishandles a dog during a session may also face liability if their actions directly contributed to the bite.

Property Owners

If the attack occurred on private property, the owner could be partially or fully liable for the incident. This can happen if the dog is not properly restrained or the property owner fails to warn visitors about a potentially dangerous dog.

In cases involving rental properties, the landlord may also bear responsibility if they were aware of a tenant’s dangerous dog but failed to enforce restrictions or remove the animal from the location.

Businesses or Organizations

In some situations, these entities may also be liable for a dog bite injury. When a pet bites someone at a dog-friendly establishment, such as a cafe or pet store, the business owner could be held accountable if they failed to maintain a safe environment.

Dog parks are another concern. If an attack occurs at a dog park managed by a private company or nonprofit organization, the party in charge may face liability.

By exploring every avenue of liability, a Biloxi dog bite lawyer makes sure that no potential source of compensation is overlooked.

While it may seem like a small bite, these injuries can make an impact on your life and finances. Depending on your situation, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Emergency room visits, surgeries, doctor’s appointments, medications, and rehabilitation costs.
• The time you’ve missed on the job due to the injury.
• The physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack.
• Visible scars or permanent disfigurement that have long-term effects on your appearance.
• Anxiety, PTSD, or fear of dogs as a result of the bite.

You will not know the full extent of your injuries without consultation with our Biloxi dog bite lawyer. After discussing your case, they can get a better picture of the possible recovery damages for your case.

Mississippi follows the “one bite rule.” That means a dog owner may not be held strictly liable for a dog bite unless:

• The owner must have known or reasonably should have known that their dog had dangerous tendencies, such as a prior bite or aggressive behavior.
• Even if the dog had no prior incidents, the owner could still be liable if they acted negligently.

Dog owners in Mississippi have a duty to take reasonable measures with their dogs and prevent them from injuring others.

If an owner breaches this duty and the breach leads to a bite or injury, they can be held liable for damages.

What if you were partially at fault? Then, the pure comparative negligence system can apply. In these cases, if the victim’s actions contributed to the incident, such as provoking the dog, compensation may be reduced by their percentage of fault.

Dog bite injuries can leave you with more than just physical wounds. These injuries can affect your emotional well-being and your financial future. If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Biloxi, you deserve to have your injuries compensated.

Working with a Biloxi dog bite lawyer lets you focus on healing while knowing that an experienced advocate is fighting for you.

Whether negotiating with insurance companies or taking your case to court, the team at Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, will be your trusted legal advocate. Schedule a consultation to learn more.