Gulfport Dog Bite Lawyer

It has been estimated that humans started sharing their lives with dogs over 12,000 years ago. In return for food and shelter, dogs provide us with unconditional love. According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), over 61 million Americans own dogs.

The AVMA also found that 4.5 million people are bitten by those same dogs annually. Of that number, less than a million bite victims seek medical care. Unfortunately, half of that number of bite victims are children under 12.

A dog bite is equal parts painful and traumatic. It can leave a scar and create a fear of dogs. The victims of a dog bite attack are entitled to seek compensation for their financial losses and emotional distress.

At Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, we are here to lend our support. Assigning liability in these instances can be challenging, with the dog owner attempting to shift blame away from their pet and onto the victim, even the younger victims. We understand what it takes to prevail in these types of cases and have been providing that kind of guidance and support for over forty years.

If you or someone in your family has been the victim of a dog attack, reach out to our Gulfport dog bite lawyer.

Dog injuries can involve more than trauma to your skin. In the incident, you could fall, leading to fractures, head trauma, and other injuries. All of those injuries can result in significant medical expenses and lost wages.

Many victims of dog bite attacks assume the owner should be held liable for any damages. However, Mississippi uses the “one free bite” approach. That allows the dog owner to get off the hook if their dog bites someone. The only exception would be if the dog owner is aware of the dog’s history of aggressive behavior. In that scenario, the dog owner could be held liable.

That aggressive behavior doesn’t have to be a dog bite. The Mississippi Supreme Court defined “aggressive behavior” as growling, snarling, or snapping at someone. In that regard, your Gulfport dog bite lawyer could successfully argue that if you encounter a dog being walked by their owner who growls and snaps at you as you pass by, that owner could be liable if you are bitten at that moment.

If a dog bites you, you need to seek immediate medical attention. That will start the documentation that can support your claim. You should also take photos of your injuries for additional evidence. Next, you need to speak with an experienced Gulfport dog bite lawyer to determine if you have a claim.

If you set up a consultation with Owen, Owen & Smith, PLLC, we’ll guide you in determining the best way forward with your claim. That begins with asking the following questions:

Why did the dog attack you?

Dogs sometimes lash out when they feel threatened or when they are protecting humans they believe are being threatened. Were you visiting someone’s home when the attack occurred? Did the owner warn you about the dog?

Where did the dog come from?

You also need to establish where the dog came from. Did it break away from a fenced-in property?

Was the owner in control of the dog?

The Harris Country ordinance for dog owners is that it is “unlawful for any person to permit any animal to run at large within the county limits. An animal is deemed to be running at large when it is on a street or public property unless the animal is under the control, custody charge, or possession of the owner or custodian of said animal.”

If the owner was walking the dog without a leash, it would be considered “running at large,” which could make them liable for the attack. Was there anything the owner could have done to prevent the attack?

Were you seriously injured?

We need to know the extent of your injuries. Did the injuries keep you from going back to work for a period of time? Did you require stitches? Did you need to have rabies prevention inoculation?

These are all the factors you must consider when determining the validity of your claim.

Once it has been established the dog owner is responsible for the dog bite, you can pursue a claim. That initial claim can be made against the homeowners’ insurance. Most homeowners’ insurance policy requires dog owners to carry an addendum that is specific to potential dog bites.

When an insurance company gets involved, they will work hard to deny the claim outright. A dog attack can be an instance where they could assign blame to the victim. That is why it is essential for you and your Gulfport dog bite lawyer to build a strong defense based on the evidence, including the dog’s history.

What if the owner lacks homeowner’s insurance covering dog bites? Any insurance company will only pay a settlement based on what the policy dictates. If there is no provision for dog bites, the insurance company isn’t going to be involved in the claim. In that case, you and your attorney may opt to file a personal injury lawsuit directly against the dog owner. That would mean your case would be resolved by a jury who would determine the amount of your final settlement.