Dog bites can result in devastating injuries. When you have suffered injuries from a dog bite, you have the right to seek compensation for your damages. A Gautier dog bite lawyer may be able to assist you in filing a personal injury claim against all potentially liable parties.
Collecting evidence and filing a claim following a dog bite injury can be a lengthy and complicated process without legal help. While you focus on your recovery, legal counsel can focus on protecting your legal rights. An experienced personal injury lawyer can be advantageous to you when pursuing a dog bite injury claim.
Unlike many other states, Mississippi has no specific law that addresses dog bite injuries and the liability of owners for those injuries. Instead, Mississippi is one of only a few states that follows the “one-bite” rule. No legal actions could be taken against a pet owner for their dog’s first attack or bite.
The injured claimant’s Gautier dog bite lawyer must prove that the pet’s owner knew that their dog had a propensity to bite otherwise act viciously. Some types of violent behaviors that might show that the owner knew the dog might bite others include:
Evidence of the vicious propensity of a dog may take many forms. Witnesses to the typical behaviors of the dog, mail carriers who deliver mail to the residence of the dog owner, and neighbors all may be able to give information about the demeanor of the dog. Police reports, insurance claims, and medical records may be available if the dog previously bit someone else.
Furthermore, a dog bite lawyer in Gautier may be able to base a negligence claim on the failure of a pet’s owner to comply with municipal leash laws. If the dog owner allowed the pet to roam neighborhoods free and off a leash, then they may face liability. Dog owners also may be liable if they did not take appropriate measures to keep the pet enclosed in a fence or kennel while outdoors.
Nonetheless, success in these claims still may require proof that the dog had a violent history or that the owner should have known that the pet would bite others. Due to this legal requirement, a dog bite attorney in Gautier knows that these claims could be quite challenging.
Other complicating factors that can arise in dog bite claims include the location of the attack and the actions of the injury victim. For instance, if the dog bit persons who had no legal right to be on private property, the owner likely will not be liable. Similarly, if the injured party was provoking the dog in any way at the time of the bite, such as by hitting them with a stick, then the owner likely may not be held liable.
Additionally, each municipality and county has ordinances that regulate dogs and may affect their individual case and circumstances. Those who have been injured due to a dangerous animal should reach out to an experienced Gautier Dog Bite Lawyer to learn about the laws regarding dangerous pets.
Under state law, if a dog has never bitten anyone or acted viciously before, their owner may not be liable for any resulting injuries. Other factors may preclude liability, as well. As a result, getting the assistance of a Gautier dog bite lawyer can be crucial to your ability to recover any damages in a personal injury claim.
Dog bites and attacks can cause long-lasting and life-altering injuries. Since there are legal deadlines for all personal injury claims, individuals who have suffered injuries in a dog attack should contact legal counsel as quickly as possible following the incident. Doing so may give them a better chance of being able to effectively bring a personal injury claim against the owners of the dog. Call today to schedule a consultation.