Getting bitten by a dog or any animal could be a terrifying experience. Even a bite that initially appears to be minor could pose the threat of infection and other medical complications. For this reason, it is essential for dog bite victims to seek emergency medical care as soon as possible. After getting the medical care you need, you should seek legal help from an Ocean Springs dog bite lawyer.
If you or a loved one have were injured due to the negligence of a dog owner, you may be eligible to seek compensation. Documentation of all injuries is crucial to a dog bite claim. Allow a seasoned personal injury attorney to gather evidence and speak to medical professionals to support your claim. While a skilled lawyer works on your financial recovery, you could focus on your physical recovery.
Getting medical treatment, following a dog attack, should be a priority. Having medical documentation concerning any injuries could help a knowledgeable attorney prove the extent of the victim’s injuries in court. Similarly, employment records could be useful in demonstrating any loss of income resulting from the injuries.
Typically, individuals who have been bitten by a dog may be able to recover compensation for their injuries and damages. Victims could recover compensation for their economic losses such as costs for all medical expenses, cost of surgical procedures, lost wages and lost earning capacity.
The injured party may also be eligible to recover compensation for their non-economic damages as well. Non-economic damages do not have a quantifiable value. These could include emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium as well as pain and suffering.
A dog bite lawyer in Ocean Springs could assess the injured individual’s losses and determining the various types of damages they may be eligible to recover.
While some states impose strict liability on dog owners, Mississippi follows the one bite rule. This rule means that a dog owner could be held responsible for any injuries or damages if they knew the dog had the propensity to attack or had previously bitten another individual before. Also, if the dog owner was able to foresee an attack, they could be held liable.
It is best to consult with a skilled animal bite attorney in Ocean Springs who could assist them in obtaining the incident report and any reports relating to prior attacks.
In the State of Mississippi, individuals have a deadline to file their personal injury claims. Injured individuals have here years to file their claim. Failure to file the lawsuit promptly could affect an individual’s right to recover compensation from the negligent dog owner. A skilled lawyer could help ensure all claims and supporting documentation are filed within the statute of limitations.
A dog bite could have unforeseen consequences such as tremendous financial burdens as well as physical and emotional hardships. Seek legal guidance to help you hold the dog owner responsible for your injuries.
Speak with an Ocean Springs dog bite lawyer to learn about how you may be eligible to seek compensation from a negligent animal owner. Call today to schedule a consultation.