Dog Bite Attorney In Hattiesburg
Many people in the Hattiesburg area own dogs, and most people regularly have positive interactions with dogs. Fields of Barktopia and Petal Dog Park are popular dog parks in the area, and you may interact with friends, neighbors, and family members’ dogs on a regular basis without issue. However, dog attacks can happen unexpectedly, and it will be crucial to speak with a Hattiesburg dog bite lawyer right away if you are hurt in a dog attack.
Representing Victims of Dog Attacks in Hattiesburg, MS
WaideLaw can provide responsive legal representation when you need it most for a dog bite case in Hattiesburg. Daniel Waide is a lifelong member of the Hattiesburg community and has become a prominent community figure. In addition to sponsoring youth sports programs and local health initiatives, Daniel is also the executive chair for the employment law section of the Mississippi Bar and provides compassionate legal counsel to victims of all types of personal injuries.
Aiming to live the virtues described in Isaiah 1:17, Daniel Waide fights on behalf of the injured, seeking justice and accountability for those who have caused harm through negligence and misconduct. If you have been hurt in a dog attack, you may have grounds for legal recourse under Mississippi’s dog bite laws. WaideLaw can help you understand your legal options and pursue compensation for your damages.
Building Your Dog Bite Case in Hattiesburg
In a personal injury case, the injured victim must identify the party responsible for causing their injury and prove the full extent of their resulting damages to succeed with the case. The same principles apply in a dog bite case, but Mississippi enforces a one-bite rule. This means that a dog owner cannot be liable for the first time their dog bites someone if they had no reason to believe their dog could be dangerous.
Once a dog has bitten someone in Mississippi, animal control authorities will determine whether it is safe to release the dog back to its owner. If a dog has bitten someone, the owner will be required to follow specific instructions and take appropriate steps to ensure the dog cannot bite anyone again. If they fail to meet these responsibilities, they will be fully liable for any further harm their pet causes to anyone in an unprovoked attack.
According to various sources across the United States, homeowners paid out more than $1.5 billion in liability claims related to dog attacks in 2024. Every day in the United States, more than 1,000 people are treated in emergency rooms for nonfatal dog bite injuries, and more than 4.5 million bites occur each year throughout the country.
While any dog can potentially bite and injure someone, dog bite data from recent years indicates that pit bull breeds are especially dangerous. Pit bulls not only bite more than every other dog, but they are also responsible for more fatal dog attacks than all other breeds combined. In Mississippi, if a dog is known to be dangerous, the owner is not protected by the one-bite rule and can be held liable for any injuries their pet causes.
Your Hattiesburg dog bite lawyer at WaideLaw can help you gather evidence to prove that the dog owner is responsible for the attack. If the one-bite defense is raised, we may be able to help you prove that the dog owner knew or reasonably should have known their dog was dangerous, so you can hold them accountable for your damages.
A successful dog bite case in Hattiesburg could potentially yield compensation for all medical expenses related to the accident, repayment of lost wages if you are unable to work for an extended time due to your injuries, and compensation for the pain and suffering you experienced. Hire a dog bite lawyer at your first opportunity after the attack so they can immediately begin building your case.
FAQs
What Happens to the Dog After it Bites Someone in Hattiesburg?
After a dog bites someone in Hattiesburg, the dog may be quarantined and examined by local animal control authorities. If the dog is deemed dangerous, the owner could face a fine, and the dog is likely to be euthanized if the team examining the dog determines that it poses a health and safety risk. If the dog is released back to the owner, the owner must follow strict rules to avoid liability for future attacks.
How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Dog Bite in Hattiesburg?
The amount of compensation you can claim for a dog bite in Hattiesburg depends on several factors, such as the severity of your injuries and whether the dog has bitten someone in the past. Mississippi’s one-bite rule generally means that a dog owner is only liable for a bite if their dog is known to be dangerous, in which case the dog owner would be liable for the victim’s medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
What Are Defenses in a Dog Bite Case in Mississippi?
Potential defenses in a dog bite case in Mississippi could be provocation and trespassing. A dog owner would not be liable for their dog injuring a trespasser or an intruder. Additionally, the dog’s owner cannot be liable for an attack if the victim provoked the dog in some way, such as by abusing the dog or attacking the dog’s owner.
Why Should I Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?
You should hire a dog bite lawyer because your case could be more challenging than you initially expected. You could contend with the one-bite rule and need help holding the dog owner accountable for your damages. It is also possible to face unexpected complications as your case unfolds, and you will have a much better chance of maximizing your recovery if you have experienced legal counsel on your side.
WaideLaw can provide compassionate and responsive legal counsel for your dog bite case in Hattiesburg. Our firm has successfully resolved many complex personal injury cases on behalf of past clients, and we know the challenges you might encounter in a dog bite case. Contact our team today to schedule a consultation with a Hattiesburg dog bite lawyer. We look forward to helping you win your case.
