Dogs are a significant part of so many people’s lives here in Mississippi. We use them for hunting, protection, or just to share the couch; dogs genuinely serve as “man’s best friend.” But we all know about dogs that are mistreated or somehow turned out mean. Other dogs are friendly, but lash out when intimidated or threatened. Regardless of the reason, dog bites are an unfortunate fact of life. While some bites are minor, others can be deadly or require extensive plastic surgery to repair. Because of their smaller stature and inexperience, children are frequently dog bite victims, causing scars that may last a lifetime. Because this is a frequent inquiry, I have written the following blog post to describe what you should do if a dog bites you or a loved one.
If you or a loved one was injured as a result of a dog bite, you will need to have experienced personal injury counsel to help you attain your fair share of compensation for your injury, medical treatment, and recovery. Barrett Law has the experience to help you—contact us now at (800) 707-9577.
Can I Receive Compensation for Injuries Related to a Dog Bite?
In Mississippi, dog owners must protect the public from their dogs. When a dog bites, it is the owner’s fault, not the dog’s. So if a dog bites you, you can receive compensation for injuries resulting from the bite. Obviously, it is not worth a lawsuit if a dog simply nips you or causes a scratch, but you deserve compensation for a more severe bite requiring medical care. The only exception to a dog owner’s duty to protect the public from their dog is if you somehow were taunting or violently provoking the dog to the point that it was really your fault that the dog bit you in “self-defense.”
What Should I Do If a Dog Bites Me?
If a dog bites you, call the police. You are not necessarily calling the police because you want the dog’s owner to be arrested. Rather, you want the police, an unbiased third-party, to document the scene and your injuries. A police report carries a tremendous amount of weight in legal matters, as law enforcement officers are trained in observing, photographing and documenting incident scenes in an impartial, emotionless manner.
Once the police have finished documenting your dog bite and the scene, you should seek medical treatment immediately. Dog bites are usually jagged, messy lacerations and often require plastic surgery to avoid irregular scarring. Even if your bite is not severe, for reasons similar to the police report, you want an unbiased medical professional to photograph and describe the severity of your injury. This description will carry much more weight as legal evidence than any story you make, as you are biased towards your self-interest and will be remembering the incident through the lens of trauma.
Finally, if the attack was traumatic, seek counseling. You do not want to spend the rest of your life jumping in fear every time you see a dog. A counselor can help you work through and unwind the trauma so that it does not haunt you for years to come. Counseling is particularly crucial for children, who may blame themselves for the attack.
What Should You Do If A Dog Bite Has Injured You or a Loved One?
If a dog bit you or a loved one, you should seek medical attention immediately and contact an experienced personal injury attorney to begin the process of attaining your fair share of compensation. As I have described above, these cases seem straightforward but can lead to a dead-end if they are left to an inexperienced lawyer. Let experienced counsel take care of preserving medical records, deposing witnesses, and dealing with the defendant’s attorneys. These are essential tasks that only a personal injury attorney can handle for you.
Call Barrett Law now, an experienced Mississippi personal injury law firm, to represent you if you have been bitten by a dog. Contact us now at (800) 707-9577.