Meridian Dog Bite Lawyer
Bitten or Attacked by a Dog in Meridian, Mississippi?
Dog attacks can cause serious and lasting injuries. Mississippi is only 1 of 4 states that does not have a dog-bite statute, so these cases are decided under court-made rules that favor the dog owner unless the victim’s lawyer can show a previous bite or can prove that the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous propensity. The Hamilton Law Firm handles dog bite and animal attack claims from our office at 911 26th Avenue in Meridian as part of our Meridian personal injury practice.
Mississippi’s “Dangerous Propensity” Rule
In Mississippi, a dog-bite victim must prove that the animal showed some dangerous propensity before the attack, that the owner either knew about or should reasonably have known of it. This is often called the “one-bite rule,” but that is a misnomer, as a prior bite is not required. Growling, lunging, snapping, chasing people or other animals, being kept as a guard dog, “Beware of Dog” signs, and complaints from neighbors or mail delivery or other delivery personnel can all establish that the owner was on notice of a dog’s dangerous propensity.
Negligence and Local Leash Laws
Separately from the dangerous-propensity rule, a dog owner can be liable for ordinary negligence – letting a dog run loose, failing to secure a gate, or walking a large dog without control. Mississippi has no statewide leash law, but Meridian and Lauderdale County have animal-control ordinances, and violating an ordinance that was meant to protect the public is evidence of negligence. We obtain animal-control records, prior complaints and any bite reports to the Lauderdale County Health Department.
Who Pays
Most dog-bite claims are paid by the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance liability coverage, even when the attack happened away from home. Where the owner is a tenant, the landlord’s policy may also be involved. Identifying every available policy early is one of the most important things we do.
Injuries We See in Dog Attack Cases
- Facial and hand lacerations requiring plastic surgery and leaving permanent scars.
- Nerve, tendon and ligament damage in the hands, arms and legs.
- Fractures and crush injuries from large-breed attacks.
- Infection, including cellulitis and sepsis, and rabies-exposure treatment.
- Post-traumatic stress and fear of animals, particularly in children.
- Injuries from falls while fleeing a charging dog – which Mississippi courts recognize as a dangerous-propensity claim even without a bite
What To Do After a Dog Bite
- Get medical treatment immediately; bites infect quickly, and your records will prove the injury.
- Identify the dog and its owner, and get the names of witnesses.
- Report the bite to Meridian Animal Control or the Lauderdale County Sheriff so there is an official record and the dog’s vaccination status is checked.
- Photograph your injuries every few days as they heal, and photograph the scene, fence or gate.
- Do not accept an offer from the owner or an insurer before you know the full extent of scarring and treatment.
Meridian Dog Bite FAQs
What if my child was bitten?
Children are the most frequent victims and are often bitten on the face. Facial scarring on a child is among the most significant injuries in a dog-bite case. We obtain a plastic surgeon’s opinion on future revision procedures, document the scar as it matures, and account for the emotional impact. Settlements for minors require court approval, which protects the child’s recovery, and the limitations period is tolled during minority.
The dog was running loose and I was attacked on the street. Does that change anything?
It helps. Letting a dog run at large in violation of a local ordinance is evidence of negligence on its own, apart from what the owner knew about the dog’s temperament.
Will the dog be put down if I make a claim?
A civil claim does not decide the dog’s fate; that is up to animal control and local ordinances. Many clients worry about this, and it is not a reason to forgo a claim for your own injuries.
I was bitten at a friend’s or relative’s house. Do I really have to make a claim against them?
The claim is against their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, which exists for exactly this situation. Most people are relieved to learn their policy, not their pocket, pays, and that your medical bills and scarring will be covered.
The dog belonged to a tenant. Is the landlord responsible?
It depends on what the landlord knew and controlled. Mississippi courts have allowed claims against a property owner who knew dogs on the premises were dangerous and failed to act. We evaluate both the tenant’s and the landlord’s coverage.
I was bitten while working — delivering a package, reading a meter, doing a service call. What are my options?
You likely have both a workers’ compensation claim through your employer and a separate claim against the dog’s owner. The two work together, and the owner’s claim can recover pain, suffering and scarring that workers’ compensation does not.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Mississippi?
Generally three years from the attack under Miss. Code § 15-1-49. Evidence of the owner’s prior knowledge is easiest to gather right away, so call R. Kevin Hamilton at (601) 693-5548 or contact us online. There is no fee unless we win, and our results speak for themselves.
