Dog bites could lead to serious injuries that may result in medical bills, lost wages and earning potential, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. When an aggressive or unruly canine attacks you, the owner could be held liable for the animal’s behavior. A seasoned personal injury attorney could help you measure your losses and take the lead in evaluating evidence for a civil case.
By contacting a Marshall County dog bite lawyer at Reaves Law Firm, PLLC, for a consultation, you are taking the first step toward receiving fair compensation for your injuries.
Most states, like Mississippi, follow the “first bite free” law, which lets owners off the hook if it was the dog’s first offense. However, if a dog owner knew of the dog’s propensity for aggression, such as growling or jumping on people, the dog owner can still be liable for the injuries caused during an attack.
Because the law is so complex, and prior evidence of aggression is necessary to be successful, an experienced Marshall County dog bite attorney is essential.
Under Mississippi law, those injured from a dog bite have up to three years from the date of injury to sue for damages. While this may seem like plenty of time, there is a lot a person must do to successfully prove liability in a dog bite case. The necessary steps could involve investigating the bite by examining videos and photos, police reports and witness statements, and gathering medical records.
A proactive dog bite lawyer in Marshall County could assist in building a strong case for damages and argue it on an injured plaintiff’s behalf in court. However, many cases settle out of the court. A skilled legal professional could also negotiate for a settlement with the insurance company on an injured plaintiff’s behalf. The best course of action will depend on the facts of an individual case.
It might be tempting to deal with the insurance company without the advice of legal counsel. However, insurance representatives have experience handling dog bite cases and are prone to offering injured parties lowball settlements that drastically undervalue their cases. Injured individuals could unknowingly accept these settlements, getting far less than they deserve for their injuries.
A well-practiced Marshall County dog attack attorney could handle all dealings with the insurance company on an injured person’s behalf. This could protect the plaintiff from being backed into making statements against their own interest or being otherwise manipulated by insurance company officials.
If you have been bitten by a dog, ensure that you have solid representation as you face the legal process by calling a Marshall County dog bite lawyer for a free consultation. A qualified legal professional at Reaves Law Firm, PLLC, could help you get what you are owed.
