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Dog Bite Attorney in Flowood, Mississippi

A dog bite can come out of nowhere to disrupt your life. No matter the specifics of the incident, you deserve the full protection of your legal rights after such a personal injury. 

At The Stutzman Law Firm, PLLC, a personal injury attorney is ready to help you pursue the compensation–and peace of mind–you deserve. If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Flowood or anywhere else in Mississippi, set up a consultation with Ronald E. Stutzman, Jr. He’s proud to serve individuals not only in Flowood, but also in Brandon, Clinton, Pearl, Richland, and all of Rankin County.  

Mississippi Dog Bite Laws 

It’s important to note that dog bite laws vary from state to state. In Mississippi, the specifics of dog bite law are actually left up to the municipalities. There’s no wide-sweeping law regarding dog bites per se. That being said, like some other states, Mississippi does follow the “one bite” rule.  

This rule essentially means that depending upon the circumstances, an owner may be held liable for someone’s injuries the very first time their dog bites or attacks someone. A good dog bite attorney can interview people who know the dog and its owner in an effort to prove liability and negligence.  

After a Dog Bite
Contact an Attorney

Liability in a Dog Bite Case 

‘Liability’, in this situation, means that the dog owner is legally responsible for what happened. ‘Negligence’ means that the dog owner did not do something to prevent the bite or the attack. Examples of negligence might include not using a leash and not keeping a known vicious dog away from others. 

What to Do If You Are Bitten or Attacked by a Dog 

First things first: if you or your child are bitten or attacked by a dog, be very careful what you say to the people at the scene and to the people in your life. Social media is not your friend in these situations.  

Document everything that you can, ideally through photos and videos. Call the Rankin County Sheriff’s Office, or your applicable Sheriff's office, and make a report. Be sure to get any and all medical treatment that you need. 

Always be careful what you say, even to doctors. Any expressions of sympathy for the dog or apologizing for the situation may come back to haunt you. Though pure comparative negligence laws apply in Mississippi (meaning you can be partially at fault for an injury but still receive money for your damages), it is best to have little or no fault assigned to you. 

Pursuing Compensation for a Dog Bite 

What happens next depends on whether you are fighting for your own rights or a loved one died—such as was the tragic case of one-year-old Lola Jade Farr in Marion County who was killed in 2022 by a family member’s pit bull. No matter the situation, it’s vital to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible. 

A dog bite attorney will take your case on a contingency basis, which means that they don’t get paid until you do. Your personal injury attorney and their staff will work hard to maximize your chances of getting justice for your pain, suffering, and various other losses. 

How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Flowood, Mississippi? 

While the statute of limitations (the legal time limit to file a lawsuit) is three years in Mississippi, it serves you best to talk to a dog bite attorney as soon as possible. The memories of witnesses can fade over time, and dealing with the insurance companies on your own can be a nightmare. It’s something you shouldn’t have to go through alone.  

With a hard-working personal injury attorney on your side, you can focus on your recovery or the recovery of your loved one. Your lawyer and their staff will devote their energy to negotiating with the insurance companies as well as filing any necessary lawsuits. 

Dog Bite Attorney in Flowood, Mississippi

Ronald E. Stutzman, Jr. was in his last year of law school when his truck was destroyed in an accident caused by someone else. Dealing with the insurance companies was so overwhelming that Ronald decided to start The Stutzman Law Firm, PLLC. He’s ready to stand by your side in the case of a dog bite or any other personal injury in Mississippi. Set up an appointment today.