Southaven Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog attacks are sudden, painful, and often traumatic. Whether you were bitten in a quiet Southaven neighborhood or while walking through a park in DeSoto County, the aftermath of a dog attack can be physically and emotionally overwhelming. At a time when you should be focused on healing, you’re often left dealing with medical bills, missed work, and unanswered questions about your rights.
At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, our dog attack lawyers help victims of dog bites take back control. With more than 50 years of combined legal experience, our team brings large-firm results with the small-firm dedication you deserve.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury by a dog in Southaven, MS, or the surrounding area, our dog bite attorneys are here to fight for fair compensation and accountability.
Understanding Mississippi Dog Bite Laws
Mississippi does not follow a strict liability approach like some other states. Instead, it applies the “One Bite Rule,” which means a dog owner may only be held liable if they knew or should have known that their dog had a tendency to bite or act aggressively.
This rule is rooted in the idea that owners aren’t automatically responsible for a dog’s actions unless there is prior evidence of dangerous behavior. However, victims can still recover compensation under several legal theories:
- Negligence: If the dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care, such as allowing a dog to roam off-leash near a public sidewalk, and that negligence caused the injury.
- Negligence per se: If a dog owner violated a local ordinance (like leash laws or containment requirements), this can automatically establish fault.
- Scienter: This Latin term refers to a person’s knowledge of wrongdoing. If the owner knew the dog had aggressive tendencies or had previously bitten someone, they can be held strictly liable.
- Intentional tort: In rare cases, if the owner purposely allowed or ordered a dog to attack someone, this can lead to punitive damages.
The challenges of these laws means that victims need a dog bite attorney in Southaven, MS, who understands the legal challenges and can build a strong case around available evidence.
Local Ordinances in Southaven and DeSoto County
While Mississippi has no statewide leash law, local municipalities—including Southaven and DeSoto County—have specific regulations governing the control of animals.
Southaven Ordinances
Southaven’s Code of Ordinances mandates that dogs must be kept under restraint at all times. This includes being confined to the owner’s property or being on a leash while in public. If a dog is found running at large, the owner may be cited—and if a bite results, that violation can be used as proof of negligence.
In addition, Southaven classifies certain dogs as “dangerous animals,” and these require stricter containment, signage, and in some cases, liability insurance.
DeSoto County Regulations
DeSoto County has similar guidelines regarding animal control. Owners of dogs that have previously bitten someone or shown aggressive behavior may be required to comply with enhanced safety protocols. These include secure fencing, warning signs, and even muzzling in public areas.
Violating these ordinances can significantly strengthen a personal injury claim. A Southaven dog attack lawyer can use these breaches as leverage to argue that the dog owner failed in their legal duty to prevent harm.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident
Dog attacks are traumatic experiences that can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. What you do in the moments and days after a dog bite can significantly affect both your recovery and your ability to pursue compensation. If you or your child is bitten, act quickly and deliberately.
Prioritize Medical Care
The first and most important step is to seek immediate medical attention. Even a bite that looks minor on the surface can lead to serious complications, including infection, muscle or nerve damage, and long-term scarring. Medical professionals will clean the wound, assess for rabies or tetanus risk, and provide documentation that will be vital if you pursue a personal injury claim.
Follow all instructions from your healthcare provider. Attend follow-up appointments and keep a detailed record of all treatment received. These records serve as critical evidence when proving the extent of your injuries and related damages.
Preserve Physical Evidence
If you’re able, document everything about the incident as soon as possible. Take clear photographs of your injuries, torn or bloodied clothing, and the surrounding environment. If the dog was unrestrained, try to capture a photo or video of its behavior or the lack of containment measures (like a broken fence or open gate).
Make note of the exact time and location of the attack, as well as any visible identifiers on the dog, such as a collar, tags, or breed type. All of these details can help support your claim later on.
File an Official Report
You should report the attack to the Southaven Animal Control Office or the DeSoto County Sheriff’s Department as soon as possible. Filing a report ensures the incident is officially recorded and may trigger an investigation into the dog’s behavior or the owner’s negligence.
An official report also helps establish a chain of accountability. If the same dog bites someone again or has a history of aggression, these records will play a vital role in proving that the owner should have known the dog posed a danger.
Identify and Interview Witnesses
Eyewitness accounts can be a powerful tool in any personal injury case. If others saw the attack or were present immediately afterward, ask for their names and contact information. Their statements can provide an objective account of what happened and help confirm key details, such as whether the dog was on a leash or whether you were acting peacefully when the attack occurred.
If possible, jot down their recollections while they’re still fresh, or ask them to send a written summary of what they saw. Your dog bite lawyer in Southaven can then follow up with formal interviews or affidavits as needed.
Do Not Speak to the Insurance Company Alone
Soon after the incident, the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company may reach out to you. While their approach may seem friendly or cooperative, their primary goal is to protect their policyholder and minimize payouts.
Avoid making any recorded statements or signing any documents until you’ve spoken with a qualified dog bite attorney in Southaven or DeSoto County. Insurance adjusters may try to use your words against you or offer a lowball settlement in exchange for waiving your right to pursue further compensation.
Taking these steps quickly not only protects your health but also puts you in the strongest position to build a compelling personal injury claim. At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, our dog attack attorneys help clients handle every step after a dog bite. If you’re unsure what to do next, contact us for a free consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and determine the best way to move forward.
Potential Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Dog attacks and bites can result in thousands of dollars in damages, not to mention emotional trauma that lingers long after the wounds heal. The physical injuries alone can be serious, ranging from puncture wounds and nerve damage to permanent scarring and disfigurement. But the impact of a dog bite often extends far beyond the surface. Victims frequently experience anxiety, fear of animals, depression, and other psychological effects, especially if the victim is a child.
With the help of one of our qualified dog bite lawyers in Southaven, you may be entitled to pursue compensation in several key areas:
Medical Bills
This includes emergency room visits, stitches, antibiotics, surgeries, hospital stays, physical therapy, psychological counseling, reconstructive procedures, and any ongoing or future medical care related to the attack.
Lost Income
If you missed work because of your injury or required time off for recovery, you can claim lost income. If your ability to return to work is limited due to disability, long-term pain, or trauma, you may also be compensated for loss of future earning capacity.
Pain and Suffering
Mississippi law recognizes the need to compensate victims for non-economic damages, including physical pain, emotional distress, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and post-traumatic stress. These damages can be significant in dog bite cases involving children or facial injuries.
Property Damage
If a dog attack caused damage to your personal belongings, such as a torn jacket, damaged phone, broken glasses, or bicycle, those repair or replacement costs can also be included in your claim.
Punitive Damages (in rare cases)
If the dog owner acted with extreme negligence or malicious intent, such as encouraging the attack or knowingly violating leash laws, punitive damages may be awarded to punish the behavior and deter future incidents.
At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, we work closely with medical professionals, economists, and mental health experts to fully value the impact of a dog attack. Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation you need to move forward with healing and security.
Why Choose Stroud, Flechas & Dalton for Your Dog Bite Case?
At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, we’re not just dog attack lawyers—we’re your neighbors, and we’ve dedicated our careers to serving the people of this state with integrity and purpose.
Local Roots, Proven Results
Since 2003, our firm has been delivering results for injury victims across Southaven, DeSoto County, and the surrounding communities. With more than 50 years of combined experience, we’ve built a reputation for tough, effective legal advocacy.
Small Caseload, Big Commitment
We deliberately keep our caseloads small so we can focus on your case, your injuries, and your future. When you work with us, you’re not just another file—you’re our priority.
No Fees Unless We Win
For dog bite and personal injury claims, we work on a contingency fee basis. That means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we recover money for you. And every potential client receives a free, no-obligation consultation.
A Record of Protecting Ordinary People
Our brand is built on fighting for the underdog. Whether you were bitten by a neighbor’s dog or attacked while walking to school, we’re ready to hold the responsible party accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I sue even if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes, while Mississippi’s “One Bite Rule” requires proof that the dog owner knew—or reasonably should have known—that the dog was dangerous, you can still pursue a claim under theories of negligence or local ordinance violations. For example, if the dog was off-leash in violation of Southaven or DeSoto County ordinances, that alone may establish liability.
Additionally, if the dog had previously displayed aggressive behavior such as growling, lunging, or chasing people, that can demonstrate the owner’s awareness of a risk. Even without a documented bite history, it’s possible to prove fault when the owner failed to take proper precautions.
What if I was bitten on the dog owner’s property?
You may still have a valid claim, especially if you were lawfully on the premises, such as a guest, postal worker, meter reader, or delivery driver. Property owners owe a legal duty of care to visitors. If the dog was unrestrained, not properly enclosed, or known to be aggressive, the owner may be held liable for failing to prevent foreseeable harm.
The location of the incident does not automatically absolve the owner of responsibility. Trespassers may face more limited protections, but even then, a claim may be possible if the dog was known to be vicious and the owner failed to provide a warning or maintain safe conditions.
Is there a time limit for filing my claim?
Yes, in Mississippi, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite injuries, is three years from the date the injury occurred. This means you must file your lawsuit within that time frame or risk losing your right to recover damages entirely. While three years might sound like plenty of time, substantial evidence, like surveillance footage, witness statements, or animal control reports, can be lost or can degrade quickly.
It’s always in your best interest to speak with a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after the incident so your case can be adequately investigated, documented, and filed within the legal deadline.
Contact Our Southaven Dog Bite Lawyers Today
Dog bite injuries are serious—and so is your right to fair compensation. If you’ve suffered an injury by a dog in Southaven, DeSoto County, or anywhere in North Mississippi, don’t try to handle it alone.
At Stroud, Flechas & Dalton, we bring the experience, dedication, and local knowledge needed to build a strong case on your behalf. With free consultations and no fees unless we win, there’s nothing to lose and everything to gain.
Let our dog attack attorneys help you protect your rights, your recovery, and your future. Call (662) 430-2998 or visit us online to schedule your free case review today.