A dog attack can leave lasting scars—physically and emotionally. Whether you suffered a dog bite, or if your child was injured by a vicious dog, you need answers fast. Our Mississippi dog bite lawyers, serving clients in Jackson, Rankin County, Madison County, and across the state, are here to guide you every step of the way.
This FAQ blog will discuss Mississippi dog bite law and how to succeed in dog bite claims. It will give you important information about:
- Your rights under Mississippi’s ‘one bite rule’
- How dog bite claims and insurance companies work
- Evidence helpful to a personal injury claim
- What damages you may be entitled to recover as a result of a dog bite
- How Coxwell & Associates can help you recover full compensation
If you or someone you love was attacked by a dog in Mississippi, the team at Coxwell & Associates has the answers you need to move forward.
Can I sue the dog’s owner if I was bitten?
Yes—if the dog’s owner knew the dog was dangerous or acted negligently.
Mississippi follows the “one bite rule,” meaning the owner can be liable if they knew (or should’ve known) that the dog was likely to bite. If a dog had bitten before, acted aggressively, or was allowed to roam freely without a leash or fence, you may have a strong case.
There is no specific statute for dog bite cases in Mississippi; the rule comes from case law. The Mississippi Supreme Court has stated that to win a dog bite case / succeed in a dog bite claim, you must show:
- The dog showed dangerous behavior before the attack (dangerous propensity or disposition), and
- The owner knew or reasonably should have known about it and could foresee that the dog was likely to attack someone.
Example: A dog bit a mail carrier in 2021. The owner still allowed it to roam off-leash. When it bit someone again in 2022, the owner was held responsible because they knew it had aggressive tendencies.
Do I have a case if I was bitten by a dog at someone else’s house?
Yes. If you were lawfully on the property—such as a guest, worker, tenant, or delivery driver—you may have a claim under premises liability in addition to a dog bite claim, especially if the owner didn’t warn you or failed to control their pet.
Example: You’re invited to a birthday party at a friend’s house. Their dog bites your child in the backyard. If the owner didn’t warn guests or secure the dog, they may be liable under Mississippi premises liability law.
If this happened to you or your child, contact Coxwell & Associates for a free case review.
What if my child was bitten by a neighbor’s dog?
Children are common victims of dog bites. You can sue on your child’s behalf and recover compensation for:
- Medical treatment and future care
- Emotional trauma and PTSD
- Long-term scarring
- Missed school
- Therapy/counseling
- Pain and suffering
Example: A 6-year-old bitten in the face needed stitches and therapy for anxiety. The family recovered compensation through the neighbor’s homeowner’s insurance.
Will the dog owner have to pay out of pocket?
Usually not. Most dog bite injury claims are covered by the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance, not by the owner personally. That means you can pursue a fair settlement without “suing” a friend or neighbor directly.
Example: A woman was bit by a dog at a cookout at her friend’s house. She filed an insurance claim. Her friend’s homeowner’s policy covered $9,500 in medical bills and lost wages. The friend didn’t pay out of pocket.
What if the dog bite happened at an apartment complex or public park?
You may still have legal recourse. Landlords, property managers, or even cities can share liability if they allowed a dangerous dog to roam, ignored leash law violations, or failed to act after prior complaints.
Example: An apartment complex in Jackson ignored multiple complaints about a loose, aggressive dog. When the dog bit a tenant’s child in the courtyard, the family sued both the dog owner and the management company.
What damages can I recover in a dog bite lawsuit?
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emergency medical bills – ER visits, stitches, antibiotics
- Plastic surgery or scar revision – Cosmetic repairs for visible injuries
- Lost wages – Pay missed during recovery
- Diminished earning capacity – If the injury affects your ability to work
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement – Long-lasting physical changes
- Pain and suffering – Physical pain and mental distress
- Emotional trauma or PTSD – Especially common in children
- Future therapies or treatments – Counseling, reconstructive procedures, rehab
Example: A client required $12,000 in facial reconstruction after a dog bite outside a grocery store. Full damages were recovered from both the store’s commercial insurer and the dog owner’s personal policy.
What should I do after a dog bite?
- Seek medical care immediately.
- Report the bite to animal control or the police.
- Photograph your injuries, the scene, and the dog (if safe to do so).
- Collect the dog owner’s contact and insurance information.
- Call a personal injury lawyerbefore talking to an insurance company or giving a statement!
Example: A jogger was bitten on a Jackson sidewalk. Thanks to prompt photos, an animal control report, and medical records, she had strong evidence—and secured a fair settlement.
How much time do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Mississippi?
You have 3 years from the date of the bite under Mississippi Code Annotated Section 15-1-49. But act fast—witnesses disappear and evidence fades. The sooner you get legal help, the better.
What if the dog didn’t bite me but knocked me down or scratched me?
You may still have a valid claim. Falls, scratches, or other injuries caused by an uncontrolled dog can be actionable if the owner was negligent.
Example: A large dog lunged at a man, knocking him over and breaking his wrist. No bite occurred, but the owner was liable for failing to control the animal.
How much does it cost to hire Coxwell & Associates for a dog bite case?
There is no upfront cost. We work on a contingency fee basis—you don’t pay unless we win. Your consultation is free. We only get paid when you do.
What if I was bit by a dog while working?
If you were bitten while on the job—such as a delivery driver, postal worker, or contractor—you may be eligible for both workers’ compensation and a separate personal injury claim against the dog’s owner.
Let Us Help You Move Forward
If you or a loved one was bitten or attacked by a dog in Mississippi, do not wait to hire aggressive dog bite attorneys who will fight to recover every bit of compensation you are owed. The sooner you get legal help, the better your chances of financial and physical recovery.
Contact Coxwell & Associates TODAY for a free consultation. Let us handle the legal fight—so you can focus on healing.
Disclaimer:This blog is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Laws vary, and each case is unique. For advice about your situation, speak with a qualified Mississippi personal injury lawyer.