Dog bites can cause serious physical and emotional harm, especially when the victim is a child. In Mississippi, determining liability for a dog bite depends on several factors, including where the bite occurred, what the dog owner knew, and whether negligence played a role.
Mississippi does not have a strict liability statute for dog bites. Instead, liability is often based on negligence or the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies. This is sometimes referred to as the “one-bite rule,” but the reality is more nuanced.
A dog owner may be liable if they knew or should have known that their dog had aggressive behavior. Prior bites, growling, snapping, or documented complaints can all establish notice. Owners may also be liable if they failed to properly restrain or control their dog, even without a prior bite history.
Location matters. Dog owners generally owe a higher duty of care to people lawfully on their property, such as guests, delivery drivers, or neighbors. Leash law violations, unsecured gates, or allowing a dog to roam freely can all support liability.
Landlords may also share responsibility in certain cases. If a landlord knew about a dangerous dog on the property and failed to act, they may be held accountable for resulting injuries.
Dog bite injuries often include deep puncture wounds, nerve damage, infections, scarring, and emotional trauma. Medical treatment may involve stitches, surgery, rabies testing, and long-term care, especially when facial injuries are involved.
Because dog bite claims are often disputed, evidence matters. Medical records, photographs, witness statements, animal control reports, and prior complaints all help establish liability.
Dog bite victims in Mississippi may recover compensation for medical costs, pain and suffering, scarring, emotional distress, and future treatment needs when negligence can be proven.