Legal Actions to Take After Being Attacked by a Dog
Dog attacks in Knoxville, Tennessee, can be terrifying, painful, and leave lasting scars — both physical and emotional. The effects of these personal injury incidents often reach far beyond the initial injury, impacting a victim’s ability to work, maintain relationships, and engage in daily activities. The Law Office of Joshua S. Reed can help you on your recovery journey.
Individuals harmed by dog bites have specific legal protections in place that are designed to safeguard their rights and create a pathway toward financial recovery. These laws not only hold negligent dog owners accountable but also help victims manage the financial burdens that can come with mounting medical expenses, lost wages, and ongoing therapy.
Keep reading to learn about the important legal steps you should take after a dog bite, as well as how Tennessee law handles liability in these cases, and what types of compensation may be available. It will also discuss how working with an experienced personal injury attorney can provide valuable support and advocacy, helping you handle the legal process while focusing on healing.
What to Know About Tennessee Dog Bite Laws
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog, it’s vital to act quickly to protect your health, legal rights, and long-term interests. Delaying action can affect your ability to seek medical care, collect crucial evidence, and file a claim within the state’s one-year statute of limitations. Promptly understanding your options can make a meaningful difference in your recovery process.
Tennessee applies strict liability and the “one bite rule,” depending on the incident. According to the Tennessee Bar Association, the Tennessee Dog Bite Statute (T.C.A. § 44-8-413) holds dog owners strictly liable if their dog causes injury to a person in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of the animal's past behavior. However, there are exceptions, like the ones below.
If the dog bite occurs on the owner’s private, enclosed property, the victim must prove the owner knew or should’ve known the dog had a dangerous propensity — a scenario often referred to as the “one bite rule.”
Strict liability also doesn’t apply if the injured person was trespassing, provoking the dog, or committing another offense at the time.
Understanding these nuances can make a significant difference in the outcome of a personal injury claim following a dog bite.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Attack
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, your first priority should be your health and safety. After a dog attack, taking immediate action is vital for both your health and your ability to pursue a personal injury claim. Here are some important steps to take following the incident.
Seek medical attention immediately: Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, and scarring. Even minor wounds should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
Report the incident: Contact local animal control or law enforcement. This not only documents the event but helps authorities monitor potentially dangerous animals in the community.
Gather evidence: If possible, take photographs of your injuries, the scene, and the dog if it’s safe to do so. Obtain witness statements and the contact information of the dog’s owner.
Document your damages: Keep records of medical treatments, prescriptions, missed workdays, and other expenses related to the injury.
Prompt action can strengthen your personal injury case and help your attorney build a thorough claim on your behalf.
Types of Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites
Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, some of which may leave victims dealing with long-term complications. In severe cases, dog bites can lead to lifelong medical issues or disabilities, particularly if vital areas like the face, hands, or legs are affected. Potential consequences include the following.
Puncture wounds
Nerve and tissue damage
Broken bones or fractures from falls during an attack
Infections like rabies or tetanus
Disfigurement and permanent scarring
Emotional trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
After experiencing a dog attack, some individuals may avoid parks, neighborhoods, or social activities out of fear of encountering another dog. These psychological impacts can disrupt a person’s daily life, relationships, and mental health, sometimes requiring years of counseling or therapy. Seeking appropriate legal counsel is crucial after an attack.
Personal Injury Attorney Assistance in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite cases often involve negotiating with homeowners' insurance companies or filing lawsuits to recover damages. A personal injury attorney can become an advocate and resource for victims facing the aftermath of a frightening, often traumatic experience. A personal injury attorney serves several essential roles, including the ones below.
Investigating the circumstances of the attack
Identifying the dog’s owner and verifying liability
Gathering medical records, photographs, and witness statements
Handling communication with insurance companies
Calculating fair compensation for both economic and non-economic damages
Representing you in court if necessary
With a knowledgeable personal injury attorney advocating for you, you can focus on your recovery while they handle the legal intricacies of your case.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Victims of dog attacks may be eligible for various forms of compensation. The aftermath of a dog bite can extend well beyond physical wounds, involving significant financial, emotional, and personal consequences. Consequently, personal injury claims typically address both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages include the following.
Medical expenses (past and future)
Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
Lost income and loss of future earning capacity
Travel costs related to medical treatment
Non-economic damages address the personal and emotional impact of an injury, such as the ones below.
Physical pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement and permanent scarring
Psychological counseling expenses
A personal injury attorney can help determine the full scope of compensation you should seek to claim based on the extent of your injuries and losses.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases
It’s normal, and even expected, to have a lot of questions about these scenarios, so we’ve compiled a list of the most common inquiries our clients have.
1. Who’s liable if a dog attacks someone in Tennessee?
In most cases, the dog’s owner is responsible for injuries caused by their animal. Tennessee law holds them accountable under strict liability when the attack occurs in a public place or lawfully on private property.
2. What if the dog’s owner claims it’s the victim’s fault?
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault system. If the victim is found partially responsible for provoking the animal or trespassing, their compensation may be reduced proportionally to their percentage of fault. A personal injury attorney can contest unfair blame and protect your interests.
3. Can I still file a claim if I was bitten on private property?
Yes — but the legal standard may shift. If you were lawfully on private property, the dog owner may still be liable under the state’s dog bite statute or common law negligence principles.
4. Is there a deadline for filing a dog bite claim?
Yes. Tennessee’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is one year from the date of the incident, according to the Tennessee Board of Law Examiners. Failing to file within this time frame can forfeit your right to recover damages.
If you have any other questions, don’t hesitate to reach out.
Prioritize Your Recovery and Legal Rights With Legal Help Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite in Knoxville, Tennessee or any surrounding county, including Anderson, Blount, Union, Maryville, Oak Ridge, and Clinton, it’s important to act quickly. We stand ready to support dog bite victims throughout the region, providing personalized attention and diligent representation at every stage of the legal process. Consult with The Law Office of Joshua S. Reed today to protect your health and start your recovery.