Davidson County Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites are physically painful and can leave lifelong scars. Dog bites often have a traumatic effect on the victim, especially if the victim is a child.

Tennessee law governing dog bites is complex. In some situations, the owner of a dog that bites another person is absolutely liable for the injuries caused by the bite. In other circumstances, a dog is entitled to one bite before its owner is responsible for the injuries the bite causes. If someone has been injured due to a serious dog bite, they should consult a Davidson County dog bite lawyer. A qualified personal injury attorney could advocate for them.

Strict Liability for Dog Bite Injuries

Owners of dogs in Tennessee are subject to strict liability for dog bites if specific circumstances are met. Strict liability means that there is no need to prove that the owner knew the dog was vicious or dangerous. If the dog bite happened, then the owner is liable for the injuries and must pay compensation.

For strict liability to apply, two tests must be met. First, that the dog caused injury to a person, usually a dog bite, and second, that the person injured was bitten in a public place or bitten while lawfully on private property.

One Bite Rule

The one bite rule applies when a dog bites someone while the dog was on its owner’s property. In this situation, the person bitten has to show that the owner knew the dog was vicious or dangerous.

This situation is called the one bite rule because until a dog bites someone, the dog is not known to be dangerous.

Defenses to a Dog Bite Injury Claim

A Davidson County dog bite lawyer could represent the victims of dog bites, advising individuals on the challenges these cases present. The attorney is well-aware of the defenses available to dog owners. These defenses are lack of knowledge of a dog’s viciousness, provocation, and trespassing.

• Lack of Knowledge of Dog’s Viciousness (one bite rule): As noted, this defense is usually available only when a person is bitten on the dog owner’s private property.
• Provocation: If the person bitten by the dog first harassed or harmed the dog, then the owner can use these facts as a defense. In other words, the owner argues the dog was not vicious, but only bit because it was attacked or provoked by the victim of the bite.
• Trespassing: If the person bitten was trespassing on the dog owner’s property, then the owner can use this fact as a defense. The law generally will not hold an owner liable for injuries from bites when the victim is breaking the law, trespassing, or is present where they do not belong.

Severe Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause serious and lasting injuries. The average dog bite strength is 269 pounds. Rottweiler bites exert 328 pounds of pressure in their bites. Bites tear and rip into the flesh of the victim. Injuries from dog bites include:

• Tendon damage that may require surgery to repair
• Muscle tears
• Nerve damage
• Physical scars and disfigurement
• Emotional trauma
• Loss of time from work and lost wages

Contacting a Davidson County Dog Bite Attorney

Dog bite cases have legal hurdles that must be met before a victim can be compensated for their losses.

If you are a victim of a dog bite, contact a Davidson County dog bite lawyer who could work to obtain the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries. Call today for your initial consultation.