Dog Bite Injuries

People can be injured in many different ways but some of the most devastating cases we see involve vicious dog attacks. Many people do not realize how but big a problem this can be, because dogs are household pets; unfortunately, dogs have been the cause of over four million animal bites every year. Many of our cases involve attacks on small children which can leave the child with both permanent physical and emotional scarring. If you or someone you know has been attacked and bitten by a dog, it is important that you speak to a Tennessee dog bite lawyer right away. They will help you review your claim and see that you receive the compensation you need for your injuries.

What are some of the Tennessee dog bites laws that I need to be Aware of?

The dog owner has a responsibility to make sure their dog is always under control and not to allow the dog to run wild. If a dog causes injury to someone in a public place such as a park or on someone else’s legally owned private property, then the owner is under civil liability and held accountable for any injuries suffered by anyone else in these places. Civil liability states that the owner may be held accountable even if the dog has not exhibited dangerous behavior in the past. There are some exemptions to this law. Some of these exemptions are:

• If the dog is a police issued or military dog and the injury was caused while the dog was performing its duties
• If the person who suffered a dog bite was trespassing on property that was not residential but property of the owner
• If the injury took place while the dog was protecting its owner or people who were with the owner from an attack by the person injured
• If the injury took place while the dog was in a cage or otherwise restrained
• If the injury happened while the dog was being harassed by the injured person

If the dog bite or injury takes place on a residential farm or property that is not commercial and owned by the dog owner, then premises liability applies. This liability also applies if the dog is on the property with the owner’s permission. The injured party has to provide proof that the dog owner had previous knowledge of or should have had knowledge of the dog’s potentially dangerous behavior. Tennessee has an exception for dog bite injuries that occur in residential areas.

How do I know if my injures are severe enough to have a dog bite injury claim?

If your dog bite injury has resulted in infections, fractures, puncture wounds, severe scarring, surgery or any other serious dog bite injury requiring medical attention, then you most likely have a dog bite injury claim. If you pursue your lawsuit a Tennessee dog bite and injury attorney will seek compensation for any pain you have experienced, medical expenses, loss of income, a decreased quality of life, or disability.

If you or someone you care about has been injured as the result of a dog bite, it is important that you first make sure you receive proper medical attention. After you have received the necessary medical treatment for your injury, you should contact a Nashville, Tennessee dog bite attorney at the Higgins Firm. We care about your case and will answer any questions you may have. We will also fight for you to make sure you receive the compensation you are entitled to by law for the injuries you have suffered.

Contact us online or call us at 800.705.2121 to set up a FREE consultation to discuss your legal options.