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Nashville Dog Bite Lawyer

Most family pets are harmless and not likely to bite or attack. However, even the friendliest dog may bite someone if scared or stressed. Some dog owners may even train their animals to be aggressive toward other people.

Occasionally, owners will even use their dog to engage in criminally violent attacks. When a dog bites someone, the dog’s owner could be held legally liable for injuries stemming from the attack.

State law specifies when and how a dog owner can be held liable. If you were recently injured in a dog attack, you could be entitled to financial compensation for your injuries. Contact an experienced Nashville dog bite lawyer immediately to begin building a claim.

Experienced Nashville Dog Bite Attorneys Fighting for Victims’ Rights Throughout Tennessee

Have you or a loved one been attacked by someone else’s dog? One moment you’re walking down the street in your Nashville neighborhood, the next you’re facing severe injuries, mounting medical bills, and the trauma that follows a dog attack.

At The Higgins Firm, our Nashville dog bite lawyers understand the physical and emotional toll these incidents take. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden alone – especially when someone else’s negligence caused your suffering.

Tennessee Dog Bite Laws: Understanding Your Rights

Tennessee has specific laws governing dog bite liability that put clear responsibility on pet owners. Under Tennessee Code § 44-8-413, dog owners have a duty to keep their animals under reasonable control at all times.

This means:

  • Dog owners are liable for injuries if their dog injures someone in a public place
  • Dog owners are responsible for attacks that occur when you’re lawfully on private property
  • The owner may be held liable even if they didn’t know their dog had dangerous tendencies

However, there are exceptions. You may not have a valid claim if:

  • You were trespassing on private, non-residential property
  • You provoked the dog
  • The dog was contained in a kennel or enclosure
  • The dog was protecting its owner from attack

Our Nashville dog bite attorneys know how to navigate these laws to build a compelling case for your compensation.

Common Dog Bite Injuries We See in Nashville

Dog bites can cause devastating injuries that require extensive medical treatment and may leave permanent damage. The most common injuries we see include:

  • Deep puncture wounds that can damage tissue, muscles, and tendons
  • Serious infections including dangerous bacteria like MRSA or tetanus
  • Facial injuries that may require reconstructive surgery
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement causing emotional trauma
  • Nerve damage resulting in reduced mobility or sensation
  • Psychological trauma including PTSD, anxiety, and phobias

Children are especially vulnerable to severe dog bites, often suffering injuries to the face, head, and neck due to their height. These cases require special attention and care.

What Compensation Can Nashville Dog Bite Victims Recover?

After a dog attack, victims often face significant financial burdens alongside their physical recovery. Our Nashville dog bite lawyers fight to recover compensation for:

  • Medical expenses – Emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and future medical needs
  • Lost wages – Income lost due to missed work during recovery
  • Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional distress
  • Scarring and disfigurement – Compensation for permanent changes to your appearance
  • Psychological trauma – Therapy and treatment for fear, anxiety, and PTSD
  • Loss of life quality – Compensation for limitations on your normal activities

Every dog bite case is unique, and the severity of your injuries, circumstances of the attack, and available insurance coverage will impact your potential recovery amount.

Why You Need a Nashville Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite claims are rarely straightforward. Insurance companies often try to minimize payments by:

  1. Arguing you provoked the dog – Insurance adjusters may claim you startled or antagonized the animal
  2. Disputing the extent of your injuries – They may argue your injuries aren’t as serious as claimed
  3. Shifting blame – They might suggest you were trespassing or partially at fault

Our Nashville dog bite attorneys don’t let insurance companies intimidate our clients. We thoroughly investigate each case, gather compelling evidence, and build strong claims that demand full and fair compensation.

Tennessee’s Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims

In Tennessee, you generally have one year from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104. This makes it critical to speak with a Nashville dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after an attack.

If you wait too long, you could permanently lose your right to compensation regardless of how severe your injuries are.

Our Track Record of Success for Dog Bite Victims

The Higgins Firm has successfully represented numerous dog bite victims throughout Nashville and Tennessee. While every case is different, we’ve secured significant settlements and verdicts for clients with injuries ranging from moderate to life-altering.

Our Nashville dog bite lawyers understand both the legal complexities of these cases and the profound impact they have on victims’ lives. We fight relentlessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Nashville

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Nashville, follow these steps to protect your health and legal rights:

  1. Seek immediate medical attention – Even seemingly minor bites can cause serious infections
  2. Report the attack – Contact Nashville Animal Care and Control or local police
  3. Document everything – Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and the location
  4. Gather witness information – Collect names and contact details of anyone who saw the attack
  5. Keep medical records – Save all documentation related to your treatment
  6. Contact our Nashville dog bite lawyers – Call The Higgins Firm for a free consultation

Nashville Dog Bite Lawyer Near You

With multiple office locations throughout Tennessee, The Higgins Firm provides experienced legal representation to dog bite victims across Nashville and the surrounding areas. Our attorneys are licensed in Tennessee, Kentucky, Georgia, and Texas, allowing us to serve clients throughout the region.

Whether you’re in Davidson County, Williamson County, Rutherford County, or anywhere else in Middle Tennessee, our Nashville dog bite lawyers are ready to fight for your rights.

Get a Free Consultation with a Nashville Dog Bite Lawyer

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Nashville, don’t wait to seek legal help. The Higgins Firm offers free consultations to discuss your case and explain your options.

Remember – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our Nashville dog bite attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning there are no upfront costs to you.

Contact our Nashville office today or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation.

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