Can I Sue For a Dog Attack Injury?

If you were injured in a dog attack in Tennessee, you may be eligible to file a claim against the dog’s owner if their negligence contributed to the incident. Victims of dog attacks are generally eligible to recover damages, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, it’s important to understand that your legal options will depend on a number of unique circumstances, like the circumstances surrounding the accident and the location of the attack. A Memphis dog bite lawyer from our firm might be able to assist you.

When Can You Sue for a Dog Attack Injury in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, dog owners may be held legally responsible if their failure to control or properly restrain their dog results in an injury. Liability generally depends on where the attack occurred and if the victim was lawfully present on the premises at the time of the incident.

Legal Requirements for Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Memphis

• You must have been lawfully on public or private property
• The dog owner failed to keep the dog under reasonable control
• The attack directly caused injuries
• You suffered damages as a direct result of the injuries sustained in the attack

When Should a Dog Owner Be Held Responsible for a Dog Attack?

If you are the victim of a dog attack while you are lawfully on public or private property, the dog owner should be held responsible. Dog owners are required to keep their dogs under reasonable control and on their own properties when possible. An irresponsible pet owner is endangering other people.

What Are the Dog Bite Laws in Tennessee?

While most states adhere to either the strict liability or “one-bite” rules, Tennessee utilizes a combination of both. This is because the law that applies will depend on the circumstances surrounding the attack and where the incident took place.

How Dog Bite Liability Works in Tennessee

• Tennessee adheres to a hybrid dog bite law that combines both strict liability and the one-bite rule, depending on the circumstances of the case
• Dog owners may face liability even without prior knowledge that their dog was aggressive if the victim was lawfully present on the premises
• This applies to public property and many private property situations
• Liability will depend on location, control exercised over the dog, and the behavior of the victim

When a Dog Owner May Avoid Liability

• The victim provoked, abused, or threatened the dog
• The victim was trespassing or committing a criminal offense at the time
• The dog was protecting its owner or property
• The incident occurred on the owner’s private property while the dog was under reasonable control

What Are Some Common Injuries in Dog Attacks?

Dog attacks can vary in severity and cause all kinds of injuries. It’s also important to note that, when you sue for compensation, you do not need to limit the discussion to bites or scratches. Dogs can cause a number of injuries, resulting from knocking a victim over or causing an infection.

Physical Injuries from Dog Attacks

• Cuts and scrapes
• Sprains
• Broken bones
• Damage to the eyes
• Infections
• Scarring and disfiguration
• Nerve and ligament damage
• Concussions and head injuries

Damages You May Be Entitled to as the Victim of a Dog Attack

• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damages
• Pain and suffering
• PTSD
• Loss of enjoyment of life

A dog attack can also cause psychological trauma and mental health issues. Your compensation should be calculated with that in mind. As such, victims in Memphis and surrounding Shelby County communities often pursue compensation for these types of injuries following a dog attack.

When Should I Sue Over a Dog Attack in Shelby County?

Once you have been the victim of a dog attack and you can show that you were not unlawfully present on someone else’s private property, you should act quickly to sue for damages. This is because the statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits in Tennessee is just one year. If you try to sue after that, the court is likely to throw out your case, regardless of how much evidence you have.

The time can pass quickly as you recover and try to get back to your normal routine. This is why we recommend hiring a lawyer. They can take care of the paperwork and ensure that you do not miss out on your chance to pursue compensation.

How Can a Personal Injury Lawyer Help Me?

A personal injury lawyer can do more than file a lawsuit. Having one on your side when you pursue compensation can be beneficial in many other ways. Your attorney can:

• Gather evidence
• Talk to witnesses
• Defend you from any accusations of wrongdoing, like suggestions that you provoked the dog
• Field settlement offers
• Talk to insurers and other lawyers on your behalf
• Answer any questions you have about the legal process

Contact Our Experienced Memphis Personal Injury Firm

If you have been injured in a dog attack in Memphis or a surrounding Shelby County community, do not waste any time. That’s why it’s in your best interest to work with the team at Ballin, Ballin & Fishman, P.C. We would love to tell you more about how our experienced and compassionate attorneys could be of assistance. Contact us today to learn more.