Dog bites and attacks are some of the most traumatic types of accidents a person can be involved in. Fortunately, you may be able to hold the dog's owner accountable for their pet's actions.
Seek maximum compensation for your damages with help from a Nashville dog bite lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys. Schedule a free consultation today to learn more about what you can expect from the dog bite claims process in Nashville.
What to Do After a Nashville Dog Bite
In the aftermath of your dog bite, you may be unsure what to do next. These next steps you take could make all the difference and not only your ability to pursue your case but your opportunity to recover maximum compensation for your damages.
With that in mind, here is what to do after a dog bite in Nashville:
- Call 911
- Wherever possible, document the dog bite scene
- Wait for emergency responders to arrive and obtain a medical evaluation
- Once stabilized, contact a dog bite attorney for the next steps
Every person's dog bite case is different. However, contacting emergency officials and law enforcement is important so you can file a police report and gather other compelling evidence to support your case.
You will also want a medical evaluation, even if your injuries initially seem minor. The last thing you want is to suffer internal injuries, such as organ puncture or internal bleeding, and endure far worse physical ramifications.
Furthermore, if you fail to obtain medical documentation of your injuries immediately after the attack, it is possible the defense could argue your dog bite injuries were not caused by a dog bite but were instead caused in another way.
Tennessee Dog Bite Laws
Tennessee has some of the most unique dog bite laws in the country. While some states focus on strict liability, others utilize the one-by rule. However, Tennessee uses a combination of both laws in the handling of dog attacks and bites.
Generally, according to Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-8-413. Dog owners will generally be held strictly liable in cases where the victim was an invited guest on the dog owner's property or suffered an injury in a public place. Dog bite victims are not required to prove dog owner negligence to hold the owner accountable for their pet's actions.
Alternatively, the one bite rule will apply if the attack occurs in a private location where the owner was invited. Here, the dog bite victim will be required to prove that the dog's owner knew or should have known that their dog was going to attack or act violently.
Do I Have Grounds for a Dog Bite Claim?
Knowing whether you have grounds for a dog bite claim in Nashville can be challenging. However, many people wonder whether their injuries are severe enough to warrant the pursuit of a dog by insurance or civil suit.
But remember, the type of injury you have been diagnosed with is almost irrelevant. It is the impact your injuries have had on your life that matters. As long as your injuries have significantly affected your life, you have the right to compensation for those damages.
Some of the more common types of injuries you might suffer following a dog attack include:
- Traumatic brain injuries, head injuries, and neck injuries
- Back injuries, herniated discs, spinal cord injuries, and paralysis
- Broken bones, compound fractures, and loss of limbs
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and emotional injuries
- Lacerations, organ puncture, internal bleeding, and sepsis
How to Recover Damages After a Dog Bite
After suffering devastating injuries in a dog bite or attack, there are several ways in which you could recover compensation for your damages. Generally, the dog's owner will be held accountable for your damages. However, they may be protected if the dog's owner purchased renter's insurance, homeowner's insurance, or another type of insurance policy.
You might have the opportunity to file a claim with their insurance company to recover a portion of your losses. However, many insurance settlements are lacking. Since they only cover certain types of losses, and the amount you can be awarded is limited by the amount of coverage the policyholder purchased, filing a dog bite lawsuit may be the best way to maximize your compensation.
Statute of Limitations in Tennessee for Dog Bite Claims
Under Tennessee law, if you are pursuing a personal injury claim for a dog bite in Nashville, you must do so before the statute of limitations runs out. The law states you will have just one year from the date of the incident to get your claim filed.
However, if you are unsure when the statute of limitations will run out for your case, do not hesitate to contact our office. You do not want to risk losing your opportunity to recover compensation because you missed out on this critical deadline. The sooner you get a dog bite attorney working on your case, the sooner we can get your insurance and injury claims filed.
Contact a Nashville Dog Bite Attorney for Help Today
The owner of the dog that bit you should be compelled to cover your damages in their entirety. Get help bringing them to justice when you contact a Nashville dog bite lawyer at Cory Watson Attorneys for help.
Our firm is proud to offer no-cost, risk-free consultations to dog bite victims across Nashville and surrounding cities. Take advantage of this opportunity when you call our office or fill out our online contact form.
Nashville Office Location
1033 Demonbreun St., Ste. 300Nashville, Tn 37203