In Mount Juliet, if a dog bites you, the owner may be liable for the attack even if the dog that injured you has never bitten anyone before. The Mount Juliet dog bite lawyers at The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC can help. We have extensive experience assisting victims to hold negligent pet owners accountable. Contact us online or call (615) 622-6060 today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options.
A severe dog bite can dramatically impact a victim’s life and possibly cause long-term or lifelong impairments. Recovering the compensation you need to fully recover and remain financially stable is critical. A dog bite attorney understands state laws related to dog bites and will know how to build your case to ensure the insurance company treats you fairly, and the owner is held accountable.
Dog bite laws in Tennessee are unique in that there is a mix of strict liability and a “one-bite” rule that apply to dog bite cases. Therefore, whether you can pursue a claim against a dog owner depends on which law applies to the unique circumstances of your case.
Strict Liability
In cases involving a dog bite that occurred in a public place or while lawfully on private property, the dog’s owner is strictly liable. This means that the owner is responsible for compensating a victim for any losses they suffer, regardless of fault or whether the dog has shown viciousness in the past. The two exceptions are if the injured person was trespassing or intentionally provoked the dog.
One-Bite Rule
The “one bite” rule will come into play when a bite occurs in other private places, and typically it was the dog’s first time behaving aggressively. For example, the one bite rule applies to bites on a private residence, a farm, or other non-commercial property that the dog’s owner rents, leases, or is on with permission. In these cases, the dog’s owner is put “on notice.” To file a claim, the victim will have to prove that the owner knew or should have known that the dog would behave aggressively.
As you can see, trying to figure out under which law you must base your claim can be confusing. A dog bite attorney can evaluate your case and give you legal guidance on the best course of action.
A dog owner may be liable for the following damages after a dog bite injury:
This is not an exhaustive list, and there may be other types of compensation you are entitled to. Additionally, in some cases involving a dog owner who exhibited extreme recklessness, the court may award punitive damages as punishment.
After a dog bite injury, you can trust The Law Offices of Christopher Eads, PLLC to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve. Call (615) 622-6060 or send us a message to schedule a free consultation with our Mount Juliet dog bite attorney today.
