Nashville Dog Bite Attorney

If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog bite incident in Nashville, you may be facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. DevonLaw is experienced in navigating the legal complexities that surround dog bite cases and helping victims obtain the compensation they deserve for their injuries and losses.

Should You Hire A Nashville Dog Bite Attorney?

Deciding whether to retain a Nashville dog bite attorney depends on various factors, including the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the incident, and the liability of the dog owner. While you have the option to handle the claim process on your own, reaching out to DevonLaw can significantly improve your chances of obtaining maximum compensation for your case. Our attorneys will assess your case, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent your interests in court if necessary.

What Are The Benefits of Hiring A Nashville Dog Bite Attorney?

Hiring DevonLaw offers numerous benefits, including access to extensive legal experience, guidance through the claims process, and maximization of compensation. Our attorneys understand the complexities involved, including liability laws, insurance policies, and potential defenses raised by the opposing party. We will effectively navigate these complexities, advocating for your rights and pursuing the full extent of damages available to you.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite Accident?

Seek medical attention immediately. Your health comes first, and you’ll need a record of your injuries in order to have a claim. Then, you should promptly contact our experienced Nashville dog bite accident lawyer at DevonLaw, PLLC for legal guidance and representation. We can help you gather information about the dog and its owner and begin compiling evidence for your case. 

What is the One-Bite Policy and How Can It Affect My Claim?

Tennessee has a one-bite rule that applies when a dog bites someone on a residential property, farm, or other noncommercial property owned or leased by the dog's owner. Under this rule, dog owners may not be immediately liable for the first incident of biting. However, once the dog has shown aggressive behavior, the owner is considered to be on notice and can be held responsible for future bites. To successfully file a claim, the plaintiff must demonstrate that the owner knew or reasonably should have known that the dog had exhibited aggressive behavior before the date of the plaintiff's injury.

Do I Have a Valid Dog Bite Case? 

First, you need to identify the responsible party, typically the dog’s owner or caretaker. For example, if a neighbor's dog bites you, the neighbor would likely be held accountable. The issue of liability also may depend on whether the dog owner was aware of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. 

Second, it must be established that a bite or attack occurred. In some first-time incidents, you will need to prove that the owner was negligent by failing to take precautions despite knowing the dog posed a potential danger. This can be demonstrated through evidence such as witness testimony or animal control records demonstrating prior incidents.

Lastly, you must show that you suffered harm, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering caused by the attack.

What Will Happen to the Dog if I Make an Injury Claim in Tennessee?

The outcome largely depends on the severity of the incident and the dog's history. For a first-time offense, the dog may be given a pass under the on-bite policy. In more serious cases, such as if the dog has a history of attacks or if the bite resulted in severe injury, the consequences could be more dire. However, it's important to note that your injury claim focuses on seeking compensation for your damages rather than determining the dog's fate. That decision typically falls to local animal control authorities.

The Role of Insurance in Dog Bite Claims

Many dog bite claims are resolved through the dog owner's homeowners or renters insurance policy. These policies often, but not always, include liability coverage for dog bites. However, if the dog owner's insurance doesn't cover the incident or if the damages exceed the policy limits, you may need to pursue compensation directly from the owner. This is where an experienced attorney can help identify all potential sources of compensation and negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure you receive fair treatment.

Nashville Dog Bite FAQs

• Who is liable for a dog bite in Nashville? In Nashville, liability for a dog bite typically falls on the owner of the dog. However, liability can also extend to other parties, such as landlords or property owners, if they were aware of the dog's dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack.
• What compensation am I entitled to if I've been bitten by a dog in Nashville? Victims of dog bites in Nashville may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including medical expenses (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. The exact amount of compensation depends on factors such as the severity of injuries, long-term effects, and the circumstances of the incident.‍
• Is there a time limit for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Nashville? Yes, there is a statute of limitations for filing a dog bite lawsuit in Nashville. Typically, in Tennessee, the statute of limitations is one year from the date of the incident.

Contact a Nashville Dog Bite Accident Attorney

If you or someone you care about has suffered from a dog bite incident in Nashville, you don't have to face the challenges alone. DevonLaw is here to support you through this difficult time and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact DevonLaw today to get started on your case.