Nashville Dog Bite Attorney

Every day about 1,000 people in the United States require emergency care for an injury from a dog bite. A 2008 study found that medical costs associated with dog bite injuries are about $18,200, or 50% higher than the average cost for a hospital stay. Dog bite injuries are often the result of traumatic attacks and can cause serious bodily harm including nerve damage, scarring, and the risk of infection.

Dog Bite Claims

In 2012, about 5 million Americans suffered a dog bite, but only 16,500 filed an insurance claim. Most dog bite injuries go unreported and the victim is left to pay for damages herself. Many people do not file claims for dog bite injuries because:

• The dog belonged to a friend or family member
• The injury did not require emergency medical care
• The victim is not aware that dog bites are covered by home and renter’s insurance

Most insurance companies cover homeowners and renters with dogs, and standard policies usually cover damages from dog bites. Sometimes insurance companies do not cover certain violent breeds of dogs like pit bulls or Rottweilers.

Victims of dog bites will be offered more compensation if they file a claim with the insurance company through an attorney. A dog bite injury attorney will know how to best work with the dog owner’s insurance to recover full compensation for physical and emotional damages.

Dog Bites and Tennessee Law

In 2007 Tennessee passed the Dianna Acklen Act that put an increased responsibility on dog owners for injuries caused by their pets. Dianna Acklen was a 60-year-old woman who was killed in 2006 after being attacked by three dogs in her own neighborhood. Tennessee used to have a “first-bite” law that released a dog owner from liability if the dog had never bitten or attacked anyone before.

The new law requires dog owners to keep their pet under “reasonable control” at all times, or be held labile for any resulting injuries regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. A dog running loose on the street would not be under “reasonable control”.

There are several exceptions to the law, including:

• An injury from a police or military dog on official duty
• An injury resulting from trespassing on a dog owner’s property
• An injury resulting from a dog protecting its owner from attack
• Any injuries from a dog that is securely confined (in a kennel, crate, or other enclosure)
• An injury resulting from an individual provoking, alarming, or harassing a dog

If a dog bite injury occurs on a residential or non-commercial property, the victim is required to prove that the dog’s owner knew about the “dangerous propensities” of the animal.

Dog owners can be held responsible for injuries if the owner’s negligence led to the injury.

Dog Bite Attorney Nashville, Tennessee

If you or a loved one has suffered an injury from a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and physical and emotional pain and suffering. Call our offices today at (615) 244-4511 to schedule a free consultation and begin your case.