Chattanooga Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bites can be a serious threat to your health and safety. Many bites require medical attention, which can result in hefty medical bills. If someone else’s dog recently bit you or your child, call an experienced Chattanooga dog bite lawyer today. You could be entitled to compensation for your injuries.

State law holds pet owners responsible for many bite-related injuries. Dog bite victims can sue the pet’s owner for compensation for medical bills, lost wages related to their injuries, and other damages.

If you or a loved one recently suffered a dog bite in Chattanooga, contact us today to hire a lawyer. In many cases, dog bite victims only have one year after the attack to file their suit in court. Do not delay; contact an experienced dog bite lawyer now.

Dog Owner Liability in Chattanooga

Dog owners are generally responsible for the damages a bite victim suffers. State law no longer requires that victims prove the dog had a known history of aggression. Legally, this is known as “strict liability.” However, an exception exists if the bite occurred on residential or non-commercial private property.

Even if a dog had not previously shown a dangerous or vicious nature, the pet owner can be held responsible for compensating the victim for their injuries. There are some exceptions to the strict liability rule, including:

  • If the attacking dog was a police or military dog on duty
  • The victim was trespassing on private property
  • The dog bit while securely confined
  • The victim provoked the dog to bite
  • The dog bit while protecting its owner from attack

It can be difficult to prove that the dog owner is responsible for the attack. Many owners claim that the victim provoked the animal, or trespassed causing the bite. A Chattanooga animal attack lawyer can help an injured victim prove they were not at fault.

What if the Dog Has Not Bitten Someone Previously?

Even if the dog had never bitten anyone before, we may be able to prove that the owner knew or should have known that the dog had a vicious nature. However, proving this fact requires a great deal of investigation and strategy. If you have suffered a serious dog bite or injuries from an animal attack, you should contact the Chattanooga dog bite lawyers are Massey & Associates today.

Damages from Dog Attacks

Though many people do not realize it, dog bites can cause long-term or even permanent damage. Dogs’ teeth are designed to tear, and the resulting wounds are often exposed to infection. Some common dog bite injuries include:

  • Torn ligaments
  • Infections
  • Nerve damage
  • Deep lacerations
  • Exposure to rabies
  • Scars
  • Hematoma
  • Bone fractures
  • Emotional trauma

Infection is one of the most dangerous complications for dog bite victims. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention report that roughly one in five dog bites becomes infected, and serious infections require extensive medical treatment.

Any of the above injuries may also require extensive medical treatment, including medication, surgery, or physical therapy. A bite victim can sue the dog owner for medical costs related to their injuries.

What Could Victims Recover Through a Lawsuit?

Medical bills, treatment costs, lost wages due to missing work, and other types of damages may be recoverable in a dog bite lawsuit. The actual amount an owner owes a victim for their damages depends on many factors. Whether an owner’s insurance company must compensate the dog bite victim for the injuries can also be a very complicated question.

Compensation changes case by case, and the facts of each case are unique. Because of this, dog bite victims should contact a Chattanooga dog bite attorney at Massey & Associates after seeking medical treatment for their injuries.

Call a Chattanooga Dog Bite Attorney Today

When someone else’s dog bites you and causes injury, the law allows you to sue the owner for financial compensation. It is only fair that the dog’s owner is held liable for your injuries and related financial loss.

However, time is of the essence in dog bite cases. Therefore, it is important to contact a Chattanooga dog bite lawyer at Massey & Associates as soon as possible to discuss your case.