Cleveland, TN Dog Bite Lawyer
Although you may encounter many dogs that are friendly and harmless, there are also many that are not. Some dogs are unpredictable and can cause serious injuries to unsuspecting victims.
A Cleveland dog bite lawyer knows that the resulting injuries caused by a dog bite can be extremely painful. Matters involving dog bites are similar to other personal injury actions, meaning you may be able to seek compensation from a negligent owner. If you were bitten by a dog, do not hesitate to reach out to our knowledgeable attorneys who can work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Duties of Cleveland Dog Owners
Dog owners in Cleveland are responsible for making sure their dogs are in control around other people and are not running around unsupervised and unleashed (see T. C. A. § 44-8-413). Owners are exposed to liability for negligence when their dogs injure people in public or on the private property of another where the victim was lawfully present. The fact that a dog has never attacked someone before may not excuse the owner from liability under these circumstances. For help with filing a claim, contact a Cleveland dog bite lawyer today.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries often include damage to the skin including punctures, infections, lesions, and disfigurement. These types of injuries can necessitate costly medical procedures. When small children are attacked by dogs, the harm can be even more devastating due to their size and inability to push the dog away. In many cases, surgery may be necessary to repair the areas of the body injured by the dog bite. Even after surgery is complete, scarring and emotional damages can linger for a long time.
Victims should not be responsible for covering medical costs to repair an injury that occurred due to someone else’s negligence. Many dog bite victims are entitled to receive compensation to pay for medical fees and physical or emotional damages. Speak with a Cleveland dog bite lawyer for more information.
Determining Liability
Not everyone who suffers an injury as the result of a dog bite will be able to recover damages under Cleveland law. The law governing dog bites carves out exceptions for owner liability under certain circumstances:
- Owners are generally released from liability for dog bite injuries caused by police or military dogs doing their job
- If a dog is protecting their owner or an innocent person from being attacked, the person may not be able to seek recovery for a dog bite
- Owners are not responsible for dog bites that occur when the dog is securely confined in a crate or similar enclosing structure
- Victims who are bitten after provoking or otherwise bothering a dog may be prevented from recovering damages
- Trespassing on private property also can prevent victims from recovery
Seek Legal Assistance from a Cleveland Dog Bite Attorney
The time limits imposed on injury cases in Cleveland including dog bite matters is strict. A person may only have one year to bring a claim according to this time limit, also known as the statute of limitations. To avoid losing your right to bring your dog bite claim, you should contact an attorney as soon as practical to file your claim within the one-year time frame. A Cleveland dog bite lawyer is here to help. If you were attacked by a dog and suffered injuries, we can advocate for you. To find out how we are a good fit for helping you with filing your dog bite, lawsuit call us now.
