East Brainerd Dog Bite Lawyer
Tennessee is one state that loves its dogs. However, as in any state, responsible pet ownership is expected, including making sure other people are safe in the presence of a dog.
If you were victimized by an irresponsible dog owner and his or her dog, a compassionate East Brainerd dog bite lawyer could evaluate your case and seek compensation on your behalf.
Tennessee’s Mixed Dog Bite Laws
Tennessee Code §44-8-113 addresses civil liability for dog bites in East Brainerd. Tennessee is unique in that it uses a mix of strict liability and a one bite rule, depending on the circumstances of the case. A dog’s owner could be held strictly liable by an East Brainerd dog bite attorney if:
- The injured party was in a public place or had a lawful right to be in a private place at the time of the dog bite or attack
- The dog caused physical damage to the victim or damage to his or her property
When these apply to the case, the owner of the dog is liable and there is no need to prove whether or not the owner knew that their dog could act aggressively.
On the other hand, if the victim in the dog bite case was on private property owned, rented, or leased by the owner of the dog without that person’s permission, the one bite rule is used. The dog’s owner must have known that the dog would be aggressive in order for the dog bite victim to hold the owner liable for the victim’s damages.
Dog Bite Case Defenses
In addition to the dog bite victim trespassing, if the victim is committing a crime or provokes the dog immediately prior to the attack, the victim may not win a case or be eligible for recovery of all of his or her damages. If the dog is kenneled or caged when it bites the victim, the victim may not win their case. It is also important to note that if a dog is working in the line of duty such as a police dog or a search and rescue dog, the owners of these dogs are not liable under Tennessee dog bite laws.
Potential Damages in a Dog Bite Case
Dog bites are often severe, requiring surgery and even physical rehabilitation. People who suffer from a dog bite may face years of healing and perhaps may never look or function like they did before the dog bite. The law allows these victims to seek compensation for the damages that stem from this.
Economic damages from a dog bite could include:
- Medical expenses like ambulance and emergency room care, surgery, prescriptions, and plastic surgery
- Lost wages
- Property damage
Non-economic damages from a dog bite could include:
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of function in a body part or appendage
A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in East Brainerd could help an individual who has suffered a dog bite or other injury caused by a dog to determine each one of his or her damages and its approximate value to ensure he or she could receive the highest compensation possible.
Let an East Brainerd Dog Bite Attorney Seek Compensation
Since dog bite laws are complex in Tennessee, many individuals who were bitten or otherwise injured by a dog hire an experienced East Brainerd dog bite lawyer to seek compensation for them. An attorney could ascertain whether strict liability or the one bite rule applies in your case and use the laws to support your case.
