Sequatchie Dog Bite Lawyer

Animal attacks are painful, but they can be expensive as well. If your injury prevents you from working or requires future medical care, you should not have to shoulder the cost. The state of Tennessee adheres to a doctrine of strict liability. Having an adequate amount of evidence with the timeliness of a suit can positively impact the overall outcome of your case. Dog attacks, can be painful and traumatizing. If you or someone you care about is the victim of a dog attack, it is important to contact a Sequatchie County dog bite lawyer as quickly as possible. As a victim, you have a right to seek damages with an experienced personal injury attorney. You may be entitled to hold the owner of the pet liable for their actions and your injuries.

Taking Action After a Dog Bite Attack

It is immensely important for a victim to contact a Sequatchie dog bite lawyer after the initial incident, after they have sought medical treatment. If the victim has been infected with rabies or another disease, or if the injuries are severe, delaying medical treatment can be life-threatening. Once the victim has sought medical attention, they should contact a lawyer and be prepared to provide basic information about the owner and their pet.

It is imperative for victims to maintain detailed medical records related to their injuries, as well as the name and phone numbers of potential witnesses. Photographs of the injuries themselves and torn clothing can also help bolster a case.

Limited vs. Strict Liability

When it comes to establishing liability after an animal attack, a Sequatchie County dog bite lawyer will need to prove that the animal is responsible for injuring the individual. In most dog bite cases, there are two different types of liability:

  • Limited Liability: If the owner was aware that their pet displayed dangerous behaviors, but they chose to not take necessary actions to reduce the chances of an attack, they can be held responsible under limited liability statutes.
  • Strict Liability: If a pet attacks a person, the owner is held fully responsible regardless of the circumstances. Under strict liability, the owner is responsible even if their pet has never exhibited dangerous behaviors prior to the attack.

In the state of Tennessee, the courts allow victims to hold pet owners strictly liable in the aftermath of an attack. As long as their attorney can prove that the animal in question is responsible for the attack, and the victim did not provoke the animal or trespass onto the owner’s property, there will be a high possibility of the victim receiving compensation for their injuries. However, exceptions exist for several circumstances, including when the dog is on its owner’s property and the owner had no reason to know of the dog’s likelihood to attack.

Other Potential Defendants

Depending on the circumstances of the case, a Sequatchie County dog bite lawyer may be able to hold multiple parties responsible for the attack. If the owner of the pet is under the age of 18, their parents can be held liable. If the animal was being monitored by a pet sitter or a kennel, these parties can be held liable along with the owner.

In addition to the previously mentioned parties, property owners have an explicit responsibility to ensure that dangerous animals do not inhabit their land or structure. This means that they can be held liable if a person is attacked on their premises. If you have been attacked by a dog, do not hesitate to contact a Sequatchie County dog bite lawyer. Local attorneys have extensive experience handling animal attack cases, and they are ready to help you obtain compensation for your injuries.