Whitfield County Dog Bite Lawyer

Regardless of the circumstances, dog bites can put individuals at risk for any number of infections and diseases, even if the bite does not result in an extensive period of hospitalization. If a dog bit you or a loved one in Whitfield County recently, know that a knowledgeable Whitfield County dog bite lawyer may be able to help. Read on to learn more about how a skilled injury attorney could make a difference for you.

Strict Liability for Dog Bites

In Whitfield County, Tennessee, a dog’s owner can be held liable for a bite if their dog attacks someone or damages their personal property in a place the injured party had a legal right to be in. This legal right may refer to how the individual was in a public place, such as a local park, or was lawfully in a private place that is not rented, leased, or owned by the dog’s owner. It could also include a third party’s home when the injured individual was an invited guest.

Under the theory of strict liability, the dog’s owner would be responsible for the costs associated with the injury caused by their dog’s attack. Liability in this case is not limited by the dog owner’s prior knowledge—or lack thereof—of the dog’s propensity for biting. Liability does, however, require the bite to be unprovoked, so if the plaintiff hit, kicked, or otherwise injured the dog or its owner, they may be unable to recover compensation. Reach out to a professional injury lawyer to learn more.

One Bite Rule

Under the one bite rule, an injured individual must establish that the dog’s owner was or should have been aware that their dog was aggressive or had a tendency to bite. While the law does not specify a formal threshold for aggressiveness, any past reports or incidents of a dog biting or threatening someone could be sufficient, as might a reputation of aggressiveness from the dog according to the accounts of neighbors.

The one bite rule is applicable when an individual is bitten on property that is rented, leased, or owned by the dog’s owner. It is also applicable when the dog’s owner is on the property with the property owner’s permission. Accordingly, if a dog bites someone who enters the owner’s property, or when both the injured party and the dog’s owner are invited guests, the one bite rule applies.

Recoverable Damages from a Whitfield County Dog Bite

Someone injured by a dog bite is permitted to seek legal recovery for their losses and damages. Following an accident caused by another party, an injured individual may be able to recover a damage award in the form of financial compensation. In a dog bite case, the financial recovery could be paid by the dog’s owner, or by the owner’s insurance company if their coverage extends to injuries caused by the owner’s pet. Recovery in a dog bite case may include the cost of medical treatment for both physical or emotional trauma, rehabilitation, lost wages, and any other costs that stem from the injury suffered.

How a Whitfield County Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

If you or a loved one suffered injured from a dog attack, do not hesitate to speak with a dedicated Whitfield County dog bite lawyer. A determined Whitfield County dog bite lawyer could examine all of the aspects of your case, advise you of your legal options going forward, and work to get you compensation for your injuries. Reach out to a qualified Whitfield County dog bite lawyer today to schedule your initial consultation.