Chattanooga Dog Bite Lawyer

Lacerations involve cuts or tears in the skin, which can be quite severe in dog bite incidents. These injuries may require stitches and can leave lasting scars.

Strong bites, especially from larger breeds, can result in broken bones. Hands, arms, and legs are particularly vulnerable during a dog attack.

Nerve damage can occur from deep bites, leading to loss of sensation or motor function in the affected area. This type of injury can have long-term consequences.

Soft tissue injuries include damage to muscles, tendons, and ligaments. These injuries can be painful and may require extensive treatment and rehabilitation.

In severe cases, dog attacks can be fatal. Wrongful death in dog bite cases typically involves serious injuries leading to loss of life.

Dog bite victims often experience emotional trauma, such as fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can have a profound impact on their overall well-being.

There is no automatic rule requiring euthanasia for a dog that bites a person. The decision is typically made by local animal control authorities who consider the specifics of the incident. Factors like the dog’s previous behavior, whether the bite was provoked, and the severity of the injuries inflicted play a role in this determination. 

Tennessee uses both strict liability and the one-bite rule.

In Tennessee, you can seek compensation if you are bitten by a dog, provided your situation aligns with the legal requirements. 

Under Tennessee’s dog bite law, the owner may be held liable for injuries caused by their dog, especially if the dog was not under reasonable control or was running at large. Exceptions include if the injured person was trespassing, provoking the dog, or if the dog was a police or military dog on duty. 

Additionally, the “one bite” rule applies in certain cases, requiring proof of the dog’s prior dangerous behavior for owner liability. It’s important to consult legal guidance in such cases to understand your rights and the applicable laws.

You can recover damages for things like doctor bills, lost work, and pain and suffering.

The one-bite rule might apply, but there are exceptions, especially if the bite occurred in a public place or if the dog was running at large.

Whether you have to go to court for a dog bite case depends on how the case develops. Many dog bite cases are settled outside of court. This means the person who got bitten and the dog owner (or their insurance company) agree on an amount of money to be paid for the injuries without going to court. Lawyers often help with these talks to reach a settlement that’s fair. 

Going to court can take more time and be more stressful, so many people prefer to settle if they can. But, if an agreement can’t be reached, then the case might go to court. Each situation is different, and the decision to go to court will depend on the details of the case, what both sides want, and the advice of your lawyer.