The Short Answer:
If a dog bites you in Tennessee, perform first aid and seek medical care immediately, report the bite to authorities, gather evidence, and contact a dog bite attorney. Tennessee has a mix of strict liability and “one bite” rules, and you only have 1 year to file a claim. Speaking with The McMahan Law Firm can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you may be owed.
Key Takeaways:
- Even minor dog bites can lead to serious infections or long-term damage, so be sure to wash and bandage the wound immediately.
- Always get medical treatment and report the incident to local animal control or police.
- Document everything: photos, the dog owner’s info, and witness statements.
- Tennessee law holds dog owners liable in many situations, but rules depend on where the bite happened.
- You only have 1 year from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit.
- The McMahan Law Firm’s dog bite attorneys can help you understand your legal options and fight for compensation.
Table of Contents
- Why Quick Action Matters After a Dog Bite
- Step 1 – Get Medical Treatment Immediately
- Step 2 – Report the Dog Bite
- Step 3 – Gather Evidence and Document the Incident
- Step 4 – Know Tennessee’s Dog Bite Laws
- Step 5 – Contact a Dog Bite Attorney at The McMahan Law Firm
- What Compensation Can You Recover?
- FAQs About Dog Bites in Tennessee
- Injured by a Dog? The McMahan Law Firm Can Help.
Why Quick Action Matters After a Dog Bite
Dog bites can cause more than just surface wounds. Even a small puncture can lead to serious infections, permanent scarring, or exposure to diseases like rabies. Prompt medical treatment helps reduce the risk of complications and ensures the injury is properly documented.
Delaying action can also affect your ability to recover compensation. If you don’t report the incident or collect evidence right away, it may be harder to prove what happened. Tennessee law also limits the time you have to file a lawsuit to just 1 year from the date of the bite. Knowing what to do if someone’s dog bites you protects both your health and your legal rights.
Step 1 – Get Medical Treatment Immediately
The first thing you should do after a dog bite is care for your injury. Wash the wound thoroughly with soap and water, then apply a sterile bandage to help prevent infection. Even if the bite seems minor, bacteria from a dog’s mouth can cause serious complications if left untreated.
Seek emergency care right away if the bite is on your face, hand, or neck, or if it’s deep, bleeding heavily, or very painful. Medical professionals may recommend antibiotics to avoid infection or a tetanus shot, depending on the situation.
You should also be evaluated for possible rabies exposure, especially if the dog’s vaccination status is unknown. Prompt treatment can reduce the chance of infection, prevent long-term damage, and strengthen any future legal claim by creating a clear medical record of your injury.
Step 2 – Report the Dog Bite
If you are in immediate danger or the dog remains aggressive, call 911 right away. Emergency responders can help secure the scene and ensure your safety.
Even if the danger has passed, it’s still important to file a report with your local animal control or police department. This creates an official record of the incident, which can support your injury claim later on.
Be prepared to provide key details, such as the dog owner’s name and contact information, a description of the dog, and whether the dog is up to date on rabies and other vaccinations. This information helps authorities determine if further action is needed to protect public safety.
Step 3 – Gather Evidence and Document the Incident
Thorough documentation can make a major difference in a dog bite claim. Start by taking clear photos of your injuries as soon as possible. If you can, also capture images of the dog, the location where the bite happened, and anything else that might support your case, such as broken fences or warning signs.
Keep any clothing you were wearing during the attack, especially if it’s torn or bloodied. These items can serve as physical evidence of the severity of the incident.
If the dog’s owner is present, ask for their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance information. This may be the source of compensation for your injuries. Gathering this information early helps build a stronger case.
Step 4 – Know Tennessee’s Dog Bite Laws
Tennessee uses a combination of strict liability and the “one bite” rule, depending on the circumstances. In most public places or on private property where the victim had a legal right to be, the dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog, meaning they may be held responsible even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
However, if the bite happened on the dog owner’s property and the victim was trespassing, the “one bite” rule may apply. In those cases, the victim may need to prove that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.
The location of the bite matters. Whether it occurred in a public park, on a sidewalk, or in someone’s yard can affect the outcome of a case.
Also, dog bite victims in Tennessee only have 1 year from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit. Missing this deadline could mean losing your chance to pursue compensation.
Step 5 – Contact a Dog Bite Attorney at The McMahan Law Firm
Dog bite cases can be more complex than they seem. Insurance companies may try to downplay your injuries or shift blame, and proving liability under Tennessee’s hybrid laws can be challenging without legal support.
An experienced dog bite attorney can help you gather strong evidence, communicate with insurance companies on your behalf, and push for full compensation for your injuries. They can also ensure your claim is filed within Tennessee’s 1-year deadline.
The McMahan Law Firm understands the local laws that apply to dog bite injuries in Tennessee. With a track record of standing up for injured clients, we’re ready to help you understand your legal options and fight for the money you’re owed.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation and get answers about your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
If someone’s dog bites you in Tennessee, you may be entitled to compensation for a range of losses. This includes:
- Medical expenses: Coverage may include emergency care, follow-up visits, surgery, medication, and any future treatments related to the injury.
- Lost wages: If you had to miss work due to your injuries, you can seek compensation for lost income and, in some cases, reduced earning potential.
- Pain and suffering: Dog bites can be physically painful and emotionally traumatic. You may be able to recover damages for both.
- Disfigurement or scarring: If the attack left visible or permanent scars, especially on the face or hands, you may qualify for additional compensation.
An attorney can help calculate what your case may be worth based on the extent of your injuries and their long-term impact.
FAQs About Dog Bites in Tennessee
Tennessee uses a combination of strict liability and the “one bite” rule. The “one bite” rule typically applies if the dog bite occurred on the dog owner’s property and the victim didn’t have permission to be there. In these cases, the victim may need to prove that the owner knew the dog had acted aggressively before.
Not always. If the bite occurred in a public place or where you were legally allowed to be, Tennessee’s strict liability law may apply. That means the dog owner can be held responsible even if the dog had never bitten anyone before.
No. Dogs are not automatically euthanized after a bite. Local animal control will evaluate the situation, which may include a quarantine period to observe the dog for rabies. Whether the dog is put down depends on multiple factors, including the severity of the attack and the dog’s history.
Possibly. If you were legally on the property—such as a guest, delivery person, or tenant—you may still have a case. However, if you were trespassing, the “one bite” rule might apply, and you’ll need to show that the dog had previously displayed dangerous behavior and the owner was aware of it.
Injured by a Dog? The McMahan Law Firm Can Help.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Tennessee, take these steps right away: get medical treatment, report the bite to authorities, document what happened, and learn your legal rights. Acting quickly is key to protecting your health and building a strong case.
Dog bite claims can be complicated, and the clock is ticking. You only have 1 year to file a lawsuit, so don’t wait to get the help you need.
The McMahan Law Firm is here to stand by your side. Our team understands Tennessee dog bite laws and can fight to get you the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.