Dogs are among the most loyal and affectionate of all the pets people own. They are called man’s best friend for a reason. Unfortunately, even the most well-trained dogs can be unpredictable and may lash out and attack someone.
If you have been attacked by someone else’s dog, you may be wondering about your legal rights and what damages in Nashville dog bite cases could be available. Our team of seasoned dog bite attorneys at Ponce Law can guide you through your legal options and support you while you heal.
A dog’s teeth are extremely sharp, and their jaws are more powerful than they may appear, even among smaller breeds. This means that any dog attack could result in serious injuries. These could include cuts and puncture wounds from the teeth, broken bones from the strength of the bite, head trauma if you fall during the attack, and illnesses from bacteria or other germs in the dog’s mouth. Even in the best scenarios, dog bite injuries can take weeks or months to heal, and the most severe could require several surgeries.
Therefore, animal attack victims may be able to recover financial compensation from the owner and their insurance carrier. Economic damages, which are the monetary costs of the attack, include compensation for:
Non-economic damages may also be available. However, these are a little more complicated because the costs are not quantifiable like the monetary costs. Non-economic damages could include:
Every case in Nashville is different, and the exact compensation for an animal attack will depend on the extent and severity of the injuries. Victims should discuss their situation with a knowledgeable attorney to understand what their case could be worth.
The statute for dog bites in Tennessee is found in Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-413, which holds the owner accountable for injuries their dog caused if it was running loose in a public place. Some exceptions could allow the owner to escape responsibility. For example, the owner may not be liable if the dog was a military or police dog and the injury occurred in the course of its official duties. Similarly, the owner may not be liable if the victim was trespassing on the owner’s private property or provoking the dog prior to the attack.
Like other states, Tennessee has a time limit known as the statute of limitations on when a claim for damages may be filed in the courts. The dog bite statute states that this time limit is the same for other personal injury claims, which is one year after the attack. If a claim is not filed within this window, it may be difficult for a victim to recover anything.
With so many exceptions and a short time window, one mistake or missed deadline could hinder the case. This is why victims in Nashville have a better chance of receiving compensation from a dog attack claim with the help of a skilled lawyer.
If you have been attacked by a dog, discuss your situation with an attorney at Ponce Law. Our team has decades of experience helping victims recover damages in Nashville dog bite cases and can work to get you the compensation you deserve.
Whether negotiating with the dog owner’s insurance company or arguing your case in court, we can be by your side until the end. Contact Ponce Law to schedule a free consultation and learn what your case might be worth.
