Memphis Dog Bite Lawyers
Helping Memphis, Jackson and Nashville families recover after a dog bite or animal attack
Dog bites can cause devastating injuries, from deep lacerations and broken bones to permanent scarring, nerve damage, and lasting emotional trauma. Children are especially vulnerable. When a dog owner fails to control their animal and you or a loved one is hurt, Tennessee law may entitle you to compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
At Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, we understand the physical and emotional toll a serious dog bite can take on a victim and their family. Our experienced team has been fighting for injured Tennesseans since 1986, recovering over $300 million for our clients across Memphis, Jackson, and West Tennessee. If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog, we are here to help you pursue the full compensation you deserve. Contact Greer Injury Lawyers today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation by calling our office today or filling out our online form.
What is Tennessee's dog bite law?
Tennessee follows a strict liability standard for most dog bite cases under Tennessee Code Annotated Section 44-8-413, also known as the Dianna Acklen Act of 2007. Under this law, a dog owner can be held liable for injuries caused by their dog if the bite occurs in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property, and if the owner failed to keep the dog under reasonable control or the dog was running at large.
This is significant because it means you do not have to prove the dog had a history of aggression or that the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If the owner failed to control the animal and you were lawfully where you were when the attack happened, the owner may be held strictly liable for your injuries.
The Residential Exclusion and the "One Bite" Rule
Tennessee's dog bite statute includes what is known as the "residential exclusion." If a dog bite occurs on the dog owner's property, the strict liability standard does not automatically apply. Instead, the victim must prove that the owner knew or should have known about the dog's dangerous tendencies. This is sometimes referred to as the "one bite" rule, although Tennessee is the only state with this specific residential exclusion built into its dog bite statute.
Even if your bite occurred on the owner's property, you may still have a strong case. Prior complaints from neighbors, a history of aggressive behavior, lack of proper fencing or restraints, and breed-specific local ordinances can all help establish that the owner knew or should have known their dog posed a risk.
Exceptions to Dog Owner Liability
Tennessee law does provide certain defenses for dog owners. A dog owner may not be held liable if:
- The dog was securely confined in an enclosure when the injury occurred
- The victim was trespassing on the owner's property
- The dog was protecting its owner or another person from harm
- The victim was provoking or harassing the dog at the time of the attack
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Who is liable for a dog bite in Tennessee?
In many dog bite cases, the dog's owner is the primary party held responsible. However, liability can extend beyond the owner depending on the circumstances of the attack.
- Dog owners. Under T.C.A. Section 44-8-413, dog owners bear the primary responsibility for controlling their animals and preventing them from injuring others. This applies whether the dog is on or off a leash.
- Landlords and property owners. If a landlord knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to take action, or if a property owner allowed a known aggressive dog on their premises, they may share liability for a dog bite that occurs on that property.
- Dog sitters, walkers, and caretakers. Anyone who has temporary custody or control of a dog may be held responsible if they fail to keep the animal under reasonable control and someone is injured as a result.
Determining who is liable in a dog bite case requires a thorough investigation of the facts. The Memphis dog bite attorneys at Greer Injury Lawyers can review your case, identify all potentially liable parties, and pursue every available avenue for compensation on your behalf.
What compensation can I recover after a dog bite?
Dog bite injuries can result in significant financial, physical, and emotional hardship. Under Tennessee law, victims may be entitled to recover compensation for a range of damages, including:
- Medical expenses, including emergency room treatment, surgery, hospitalization, prescription medications, and ongoing rehabilitation
- Future medical costs for reconstructive surgery, scar revision, or long-term therapy
- Lost wages from time missed at work during recovery
- Diminished earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job
- Pain and suffering caused by the physical trauma of the attack
- Emotional distress, including anxiety, fear of dogs, PTSD, and depression
- Scarring and disfigurement, particularly for facial or visible injuries
- Loss of enjoyment of life if your injuries limit your ability to participate in activities you previously enjoyed
Children who suffer dog bites often face unique challenges, including emotional trauma that can affect their development, fear and anxiety around animals, and visible scarring during critical years of social development. Greer Injury Lawyers takes these cases seriously and fights to ensure young victims and their families receive the compensation they need for a full recovery.
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If I'm bitten by a dog in Tennessee, how long do I have to file a lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for a dog bite injury claim in Tennessee is one year from the date of the attack, as outlined in Tennessee Code Annotated Section 28-3-104. This deadline applies to claims filed under both the strict liability statute and the common law one-bite rule.
One year may sound like a long time, but building a strong dog bite case takes time. Evidence needs to be collected, medical records must be gathered, and witnesses need to be interviewed. If you miss the one-year deadline, the court will almost certainly dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
Exceptions may apply for minor children or in cases involving concurrent criminal prosecution, but you should not rely on an exception without consulting an attorney. Contact Greer Injury Lawyers as soon as possible after a dog bite to protect your rights and preserve critical evidence.
What should I do after a dog bite?
The steps you take immediately after a dog bite can significantly impact both your health and your ability to recover compensation. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Memphis or anywhere in Tennessee, take these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately. Even if the wound appears minor, dog bites carry a high risk of infection, including bacterial infections, rabies, and tetanus. Get medical treatment and make sure everything is documented.
- Report the bite. Contact Memphis Animal Services or your local animal control agency to file a report. This creates an official record of the incident and may help establish whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior.
- Document everything. Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the attack occurred, and the dog if possible. Write down exactly what happened while it is still fresh in your memory.
- Get the owner's information. If you can do so safely, obtain the dog owner's name, address, phone number, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information.
- Identify witnesses. If anyone saw the attack, get their names and contact information. Witness testimony can be valuable evidence in your case.
- Do not give a recorded statement to an insurance company. The dog owner's insurance company may contact you quickly after the incident. Do not provide a recorded statement or accept a settlement offer without speaking with a dog bite attorney first.
- Contact a Memphis dog bite lawyer. An attorney can evaluate your case, handle communication with insurance companies, and begin building your claim while the evidence is still fresh.
What's the process for filing a dog bite claim or lawsuit?
If you are pursuing a dog bite claim against a dog owner or other responsible party in Tennessee, the process generally involves the following steps:
- Consult with a Memphis dog bite attorney to evaluate the facts of your case and determine whether you have a viable claim under Tennessee's strict liability statute or the common law one-bite rule.
- Investigate the incident by gathering medical records, animal control reports, photographs, witness statements, and any prior complaints about the dog's behavior.
- Identify all liable parties, which may include the dog owner, a landlord, a property manager, or a caretaker.
- File an insurance claim with the responsible party's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. Many dog bite cases are resolved through insurance claims without the need for a lawsuit.
- Negotiate a fair settlement. Your attorney will handle all negotiations with the insurance company and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
- File a lawsuit if necessary. If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney will file a lawsuit and prepare your case for trial within the one-year statute of limitations under T.C.A. Section 28-3-104.
- Proceed to trial if needed. The attorneys at Greer Injury Lawyers have nearly four decades of courtroom experience and are prepared to take your case to trial if that is what it takes to achieve a fair result.
How long will my dog bite case take?
The timeline for resolving a dog bite case in Tennessee varies depending on the severity of your injuries, the complexity of the liability issues, and whether the case can be settled or needs to go to trial. Some straightforward cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may settle within a few months. More complex cases involving severe injuries, disputed liability, or multiple parties can take a year or longer to resolve.
Your attorney will not recommend settling your case until you have reached maximum medical improvement, meaning your doctors have determined that your condition has stabilized. Settling too early can leave you without the resources you need to cover future medical expenses and ongoing treatment.
At Greer Injury Lawyers, we keep our clients informed at every stage of the process and make sure you understand your options before making any decisions about your case.
How much does a Memphis dog bite lawyer charge?
Whether your case settles or goes to court, your dog bite attorney at Greer Injury Lawyers will take your case on contingency, which means you will not pay attorney fees unless we are successful in recovering compensation for you. Once we win your case, all associated fees and medical bills will be paid from your award, and then your award is released to you.
There are no upfront costs and no out-of-pocket expenses. This ensures that every dog bite victim has access to quality legal representation regardless of their financial situation. You can focus on your recovery while we focus on fighting for the compensation you deserve.
Is your dog bite lawyer near me?
Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC are located in Memphis, Jackson and Nashville and represent people throughout Tennessee. Rest assured, however, that if you are critically injured and unable to come to us, we will travel to visit you in the hospital or rehabilitation center. We also offer virtual conferences and telephone consultations.
Contact the dog bite lawyers at Greer Injury Lawyers now
The dog bite attorneys at Greer Injury Lawyers, PLLC, can represent you and your family in your time of need. We know what you are going through if you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a dog bite. We represent people like you in Jackson, Memphis, and all throughout West Tennessee with care, compassion, and capability. Please call us at 901-680-9777 or fill out our contact form to schedule a meeting with one of our dog bite lawyers today.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bites in Tennessee
Can I sue for a dog bite in Tennessee even if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
Yes. Under Tennessee's strict liability statute, T.C.A. Section 44-8-413, a dog owner can be held liable for a bite that occurs in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. The key factor is whether the owner failed to keep the dog under reasonable control or whether the dog was running at large.
What if I was bitten by a dog on the owner's property?
If a dog bite occurs on the owner's property, Tennessee's residential exclusion applies. This means the strict liability standard does not automatically apply, and you would need to prove that the owner knew or should have known about the dog's dangerous tendencies. Evidence such as prior complaints, aggressive behavior toward other people or animals, or a lack of proper containment can help establish this.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?
Tennessee follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover compensation as long as your share of fault is less than 50 percent. However, your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20 percent at fault, your compensation would be reduced by 20 percent.
Are certain dog breeds treated differently under Tennessee law?
Tennessee's state dog bite statute does not impose breed-specific liability. However, some local municipalities in Tennessee have enacted breed-specific ordinances that may affect a dog bite case. Your attorney can advise you on whether any local regulations apply to your situation.
Does homeowner's insurance cover dog bite injuries?
In most cases, yes. Homeowner's insurance and renter's insurance policies typically include liability coverage that extends to dog bite injuries caused by the policyholder's dog. However, some policies exclude certain breeds or may deny coverage if the owner knew the dog was dangerous. Greer Injury Lawyers will investigate the available insurance coverage and pursue every source of compensation on your behalf.
What if a child is bitten by a dog in Memphis?
Children are the most common victims of dog bites and often suffer more severe injuries due to their smaller size. Dog bites to a child's face, head, and neck are unfortunately common. Tennessee law allows parents or legal guardians to file a dog bite claim on behalf of a minor child. The statute of limitations may also be extended for minors in certain circumstances.
Should I report a dog bite to animal control?
Yes. Reporting a dog bite to Memphis Animal Services or your local animal control agency creates an official record of the incident. This documentation can serve as important evidence in your case and may reveal whether the dog has a history of prior attacks or complaints.