Knoxville Dog Bite Lawyer

Compassionate Representation for Injured Clients in Tennessee

More than 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year, and more than 800,000 receive medical attention, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control (CDC). Sadly, at least half of those bitten are children. A dog bite attack is a traumatic experience that not only takes its toll on you physically and emotionally—but financially as well.

At The Bowlin Law Firm, we have been helping personal injury victims get the compensation they need and deserve for nearly 15 years. We regularly work with leading medical experts in the treatment of dog bite injuries and in obtaining expert testimony needed to win dog bite cases. If you or a loved one is the victim of a dog bite, you should seek immediate medical assistance and contact an experienced Knoxville dog bite lawyer today.

Call (865) 325-0883 or contact us online for a free consultation.

Dog Bite Injuries

A dog bite can result in disfigurement, disability, and even death. Each year, about 16 people die from their injuries sustained from a dog attack. However, most victims suffer minor to mild injuries that are not life-threatening. Common types of dog bite injuries include:

• Skin tears/lacerations
• Broken bones
• Puncture wounds
• Bruises
• Scratches
• Infections

The severity of an injury depends on the type of attack, the breed of the dog and the victim. Certain breeds are more likely to be vicious in their attack. In serious dog bite cases, a victim may need multiple surgeries if they have suffered serious tissue injuries.

Dog Bite Liability

Tennessee has a complex dog bite statute that imposes strict liability in some situations and "one bite" liability in others. If you are injured by a dog, you have one year to file a personal injury lawsuit and seek compensation from the dog's owner. As mentioned above, Tennessee's dog bite law imposes a mix of strict liability and "one bite" liability, depending on the situation. The dog bite law allows an injured person to hold a dog's owner strictly liable if:

• The dog caused the person's injury, and
• The injured person was in a public place or lawfully in a private place

In these situations, the dog owner is liable without any showing of fault. The strict liability rule applies to injuries caused in a public place or a third party's private property. However, it does not apply to injuries caused on private residential, farm, or non-commercial property that the dog's owner owns, rents, leases, or occupies. In these situations, the "one bite" rule applies, which means that the injured person must show that the dog's owner knew—or should have known—that the dog would act aggressively in order to hold the owner liable for damages.

If you or someone you know has recently suffered from a dog bite, our Knoxville personal injury lawyers at The Bowlin Law Firm are here to help. We can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Call us today at (865) 325-0883.