Dogs are often considered man’s best friend, but unfortunately, they can sometimes bite people for various reasons. According to the Centers for Disease Control, over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year in the United States, with children being more vulnerable and accounting for at least half of the victims. Sadly, some dog bites also result in fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, contact Hughes & Coleman Injury Lawyers today. Our Nashville personal injury lawyers are here to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Get it done.
Our dog bite attorneys in Nashville can help determine the specific laws that apply to your claim if you have suffered an injury. A personal injury lawyer can assist you in proving negligence, negotiating with the insurance company, and filing a dog bite injury lawsuit if necessary. It is essential to choose Nashville personal injury lawyers that have experienced attorneys on staff, who are familiar with the local courts and can best serve clients in Nashville, TN.
If you’ve been injured by a dog, contact a Nashville dog bite attorney who can properly and effectively represent you through this time.
Call Hughes & Coleman today at 800-800-4600 and get it done.
Dog bites often happen in specific situations where the dog feels threatened or uncomfortable. However, people sometimes fail to notice the warning signs that a dog may bite. Before biting, most dogs will growl, bark, or snap to express their dissatisfaction. It is essential for dog owners to be aware of these triggers to prevent their dogs from biting and causing harm to others, and it is important for dog bite victims to contact an experienced Nashville personal injury lawyer as soon as possible if they’ve been hurt in an attack, regardless of the reason. Some of the most common reasons dogs attack include:
Fear is the primary cause of most canine aggression. Dogs may feel threatened by something or someone invading their territory, which could trigger them to bite. Dogs may also become overwhelmed or “over threshold” and bite when they feel scared or threatened. Typically, dogs who bite out of fear are trying to escape from anything or anyone they find frightening.
Dogs can also bite if they are startled, particularly when they are sleeping. A shocked dog may become disoriented and aggressive if they are uncertain about their surroundings.
Resource guarding behavior can also cause dogs to bite if they feel threatened or if they don’t want to share their valuable items such as toys, food, or chews.
Frustration can lead to biting, especially when dogs are restrained by their owner or a leash and are unable to get what they want. Dogs may bite at whatever or whoever is holding them back, which is also referred to as redirection or a redirected bite.
Pain and discomfort can also cause dogs to bite, especially when they are sick or hurt. Even the most patient dogs may bite if they feel stressed or overwhelmed by pain.
Finally, play is a common cause of biting, as dogs use their mouths to explore their environment and interact with each other. Although it may not be harmful, dog owners should be mindful of this behavior.
Despite the various causes of dog bites, owners have the responsibility to keep their dogs under reasonable control. If you’ve been a victim of a dog bite, it is important to contact a Nashville dog bite lawyer so that you can be put in the best position possible to be compensated for your injuries.
While all dogs have the potential to bite, certain situations pose a higher risk for dog attacks, as reported by dogsbite.org. It’s important to be aware of these scenarios and take precautions to avoid them. The following are some of the most dangerous situations for dog bites:
Nashville dog bite attorneys often see dog attack victims who have put themselves in problematic situations that could have been avoided. This does not make the dog bites acceptable, however it is important to understand a dog’s propensity to bite in certain scenarios in order to avoid serious injury.
In the evaluation of dog bites resulting in personal injury, dog experts use the Dunbar Bite Scale, which categorizes bites into six levels.
If you or someone in your family has been bitten by a dog in Nashville, there are several crucial steps you need to take to protect yourself and pursue a dog bite claim. Here are some important actions to consider:
Get medical treatment immediately: Seeking medical attention is vital because dog bites can transmit diseases and become infected. Quick treatment may also help the provider report the bite to the authorities, and ensure that the injury is treated properly to minimize scarring. Be sure to keep all medical bills and records.
Identify the dog’s owner: Identifying the dog’s owner is essential to pursuing a dog bite claim. The owner’s insurance company is likely to cover the claim, but some policies exclude coverage for certain breeds. An experienced dog bite lawyer can help you determine liability.
Report the dog bite to animal control: Even if the injury is not severe, it’s important to report the incident to animal control. This helps authorities keep track of dangerous dogs and enforce dog bite laws.
Gather evidence: There are many types of evidence that can support a dog bite claim, including photos of the dog and injuries, medical bills and expenses, videos of the attack, and evidence of previous dog attacks. It’s important to gather as much evidence as possible to build a strong case. A dog bite attorney can assist in this area as well.
Contact a dog bite lawyer: Dog bite attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and obtain the compensation you deserve. Experienced Nashville personal injury lawyers can help you gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary. Contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the best possible outcome for your case.
If you have suffered a dog bite injury, it’s important to contact a Nashville personal injury attorney as soon as possible. You may be entitled to compensation for various damages. In a personal injury claim, you can request that the insurance company, and potentially other parties, pay you for damages you’ve sustained. The damages you can sue for may include:
If you have suffered an injury, it is essential to consult with an experienced Nashville personal injury attorney to determine the damages you can claim and get the compensation you deserve.
In Tennessee, dog bite cases can be complex due to a combination of strict liability and the “one bite” policy. The specific details of your case will determine your ability to pursue a claim against the owner.
Under Tennessee law, a dog owner may be held liable regardless of whether the dog has shown any dangerous propensities or whether the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous propensities. A dog owner is held strictly liable if the owner’s dog injures a person because the owner failed to exercise reasonable control over the dog or if the dog is running at large.
In Tennessee, the “one bite” rule is often applied, which means that if the owner knew or should have known that the dog was likely to bite, they can be held responsible for the victim’s injuries. However, if the victim’s own actions contributed to the incident, the owner’s liability may be reduced or eliminated altogether. Factors such as the dog’s medical history or recent events like giving birth or having surgery can also impact the case. It’s essential to consult with an experienced Nashville dog bite lawyer to understand your legal rights and options for seeking compensation.
In Nashville, TN, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a dog bite is one year from the date of the injury. If you do not file a lawsuit within this time frame, you may lose your right to recover compensation for your injuries. It is important to consult with a dog bite attorney as soon as possible to ensure that your legal rights are protected. Personal injury lawyers can ensure that all deadlines are met and that your claim is not put into jeopardy.
Our Nashville office is conveniently located in downtown Nashville. If you’ve been injured in a dog bite attack, contact us today for a free consultation. Personal injury lawyers at our firm are highly experienced in dog bite claims and can help you recover fair compensation for your injuries.
446 James Robertson Pkwy #100, Nashville, TN 37219
(615) 255-9100
We offer free consultations 24/7 and there will always be someone here to take your call. Call our personal injury lawyers today for a free consultation or fill out this form and we will contact you.
We serve clients across Tennessee and Kentucky and we have several offices throughout both states. See all of our locations and contact us today.
