Understanding Your Rights: The Role of a Nashville Dog Bite Attorney

Why Every Nashville Dog Bite Victim Needs to Know Their Legal Rights

If you’ve been injured by a dog in Nashville, a nashville dog bite attorney can help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Tennessee law offers protections for victims, but the legal process and filing deadlines can be complex — local, experienced guidance helps protect your rights. . An attorney investigates the attack, identifies liable parties, negotiates with insurance companies, and represents you in court if needed.

Dog bites are common and can be serious. National estimates show millions are bitten each year, and children are especially vulnerable.”

In Nashville and across Middle Tennessee, where many households own dogs, an attack can be life-altering. Victims often face deep puncture wounds, permanent scarring, nerve damage, serious infections, and lasting emotional trauma. The financial toll can be significant — medical care and hospital stays for serious bites can result in substantial costs.

If a dog has bitten you or a loved one in Nashville, you have rights, but the clock is ticking. You have just one year from the date of the attack to file a legal claim. This guide explains what to do after a bite, how Tennessee’s laws work, and how an experienced attorney can help you secure the compensation you deserve.

What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Nashville

The moments after a dog attack are chaotic, but the steps you take can protect your health and your legal rights.

Prioritize Your Health: Seek immediate medical attention, even for a minor bite. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection (like rabies, tetanus, or MRSA) and can cause unseen damage to nerves, muscles, and bones. A doctor’s visit creates an official medical record, which is critical evidence for your claim.

Report the Incident: Call Metro Animal Care and Control (MACC) in Nashville to report the bite. They will investigate and ensure the dog is quarantined for the required 10-day rabies observation period (see Tennessee Department of Health guidance here). Filing a police report also creates an official record of the attack.

Gather Information: If it is safe, get the owner’s name, address, and phone number, and ask about the dog’s rabies vaccination status. If the owner is uncooperative, ask witnesses for any information they have.

Document Everything: Use your phone to photograph your injuries, the location of the attack, and any torn clothing. Also, get the names and contact information of any witnesses. This evidence is vital for your Nashville dog bite attorney.

Avoid Speaking to Insurers: Before providing a recorded statement to the dog owner’s insurer, speak with an attorney — insurers often look for information that can reduce a claim, and a lawyer can protect your rights. Let an experienced lawyer handle these communications.

[LIST] of Critical First Steps After a Dog Bite

1. Get to a safe location. Move away from the dog and out of harm’s way immediately.
2. Administer basic first aid and seek professional medical evaluation. Rinse the wound with soap and water, then get to a doctor or emergency room—even if it looks minor.
3. Report the bite to Metro Animal Care and Control. This protects you, creates an official record, and ensures the dog is monitored for rabies.
4. Get the owner’s name, address, and phone number. Ask about the dog’s vaccination history, especially for rabies.
5. Take photos of your injuries and the location of the attack. Document everything while it’s fresh—your memory and your evidence.
6. Do not speak to the owner’s insurance company without legal advice. Anything you say can be used to reduce or deny your claim.
7. Contact an experienced attorney. A Nashville dog bite attorney can guide you through the process, protect your rights, and help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Tennessee’s Complex Dog Bite Laws

Tennessee’s dog bite laws blend strict liability with traditional negligence, creating a unique framework to protect victims. Understanding these laws is the first step to protecting your rights after a bite in Nashville.

The Dianna Acklen Act of 2007 is a key piece of legislation, establishing that dog owners must maintain “reasonable control” over their animals. If they fail and their dog bites someone, they can be held liable. Generally, strict liability applies if a dog bite occurs in a public place (like a park or sidewalk) or if the victim was lawfully on private property. This means the owner can be held responsible even if the dog had never been aggressive before. The distinction between public and private property is significant in Tennessee dog bite cases, as it can determine what you need to prove to recover compensation. For more information on the claims process, you can review our guide to the personal injury claims process.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?

While the dog owner has primary responsibility, others may also be liable:

• Landlords can be held liable if they knew a tenant had a dangerous dog and did nothing to protect others.
• Property owners, like business owners, may be responsible if a bite occurs on their premises and they failed to take reasonable precautions against a known dangerous dog.
• Dog sitters or caretakers with temporary custody can be liable if their negligence leads to an attack.
• Parents of minor owners are typically responsible for damages caused by their child’s dog.

The ‘One-Bite Rule’ and Premises Liability in Tennessee

The so-called “one-bite rule” is not a “free bite” law. It typically applies when a bite happens on the owner’s private residential property. In these cases, the victim usually must prove the owner knew or should have known the dog was aggressive. Evidence could include a previous bite, a history of growling or lunging, or neighbor complaints.

This connects to premises liability, which requires property owners to warn visitors of known dangers. An aggressive dog is considered a dangerous condition. If you were lawfully on someone’s property and were attacked by a dog the owner knew was dangerous, they may be liable for failing to warn you or secure the animal.

Key Exceptions to Strict Liability

An owner’s liability can be reduced or eliminated in certain situations:

• Provocation: If the victim was teasing, hitting, or intentionally bothering the dog, the owner may not be liable. However, an action’s context matters, and children are often not found to have provoked an attack.
• Trespassing: Owners are generally not held strictly liable if their dog bites a trespasser, unless the owner acted with gross negligence.
• Working Dogs: Lawfully working police or military dogs are protected from liability when performing official duties.
• Comparative Fault: Tennessee uses a modified comparative fault system. If you are found partially at fault for the bite, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages.

These legal nuances are why you need an experienced Nashville dog bite attorney to steer your case and counter potential defenses.

The Role of a Nashville Dog Bite Attorney in Your Case

After a dog attack, navigating the legal system while recovering from your injuries can feel impossible. A nashville dog bite attorney is an essential advocate who can shoulder the legal burden for you. At Bill Easterly & Associates, we combine big-firm results with the personal attention of a local firm that genuinely cares for Nashville families.

We steer Tennessee’s complex dog bite laws, from the Dianna Acklen Act to the “one-bite rule,” and fight for victims’ rights. A critical part of our role is protecting you from insurance company tactics. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize claims. We handle communications with insurers to protect your claim and pursue fair compensation. You can learn more about our commitment to Tennessee families by reading about Bill Easterly’s experience.

Navigating the Strict One-Year Statute of Limitations

In Tennessee, you have just one year from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit (see T.C.A. § 28-3-104). This strict one-year statute of limitations is a firm deadline. If you miss it, you lose your right to pursue compensation, no matter how severe your injuries are.

Acting promptly is important. An attorney will ensure deadlines are met, evidence is preserved, and your claim proceeds correctly. We ensure all deadlines are met and start gathering evidence immediately, while it’s still fresh.

How a Nashville Dog Bite Attorney Maximizes Your Compensation

Recovering fair compensation requires a strategic approach. We maximize your claim by:

• Conducting a thorough investigation: We gather police reports, animal control records, witness statements, and evidence of the dog’s history.
• Calculating all damages: We work with experts to determine the full cost of your injuries, including current and future medical bills, lost wages, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
• Negotiating skillfully with insurers: Armed with evidence, we negotiate for a settlement that reflects the true value of your claim.
• Filing a lawsuit and representing you in court: If a fair settlement isn’t offered, we are fully prepared to take your case to trial.

We handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis. You will not owe attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.

What Happens to the Dog After It Bites Someone?

After an attack, the dog is typically placed in a 10-day quarantine to be observed for rabies. Depending on the severity of the attack and the dog’s history, authorities may pursue a “dangerous dog” designation. This can lead to court-ordered restrictions, such as requiring the dog to be muzzled in public. In the most severe cases of unprovoked attacks causing serious injury, euthanasia may be considered, but only after a thorough investigation and legal process.

Recoverable Damages in a Nashville Dog Bite Claim

A dog bite’s impact extends far beyond the initial wound, affecting you physically, emotionally, and financially. In a Nashville dog bite claim, you can pursue compensation for all these losses, which are categorized as economic damages (measurable financial costs) and non-economic damages (personal, subjective suffering).

Documenting your losses is vital. Keep all medical bills, receipts, and records of missed work. Photograph your injuries throughout the healing process. This documentation strengthens your claim and helps account for the long-term impact of injuries, such as future surgeries for scarring or ongoing therapy for psychological trauma. For a detailed overview of the types of injuries we handle, visit our Dog Bite Injury page.

Common Injuries Resulting from Dog Bites

Dog attacks can cause a wide range of injuries, including:

• Puncture wounds and lacerations: These can be deep, damaging underlying tissue and creating a high risk of infection.
• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent scars, especially on the face or hands, can require reconstructive surgery and cause significant emotional distress.
• Nerve damage: Deep bites can sever nerves, leading to numbness, weakness, or permanent loss of function.
• Broken bones: The force of a bite or being knocked down can easily cause fractures, particularly in children and the elderly.
• Infections: Bacteria from a dog’s mouth can cause serious infections like cellulitis, sepsis, or MRSA. Rabies and tetanus are also concerns.
• Psychological trauma and PTSD: Many victims, especially children, develop a lasting fear of dogs, anxiety, and nightmares.

Types of Compensation Available to Victims

With a nashville dog bite attorney, you can seek compensation for the full scope of your losses:

• Medical expenses: This covers all past and future costs, including ER visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and counseling.
• Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation for income lost while recovering and for any long-term impact on your ability to work.
• Pain and suffering: For the physical pain and discomfort you have endured.
• Emotional distress: Acknowledges the fear, anxiety, and trauma resulting from the attack.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Compensation for the inability to participate in hobbies and activities you once loved.
• Property damage: Reimbursement for items damaged during the attack, like torn clothing or broken glasses.

We work to ensure your compensation reflects the total impact of the attack on your life, both now and in the future.

Frequently Asked Questions about Nashville Dog Bite Claims

How much does it cost to hire a Nashville dog bite attorney?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs. Our fee is a percentage of the settlement or award we recover for you. We only get paid if you win. We also offer a free, no-obligation initial consultation to discuss your case, explain our fees, and help you understand your options.

Do I still have a case if the dog had never bitten anyone before?

Yes, you can still have a strong case. Under Tennessee’s strict liability law, if a dog bites you in a public place or while you are lawfully on private property, the owner can be held responsible regardless of the dog’s history. The “one-bite rule,” which requires showing the owner knew the dog was aggressive, typically only applies to bites on the owner’s private residential property. A nashville dog bite attorney can evaluate the specifics of your case to determine the best legal strategy.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first settlement offer?

It is almost always a bad idea to accept the first offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to settle claims for as little as possible, and their initial offer rarely covers the full extent of your damages, especially future medical needs and non-economic losses. Once you accept an offer, you lose the right to seek further compensation. A nashville dog bite attorney can calculate the true value of your claim and negotiate for a fair settlement on your behalf. Your consultation is free, so there is no risk in getting a professional opinion first.

Get the Compassionate and Experienced Help You Deserve

If a dog bite has impacted you or a loved one in Nashville, Franklin, Murfreesboro, or anywhere in Middle Tennessee, you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. A dog attack leaves physical, emotional, and financial scars, but you have rights.

Acting quickly is essential. Tennessee’s strict one-year statute of limitations means any delay could prevent you from recovering the compensation you deserve.

At Bill Easterly & Associates, We are a community-driven firm dedicated to helping our neighbors, offering proven results along with compassionate, personal attention.” Our commitment is to hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure full and fair compensation for victims. See how we’ve helped others by reading our client reviews.

Don’t let the legal system add to your burden. Take the first step toward justice and healing. Contact a Nashville dog bite lawyer today for a free consultation at Bill Easterly & Associates. We’re here to listen, guide, and to fight for you.