Nashville Dog Bite Lawyer

Nearly 70% of homes or about 51 million families own a dog. In Tennessee, owners can be liable for dog bite injuries. Nashville dog bite lawyer George Angelopoulos is a Tennessee personal injury attorney located in Franklin, TN who represents dog attack victims. We love our pets and never think ours or the neighbor’s will bite. But dog bites happen, and when they do searching out lawyers for dog bites is the first step to justice.

Obtaining medical treatment and compensation for Tennessee dog bite injury victims is our priority. We have the dedication, resources and knowledge to seek the maximum dog bite personal injury compensation allowed by Tennessee law. Start your free consultation by calling the dog attack lawyer at (615) 422-7171 or request a free case review. No upfront cost and attorney fees are only due after winning.

Dog owners must maintain reasonable control over their animals and stop them from running wild (at large). Simple steps like a leash or a fence can satisfy this legal duty and prevent many dog bite injuries. If the owner does not exercise control then the Nashville dog bite attorney can hold the owner accountable for injuries. 

Nashville Dog Bite Lawyer Information:

1. What is Tennessee’s dog bite law?

2. How long do you have to report a dog bite?

3. What dog bite compensation is available?

4. How frequent are dog bites?

Tennessee Dog Bite Law

Tennessee Dog Bite Law was passed after three dogs killed Dianne Acklen while she was walking through a neighborhood. In short, Tennessee domestic animal owners are liable for dog bite injuries occurring in public places or while victims are lawfully on private property. This is called strict liability which means the dog owner is responsible regardless of any other fact. However, Tennessee is a hybrid dog bite law state that includes a ‘One Bite Rule’ and provides defenses to dog bite personal injury claims. This makes Tennessee dog bite law complicated.

One Bite Rule

Tennessee’s one bite rule applies when the dog bite injury occurs on the owner’s residential, farm or non-commercial property. If the rule applies, then dog bite injury victims will lose their case unless the owner knows or should have known the dog was dangerous or aggressive prior to the bite.

Defenses to Tennessee Dog Bite Claims

Animal owners may have defenses to Tennessee dog bite claims. Victims who provoke the dog or are bitten when the dog was confined are examples of defenses that can bar dog bite injury compensation. Additionally, military or police dog bites are immune from liability if the dog bite injury occurred while the dog was on duty.

Nashville dog bite lawyer George Angelopoulos knows this is confusing. There is value in having a trusted personal injury attorney on your side after an animal attack to navigate Tennessee’s dog bite laws on behalf of your family.

Tennessee Dog Bite Injury Statute of Limitations

Tennessee dog bite personal injury lawsuits must be filed within one year of the date of injury. Failing to file a proper lawsuit or settle your dog bite injury claim prior to this date results in the inability to obtain compensation. The rule is different for children injured by a dog. Unfortunately it happens way too often. Child dog bite injuries are the highest for ages 5 to 9 years old. Minors do not have the legal capacity to bring a lawsuit alone. Child dog bite victims can recover personal injury compensation until they turn 19 years old. The Nashville dog bite attorney urges you not to wait because facts are needed to prove your case. Over time memories fade, people move and evidence is lost.

Dog Bite Compensation

Tennessee dog bite injury compensation may include money for medical expenses, lost wages, disfigurement, pain & suffering and loss of enjoyment of life. Vicious animal attacks may result in maiming, punctures, tears, stitches, scars, and other personal injuries.

Fair compensation may require an expert valuation into cosmetic appearance and future medical expenses. Home and renters insurance liability limits are many times in excess of $300,000. To find out how the Tennessee dog attack attorney may be able to help please complete our free case review form today.

Dog Bite Injury Statistics

Over 12,000 dog bites occur in the United States each day totaling over 4.5 million animal injuries yearly. Nearly half of these dog bite victims are children. Many are minor, but 1 in 5 dog bites require emergency medical care. Most dog attacks occur in neighborhoods by dogs the victims know. Unfortunately, you likely know someone who experienced a first hand dog bite attack.


Start your Free Consultation by calling (615) 422-7171 today. No upfront cost and attorney fees are only due after winning. Expenses are advanced for all personal injury clients.