People say dogs are man’s best friend, but even apparently friendly dogs can cause severe injuries when they bite.
If someone else’s dog bit you in Johnson City, trust The Terry Law Firm to protect your rights and assertively seek maximum compensation for your injuries. Our Johnson City dog bite lawyers know what you’re going through, and we are ready to work hard to hold the dog’s owner accountable for your injuries and losses.
Call us today or complete our contact form to set up a free case review with a dog bite attorney in Johnson City, Tennessee.
Why You Should Choose Our Johnson City Dog Bite Attorneys
At The Terry Law Firm, we take pride in being a small-town personal injury practice with the resources and know-how of big-city law firms. Our Johnson City dog bite attorneys have over 50 years of combined legal experience and understand how to build a compelling case.
Furthermore, our case results show our skills and dedication to our clients in dog bite claims and other premises liability cases. For example, in one premises liability case, we secured $450,000 for our client.
Check out testimonials from previous clients to find out more about what it is like to work with our law firm. For example, S.R. wrote:
“The Terry Law Firm provided excellent service. Many thanks to Brack and his staff for guiding me through what would have been a very grueling legal process. If in need, I highly recommend the Terry Law team to take care of your legal matters.”
Common Injuries from Dog Attacks in Johnson City
Dog bites can cause severe and painful injuries that may have lasting effects on the victim’s physical and mental health. Some examples of common physical injuries from dog bites in Johnson City include:
- Puncture wounds – Dog bites often create deep puncture wounds, especially when larger dogs bite down with significant force. These injuries can penetrate muscles and tissue, leading to bleeding and a high risk of infection.
- Lacerations and tearing – Dog attacks may cause the skin to tear, especially when a dog shakes its head while holding onto a victim. This motion can lead to deep cuts, and people with these injuries often need stitches or reconstructive surgery.
- Broken bones – The force of a dog bite can break bones, especially in the hands, arms, and legs.
- Infections – Dog bites can introduce bacteria from the dog’s mouth into the body, raising the risk of infections like cellulitis, which causes swelling, redness, and severe discomfort. Rabies is another significant hazard from unvaccinated dogs. Untreated infections can become serious and require emergency medical intervention.
- Nerve damage – Deep bites may injure nerves, causing temporary or permanent loss of sensation or movement in the affected area.
- Scarring and disfigurement – Severe bites can leave lasting scars or disfigurement, especially on visible areas like the face or arms. These injuries may require cosmetic surgery and can have profound emotional effects.
Tennessee Law on Dog Bites
Section 44-8-413 of the Tennessee Code explicitly says dog owners and handlers must keep their pets “under reasonable control at all times” and prevent pets from running loose. The law says dog owners or handlers who don’t follow these rules can be liable for any injuries their dog causes when it bites someone in a public place or on private property where the victim had permission to be. The rule applies even if the dog had not previously attacked someone and its owner did not know about its dangerous tendencies.
There are some caveats to this law to understand, though. First, there’s a higher standard of proof in cases involving dog bites on the dog owner’s property, farms, and some other private places. In these circumstances, victims must show that the dog’s owner knew or reasonably should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
Second, a dog’s owner or handler is generally not liable for injuries the dog causes in the following circumstances:
- The dog is a military or police dog, and the injury occurred while the dog was performing its official duties.
- The victim was trespassing on the owner’s property.
- The dog was protecting its owner or another innocent party.
- The injury occurred while the dog was confined in a kennel or similar enclosure.
- The victim provoked, enticed, or harassed the dog.
Liability in Johnson City Dog Bite Cases
A dog’s owner is usually liable for any injuries the dog causes. However, if someone other than the dog’s owner was supervising the dog when the attack occurred, that person could be liable for any injuries the victim sustained.
It’s important to remember that homeowners’ insurance or renters’ insurance usually covers dog bite cases. That means the dog owner likely will not have to pay out of their pocket, which can lessen victims’ concerns when the dog owner is a neighbor, friend, or relative.
Our Johnson City dog bite lawyers can investigate the incident and tell you who may be liable for your injuries.
Potential Compensation for Dog Bite Victims
Our Johnson City dog bite attorneys can help you seek compensation for your injuries and other losses stemming from the attack, including:
- Your current and future medical expenses
- Your lost income and reduced future earnings
- Your pain and suffering
- Your emotional distress
- Your diminished quality of life
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Johnson City
Your actions in the coming days and weeks after a dog bite can significantly impact your case and your chances of recovering fair compensation. Once you’ve seen a doctor, here’s what to do to protect your rights:
- Report the incident to animal control and the dog’s owner.
- Attend all your follow-up appointments and keep records of your treatments.
- Keep all your medical bills, receipts, and other records of your expenses.
- Start a journal to record how your injuries affect your daily life.
- Do not discuss your case publicly or on social media.
- Do not speak to the insurance company without talking to our attorneys first.
- Hire a dog bite lawyer from The Terry Law Firm. Remember, you typically have only one year from the date of your injury to file a lawsuit, so talk to our attorneys as soon as possible.
How Our Johnson City Dog Bite Lawyers Can Help You
Our Johnson City dog bite attorneys are ready to handle all the legal work in your case so you can rest and heal, knowing your claim is in capable hands. We’ll investigate the attack to document your injuries and identify the liable parties, handle settlement negotiations with the insurance company, and take your case to court if necessary.
We’ll be ready to answer any questions you have at any point in your case, and we’ll keep you informed at every stage. Call The Terry Law Firm now or reach out online for a free consultation.