A violent encounter with a dog is enough to leave anybody shaken. If a canine recently injured you, make a call to a Cordova dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. There is a good chance that you will be able to recover damages that can pay for the losses you have suffered.
Recovering from an animal attack does not just involve healing physically. It also requires recovering emotionally and mentally since the attack can cause shock, post-traumatic stress syndrome symptoms, and fearfulness around canines. An experienced personal injury attorney, David E. Gordon, can help account for all of these after-effects in your claim.
Does Cordova Follow the Strict Liability or the One Bite Rule?
State dog bite laws impose the “one bite rule” in some situations and strict liability in others, according to Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-413. The plaintiff’s lawyer does not have to prove negligence if the dog caused injuries while the plaintiff was in a lawful place. In such instances, the canine’s owner is strictly liable. Even if the owner did not know the canine would behave aggressively, they are still subject to strict liability consequences. The city of Memphis has an ordinance requiring all dogs to be on a leash, so the owner is liable for the injuries caused by any dog roaming at large.
The one bite rule applies if the dog injured someone while remaining on their owner’s property. In such cases, the plaintiff and their local dog bite attorney must show that the owner knew, or had reason to believe, that the animal would act aggressively but did nothing to stop it. For example, if a maintenance professional walked onto the property for service reasons and was attacked by an unrestrained dog with a history of aggressive behavior, the owner is liable. However, if the injured person was trespassing at the time of the attack or was taunting the animal, the owner does not assume liability.
What Are Some Other Defenses for Dog Bites?
Other common defenses in canine bite cases include police and military dogs performing their duties, and dogs protecting their owners or other innocent individuals from the plaintiff’s advances. Dogs that cause injuries while in crates or kennels provide additional defenses, especially if they were teased or hurt at the time of the incident.
Potential Injuries from Canine Bites
A dog bite lawyer in Cordova can request damages for a variety of different injuries in dog bite incidents. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds
- Abrasions & lacerations
- Bone fractures
- Facial injuries
- Nerve damage
- Rabies
- Scarring
- Tetanus
- Psychological injuries
According to Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104, plaintiffs have one year from the date of the attacks to file legal claims if they wish to recover compensation, which is why it is critical to reach out for legal advice immediately.
Make an Appointment with a Cordova Dog Bite Attorney
Learning to move past the trauma of a canine attack is difficult enough. Do not stress yourself further by going through the legal process by yourself. Work with a Cordova dog bite lawyer to handle everything related to your claim and provide you with support during this difficult time. Whether your case falls into the strict liability or one bite category, David E. Gordon is here to assist you. Contact us today to learn what is possible in your situation.
