It is common courtesy for pet owners to control their pets and make sure that they do not harm others. Yet despite the owner’s societal obligation to keep others safe, countless people are bitten by dogs every year to the point that they require medical attention. Most of the time, the victims are children. No matter what age they are, victims are often left with mental trauma, physical injuries, and significant financial challenges like hospital bills, mental health counseling, lost wages, and more.
You may be wondering what your options are for covering your costs after a dog attack. Different states have different laws regarding instances like yours. As a result, the wisest thing to do is to turn to an experienced dog bite attorney to analyze your circumstances and take your case to court. Although dog bite liability in Cordova can be complex and difficult to interpret on your own, David E. Gordon and Elissa M. Coombs are skilled personal injury lawyers who will advocate for your rights.
Local Dog Bite Laws
The circumstances of a specific dog bite matter because local law is a mixture of strict liability and the “one bite” rule. Under the theory of strict liability, a dog’s owner can be held responsible even if they had zero knowledge of its previous tendency to bite; in other words, existing knowledge does not matter, the owner is still responsible. In Tennessee, strict liability exists when the injured person was in a public place or while they were lawfully in a private place.
In contrast, the one bite rule allows a dog one “free” bite before the owner is held liable for injuries it causes. Said differently, the rule establishes that an owner must be aware of their pet’s danger to be held liable for its actions. Tennessee allows the one bite standard to apply in cases where the owner knew or should have known that their dog was likely to bite.
Allowing both standards to exist can make it more complicated for victims seeking legal recourse. That is one of the reasons you should hire experienced Cordova lawyers like David E. Gordon and Elissa M. Coombs, who is well acquainted with the local rules of dog bite liability.
Proving Your Dog Bite Case
When you bring a personal injury claim for dog bite injuries, you must provide sufficient evidence to meet the burden of proof. During negotiation or trial, you must show that the dog’s owner was reckless or negligent. Some common forms of evidence in these cases include:
- Police reports of the incident
- Photographs of the animal, your injuries, the accident location, and anything else that is relevant
- Witness testimony
- CCTV footage of the attack
- Medical records for the harm suffered
- Financial records pertaining to the incident
It is important to remember that evidence does not last forever. The Tennessee statute of limitations mandates that claims be brought within one year from the date of an attack. Filing after that one year mark will most likely result in a case dismissal. There are few exceptions to the rule. Let Cordova attorneys David E. Gordon and Elissa M. Coombs hold the negligent dog owner accountable for the attack by collecting evidence on your behalf and filing your case as soon as possible.
Questions About Dog Bite Liability in Cordova? Call Us Today
No one should have to worry about suffering long-term damage from interacting with a dog. It is important to get medical care and obtain legal help as soon as you can after being attacked. The Law Office of David E. Gordon has helped people who have experienced significant canine attack injuries for years.
If you or a loved one have questions about dog bite liability in Cordova, contact our experienced lawyers today to schedule a free consultation.
