While many dogs are friendly pets, it is also possible for these animals to cause serious injury through attacks and bite injuries. When these attacks occur, our experienced dog bite injury attorneys at The Law Office of David E. Gordon are here to offer their support in managing a claim against a liable dog owner to recover owed compensation.
Our experience allows us to navigate the legal issues that may apply to a lawsuit arising from the common causes of dog bites in Memphis. A lawyer can help you understand your legal rights following a dog attack and take the next step in your case.
Common Causes of Dog Bites
Dog attacks can happen in response to various circumstances, including situations that are the owner’s fault. Common causes of dog bites in Memphis may include:
- The dog is unleashed
- The dog is not wearing a muzzle
- The owner fails to restrain the dog when it is near others
- The owner fails to warn others about the dog’s dangerous nature
A dog may bite someone because it feels threatened or its owner has trained it to attack under certain commands or conditions. After a dog bite, an injured person should seek immediate medical attention and report the attack to local law enforcement. Gathering relevant information about the circumstances of the dog bite can also be useful in pursuing a claim against a liable owner. If possible, obtain details about the dog, its owner, where the attack occurred, and how it happened.
An Owner’s Liability for a Dog Bite Injury
State law imposes a duty on dog owners to keep their dogs under reasonable control and from running at large. Dog owners who fail to follow these obligations can be civilly liable for injuries to another that result from a dog bite attack. This liability can occur from a dog running at large on either public property or the private property of another. If an owner is liable, they may have an obligation to compensate for damages arising from the injury, including medical care costs, pain and suffering, and lost earnings from missed work.
However, the law also limits liability for owners whose dog bites or injures another under certain situations where fault may be assigned to the injured person. For example, an owner is not liable in a dog bite case when:
- The injured person provoked the dog
- The dog is a police or military dog acting within the scope of its duties
- The dog bite occurred while the dog was defending the owner or another innocent party.
- The injured person trespassed on the private and nonresidential property of the dog’s owner
- The dog was in a kennel or another enclosure at the time of the bite attack
Some common causes of dog bites in Memphis can lead to complex questions about owner liability. An initial consultation with an attorney at The Law Office of David E. Gordon can be helpful in obtaining an experienced perspective on a case, the applicability of any defenses, and whether additional information may be necessary to evaluate potential claims.
The Deadline to File a Civil Claim After a Dog Bite Attack
The state has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. This limitation period will generally apply to cases involving the common causes of dog bites in Memphis and requires injured persons to file a claim within one year from the date of an attack. Failing to file in a timely manner can lead to a dismissal of the case and prevent the recovery of compensation.
Meet with an Attorney in Memphis about Common Causes of Dog Bites
An attorney at The Law Office of David E. Gordon can explain your options when you are injured due to common causes of dog bites in Memphis and begin your pursuit of compensation. Our team’s experience in catastrophic injury cases allows us to serve clients with a unique sympathy for their case and understanding of their litigation goals. Schedule a free consultation with us today.
