Under the leash laws in Memphis, dog owners have certain legal obligations to properly control their pets. A dog owner who violates these laws and causes injury to another through an attack or bite by their dog can be liable for compensation to the injured person.
If someone else’s animal attacked you or a loved one, the experienced dog bite attorneys at The Law Office of David E. Gordon can help you pursue a claim. To better understand the leash laws in Memphis and other issues that could affect compensation in a potential case, schedule a free consultation with our office today.
What Are the Leash Laws?
The Memphis Code of Ordinances Section 8-16-6 prohibits animals from running at large, which requires dog owners to constrain their pets. For dogs on a person’s private property, the owner must have a fence or another suitable restraint, such as a tie-out or invisible fence, that meets ordinance requirements. However, dogs in public areas will likely need a leash to comply with the restrictions on allowing animals to run at large. Leash laws in Memphis further require dog owners to keep their leashes in good condition to prevent breaking under pressure and to keep the leash at a length that allows the owner to always control the dog.
Liability for Injuries
Dog owners who fail to keep their animals under reasonable control can be liable for resulting injury to others. An owner can be liable regardless of this issue if the dog bite results from the animal not being kept under reasonable control.
Some circumstances may prevent a person injured in a dog bite case from recovering compensation if they qualify for exemption from liability under Code Section 44-8-413(b). For example, a dog owner may not be liable in cases where the injured person was a trespasser on private, nonresidential property or where the dog was acting in defense of the owner or another innocent person. Victims of a dog bite with uncertainty or questions about whether an owner is liable under Tennessee law should consult our attorneys at The Law Office of David E. Gordon. These cases are not always black and white, which means compensation may still be possible through a settlement or another arrangement. The deadline to file a lawsuit for personal injury after a dog attack is generally one year from the date of its occurrence under Tennessee Code Section 28-3-104.
Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Case Under Tennessee Law
A victim of a dog bite attack that results from a violation of the leash laws in Memphis can recover compensation for several types of damages that may apply in a case. Examples of available compensation may include the following:
- Lost earnings
- Medical care expenses
- Pain and suffering
- Property damages
- Other losses to the enjoyment of life
Assuming another party is liable for the dog bite injury, the compensation received in a case will vary depending on the injury’s severity and other personal factors. For example, age and occupation may be relevant in determining lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
Schedule a Consultation to Discuss Leash Laws in Memphis
A violation of leash laws in Memphis can cause serious injury to others when it leads to a dog bite or attack. People with dog bite injuries deserve compensation for the damages suffered because of the acts of a negligent dog owner.
The Law Office of David E. Gordon is here to help you take the next step in a potential claim through a free consultation to discuss the details of your case. Contact us to meet with an attorney as soon as possible.
