Have you or someone you love recently been bitten by a dog in Brentwood, Tennessee? You may have the right to take legal action against the dog’s owner or another responsible party. At Meyers Personal Injury Law, our experienced Brentwood dog bite lawyer can help you make the most of your fight for compensation. Contact us today at (615) 258-9000 for a free consultation.
We fight for the rights of injury victims in Brentwood and throughout the state of Tennessee. Backed by years of experience handling complex legal disputes, we’ve helped our clients win millions of dollars in life-changing settlements and jury awards.
How Meyers Personal Injury Law Can Help Victims of Dog Bites in Brentwood, TN
Dog bites can result in severe, long-lasting injuries. In Tennessee, victims are entitled to pursue compensation from the dog’s owner, particularly when the attack happens in a public place.
Our Brentwood personal injury lawyers offer personalized, effective legal representation to help you recover.
While you focus on healing, we will:
- Investigate the attack and determine liability
- Analyze the dog’s history, ownership, and the location of the incident
- Collect evidence and consult with medical and animal experts
- Calculate your damages and pursue full compensation
- Handle all legal filings and insurance communications
- Negotiate aggressively—and take your case to trial if needed
At Meyers Personal Injury Law, we will fight to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. If you don’t receive a fair settlement offer during negotiations, our top-rated Tennessee trial attorney won’t hesitate to fight for you in court. Contact us today for a free case review.
What Is My Dog Bite Accident Case Worth?
The value of a dog bite case in Tennessee depends on several key factors, including the severity of your injuries, the cost of medical treatment, and the impact on your daily life. Compensation may cover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term effects such as scarring or disability.
Every case is unique, so it’s important to consult with a personal injury attorney who can assess the specific details of your situation and help you understand what your claim may be worth.
What Kinds of Damages Are Available to Dog Bite Victims in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, dog bite victims may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages, depending on the circumstances of the attack.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include measurable financial losses such as medical bills, future medical care, lost wages, and reduced earning capacity if the injuries limit your ability to work.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover more subjective harm, such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, trauma, and diminished quality of life—especially in cases involving disfigurement or permanent scarring.
In rare cases, punitive damages may be awarded if the dog owner acted with gross negligence or willful disregard for public safety, such as knowingly allowing a dangerous dog to roam freely. An experienced personal injury attorney can help identify all applicable damages to ensure you pursue the full compensation you deserve.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Accident Lawyer in Tennessee?
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Instead, your attorney’s fees are deducted from any settlement or court award you receive. If you don’t win your case, you typically owe no legal fees at all.
This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to victims regardless of their financial situation. While contingency fee percentages can vary, they often range from 33% to 40% of the total recovery, depending on the complexity of the case.
Can I Recover Compensation If I’m Being Blamed For a Dog Bite Accident in Tennessee?
Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation even if you’re being blamed for a dog bite in Tennessee. The state follows a modified comparative fault rule, which means that as long as you are less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages—though your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for provoking the dog, your total compensation would be reduced by 20%. However, if you are 50% or more at fault, you would be barred from recovering any compensation.
Because dog owners and insurance companies may try to shift blame to reduce payouts, it’s crucial to have an experienced personal injury attorney who can protect your rights and present evidence that supports your claim.
What Causes Most Dog Bite Accidents in Brentwood, Tennessee?
Dog bite accidents in Brentwood are often the result of preventable circumstances.
Common causes include:
- Owner negligence, such as failing to supervise or control the dog
- Off-leash dogs in public spaces, violating local leash laws
- Improper fencing or inadequate containment on private property
- Lack of training or socialization, leading to aggressive or unpredictable behavior
- Protective or territorial instincts, especially when dogs feel threatened
- Startling a dog, particularly by children who may not understand canine behavior
- Past history of aggression that was not properly addressed or disclosed
Some bites occur when dogs feel threatened, are protecting territory, or are startled, especially around young children who may not recognize warning signs. Violations of local leash laws and a lack of awareness about a dog’s prior aggression history can also contribute to serious incidents. Ultimately, many dog bites are preventable and result from a failure to responsibly manage and supervise the animal.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites affect millions of Americans every year, nearly half of which are children. No matter your age, however, it’s still possible to sustain painful and debilitating injuries when a dog attacks.
Some of the most commonly reported dog bite injuries include:
- Broken bones
- Crushing injuries
- Soft tissue injuries
- Nerve damage
- Puncture wounds
- Internal organ damage
- Chest injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Head injuries
- Leg injuries
- Cuts and lacerations
- Infections and disease
- Wrongful death
Report the incident to the local Brentwood Police Department by calling 911. Then, seek prompt medical attention at the closest hospital. These steps can be critical when you decide to take legal action against the dog’s owner or other parties down the line.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Dog Bite Accident in Tennessee?
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for filing a lawsuit after a dog bite accident is one year from the date of the injury. This is a relatively short time frame compared to other states, so it’s important to act quickly. If you fail to file your claim within this one-year window, you may lose your right to pursue compensation entirely.
This deadline applies to most personal injury claims, including those involving dog bites, regardless of the severity of your injuries. To protect your rights and build a strong case, it’s wise to consult with a qualified personal injury attorney as soon as possible after the incident.
Schedule a Free Consultation With an Experienced Brentwood Dog Bite Attorney
A dog bite can leave lasting physical, emotional, and financial scars. At Meyers Personal Injury Law, we understand the toll these injuries take, and we’re here to help. With a proven record of securing substantial results for injury victims across Tennessee, our Brentwood dog bite attorneys are ready to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait to get the help you need. With just one year to file a claim, time is of the essence. Contact us today for your free consultation. Let us handle the legal work while you focus on recovery.
