Tennessee Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog Bite Attacks

In most cases, Tennessee dog owners are liable for injuries their animals cause to other individuals. In 2007, the state of Tennessee established strict liability for certain dog bite injuries. T.C.A. § 44-8-413 or the Dianna Acklen Act of 2007 states:

"The owner of a dog has the duty to keep the dog under reasonable control at all times and to keep that dog from running at large. A person who breaches that duty is subject to civil liability for any damages suffered by a person who is injured by the dog while in a public place or lawfully in or on the private property of another."

The law states that such a dog owner may be held liable regardless of whether the dog has shown any dangerous propensities or whether the dog's owner knew or should have known of the dog's dangerous propensities. Thus, all a plaintiff must initially prove is,

• That the defendant owned the dog; and
• The defendant's dog caused the said injuries.

However, the same statute also provides exceptions to this law, if:

• The dog is a police or military dog and the injury occurred during the course of the dog's official duties; or
• The injured person was trespassing upon the private, nonresidential property of the dog's owner; or
• The injury occurred when the dog was protecting its owner or another innocent party from attack by the injured person or a dog owned by the injured person; or
• The injury occurred while the dog was securely confined in a kennel, crate or other enclosure; or
• The injured person provoked the dog.

The state also allows dog bite victims to recover damages caused by negligent dog owners. However, there must be evidence presented that the dog owner was negligent. In addition to state laws individual cities and counties also have dangerous dog laws that could apply to certain situations.

If you or a loved one has been injured because of a dog attack, please call the experienced dog bite lawyers at Baker Associates for a free consultation. We will evaluate your claim and help you through this tough and complex legal process. Call us today for a free consultation.

If you are looking for a personal injury attorney in the Knoxville or Sevierville, Tennessee-area, complete the form below and our office will be in touch with you soon.

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Knox County
2126 First Tennessee Plaza
800 South Gay Street
Knoxville, Tennessee 37929
Phone: 865-521-0001

Sevier County
121 Court Avenue
Sevierville, Tennessee 37862
Phone: 865-428-2888

Washington County
300 East Main Street
Johnson City, Tennessee 37601