Best Dog Bite Lawyers in Nashville, TN

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Nashville, Tennessee?

  You can call the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department at 615-862-8600 for non-emergency concerns and services.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Nashville, Tennessee?

  You can get copies of police reports related to your case from the Police Central Records Division of the Metropolitan Nashville Police Department, located at 811 Anderson Ln., Suite 100, Madison, Tennessee 37115. You can download and complete the Open Records Request Policy and Form at https://www.nashville.gov/sites/default/files/2023-06/MNPDPublicRecordsPolicyandRequestForm.pdf?ct=1686763941.

• Can owners of aggressive dogs in Nashville be held liable under Tennessee premises liability law?

  Yes. Under Tennessee law, negligent property owners are potentially liable for bodily injury or death caused by their pets if they are aware of the dog’s propensity toward biting. Even if the dog bite occurred outside the premises, owners may still be liable for the loose canine’s behavior. In addition to fines for violations of local ordinances and leash laws, pet owners must bear the cost of bite-related injuries resulting from premises liability.

• How does a dog bite victim in Nashville know if their injuries are severe enough to have an injury claim?

  Nashville residents who have suffered from dog bites are likely to have a viable personal injury case if their injuries have led to fractures, infections, and puncture wounds necessitating medical intervention. These individuals have the option to seek fair compensation from irresponsible dog owners to cover their medical bills, income loss, and the diminished quality of their everyday lives.

• What is the average cost of bite-related hospital stays in Nashville?

  The cost of hospitalization due to bites in Nashville and throughout the state of Tennessee typically amounts to approximately $20,000. This medical expenditure is nearly 50% higher than that required for treating other types of injuries. Dog bite incidents encompass a spectrum of injuries, ranging from lacerations and exposed wounds to the severe loss of limbs. The ensuing hospital stays and medical care necessary for addressing tissue infections and associated complications can incur substantial financial burdens.

• Can dog bite victims in Nashville file a lawsuit even if they are still being treated for their injuries?

  Certainly. This is due to the fact that under Tennessee law, dog bite victims in Nashville are not obligated to achieve complete recovery before pursuing compensation for their damages. In cases involving severe dog bites, the process of recuperation might involve considerable time, particularly if reconstructive surgeries are necessary. Nevertheless, it is important to note that the legal framework does impose restrictions on the timeframe within which victims can assert their entitlements.

• Which Tennessee law governs dog bite cases in Nashville?

  In 2007, Tennessee implemented strict liability regulations concerning injuries caused by dogs through the Dianna Acklen Act, found in T.C.A. Section 44-8-413. Under this law, individuals filing claims in Nashville must demonstrate ownership of the dog by the defendant, the direct link between the defendant's dog and the injuries sustained, and the defendant's awareness of the dog's potential for aggressiveness.