Goodlettsville Dog Bite Lawyer

Dedicated Dog Bite Attorney in Goodlettsville, TN

A dog bite can have devastating consequences on the victim, and seeking fair compensation for the recovery can be a delicate process. Often, a friend’s or family member’s dog bites someone, and balancing the pursuit of the money you need while preserving the relationship with the owner can be a challenge. Thankfully, you can rely on the experience of a skilled dog bite injury attorney who can help you with both.

My name is Ali Toll, and at my Goodlettsville office of The Toll Firm, I represent clients in Nashville, Davidson County, Sumner County and across Middle Tennessee through their personal injury claims. My goal in these cases is only to help my clients pursue the outcome they need after a dog bite, and I use my years of experience to navigate the complex situations that can come from these cases.

Types Of Injuries Sustained From Dog Bites

Victims frequently must go to the hospital to treat their wounds. Some common types of dog bite injuries include:

• Scarring and disfigurement: Permanent marks to the skin and body caused by a dog bite, which may impact a person’s self-image.
• Laceration and puncture wounds: Serious wounds that break the skin, leading to tissue damage.
• Crushing injuries: Severe damage to muscles, bones and blood vessels from extreme pressure.
• Broken bones: Partial or complete break or fracture to a bone.
• Tendon and ligament injuries: Damage to connective tissue, leading to swelling, pain and mobility issues.
• Infection: Dangerous bacteria or viruses that enter the body, such as rabies.
• Nerve damage: Serious damage to nerves that can cause pain, numbness or weakness in areas of the body.
• Emotional trauma: Psychological injuries that can lead to flashbacks and anxiety. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common type of emotional trauma that can cause a victim to fear dogs.

Recovering from a dog bite may require multiple hospital visits, surgery and therapy. The cost of a dog bite can make it hard for people to recover from their wounds and trauma. I can help you explore your recovery options and pursue maximum compensation for your losses.

Common Dog Breeds That Result In Attacks

While many people believe all dogs are good dogs, that does not acknowledge the very real fact that many people are victims of dog attacks. While “bully” breeds, Rottweilers, German Shepherds, Doberman Pinschers and a few other breeds tend to make the news, any breed of dog has the potential to be aggressive and attack a person unprovoked.

One of the key factors that can influence a dog’s aggression level is ownership. When a dog attacks, it is often the dog’s owner who is liable for the victim’s injuries.

Owner Liability For Dog Bites In Tennessee

Tennessee dog bite law is not a simple “one bite” rule. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-8-413, dog owners must keep their dogs under reasonable control and must not let them run loose. If a dog hurts someone while running loose on public property or on private property the owner doesn’t control, the owner is strictly liable, meaning the injured person doesn’t have to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If the injury happens on the owner’s own property, the victim must show the owner knew or should have known the dog could be dangerous. There are exceptions for a securely confined dog, a trespassing victim, or a dog that was provoked. 

Tennessee also uses modified comparative fault, so a victim who is 50% or more at fault cannot recover damages.

I will fight aggressively to help you recover damages for your injuries and losses.

What To Do After A Dog Bite In Nashville Or Goodlettsville

Get medical care right away, even for a minor-looking wound, since dog bites carry a high infection risk. Report the bite to animal control: Davidson County residents can call Metro Animal Care and Control at 615-862-7928, and Sumner County residents can call Sumner County Animal Services at 615-452-2400. Photograph your injuries and the scene, and collect witness contact information. Tennessee generally gives you one year from the bite to file suit (Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104), so contact an attorney soon.

Call The Toll Firm today at (615) 861-1103 for a free consultation about your Nashville or Goodlettsville dog bite claim.

What Your Compensation Should Cover

After any kind of accident, insurance companies will likely try to convince you to accept a lowball settlement offer or find any other way to minimize the money they have to pay you in your personal injury claim. A vicious dog bite can leave you with nerve damage, infection, permanent numbness and scarring, disfigurement or paralysis.

These injuries can also come with collateral consequences such as:

• Lost income
• Loss of earning potential
• Extensive medical bills
• Loss of consortium
• Pain and suffering

Additionally, children can suffer different kinds of consequences from a dog bite. For a child, scarring or other severe injuries from a dog bite can interfere with their ability to develop friendships in life, and the bite can also cause them to develop phobias or other mental disorders.

When the consequences of a dog bite can have lifelong implications for your child, my goal as your legal representative is to help you pursue an outcome that can provide them with the resources they need to recover properly after the bite.

Let Someone Stand For You: We’ll Take The Toll On The Insurance Company For You

If you or your child suffered from a dog bite, let me represent your needs through your personal injury claim. When a lifetime of challenges and complications is at risk, you should not be left with a lifetime of regret from your claim.

Call me at (615) 861-1103 or email me here to schedule your initial consultation today with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer. The Toll Firm serves Nashville, Goodlettsville, Davidson County, Sumner County and the surrounding areas.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims In Tennessee

Does Tennessee have a “one bite” law?

Not exactly. Owners are strictly liable for bites in public or on someone else’s property, and face a one-bite standard only on their own property.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Tennessee?

Generally one year from the date of the bite.

Can I recover damages if I was partly at fault?

Yes, unless you are found 50 percent or more at fault under Tennessee’s comparative fault rule.

Do I need a lawyer for a dog bite claim?

No, but an attorney can deal with the insurance company for you and help protect your right to full compensation.