Tennessee Dog Bite Lawyer
and Animal Attack Attorney

Click here for Frequently Asked Questions
about dog bite personal injury cases.

Dog bites and animal attacks can profoundly affect the lives of adults and children. Beyond the physical injuries and scars left from the attack, the victim may be left with emotional pain and suffering that can last a lifetime. Under Tennessee law, an aggressive dog’s owner will likely be held liable for damages caused by the animal.

When an adult or child is a victim of a dog bite, they need the assistance of an animal attack or dog bite lawyer as soon as possible. In order to maximize the chance of succeeding in a dog bit accident claim, it is important understand all of the legal aspects of dog bite injuries.

In a free consultation, we can inform you of your rights, explain Tennessee dog bite law, and discuss your prospects for obtaining compensation. As will all injuries or personal injury accident, prompt scheduling of a free initial consultation will improve your chances of succeeding in your dog bite or personal injury accident claim.

Contact us here for a free initial consultation.

Tennessee Animal Attack 
and Dog Bite Law

Our state follows the common law tradition regarding dog bites. Under this concept of law, the owner of a dog may not be held liable if the owner has no reason to believe that the dog has a propensity to bite. Under the "one-free bite" rule, a "dog bite accident" may be just that — an accident for which no one is to blame.

In other situations — when the dog has bitten people before, or when the owner or another party has provoked the animal, or when the animal is naturally or known to be dangerous, such as a pit bull, or other dangerous breed, the event is anything but a dog bite accident. The owner can then be held legally responsible for the actions of the dog.

The Garza Law Office is committed to helping dog bite and animal bite victims obtain compensation for their pain, losses, disfigurement, and suffering.

Call 865-249-7222 to schedule a free case evaluation with a dog bite injury attorney at Garza Law Office.

Because of their trusting nature, children in particular can become dog bite victims. Often their injuries occur on the face and can include scarring and disfigurement. The compensation our firm obtains can provide reconstructive and cosmetic surgery to lessen the trauma and improve their life prospects.

We do not normally require retainer to handle your personal injury claim. Evening and weekend appointments are available.

Contact us here for a free initial consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions
– Dog Bite Lawyer

What is the "one bite rule"?
Tennessee follows the common law rule regarding dog bites. This means that, absent any other knowledge of the dog's breed, temperament and propensity to bite, a dog owner is not liable for damages if the dog has never bitten anyone before and certain other conditions are met. The dog gets "one free bite." After the dog does bite someone, even just one time, the owner is on notice that the dog has a propensity to bite and that it must be controlled.

The one bite rule complicates a lawyer's task somewhat, but does not eliminate the possibility of successful action to obtain damages.

A dog bite attorney at The Garza Law Firm can provide a free consultation to discuss the strength of your case and how we may be able to obtain compensation for you.

Who actually pays
dog bite compensation?
In legal terms, the owner of a dog who bites someone is legally liable for compensation for the losses and suffering of the victim. But in reality, the homeowner's insurance company for the owner pays the compensation. If the owner owns a home with a mortgage, the owner almost certainly carries homeowners insurance which will cover damages for dog bites.

Other types of insurance may be available, depending on the circumstances. If the dog was in a car for example, auto insurance may cover dog bite injuries. Renter's insurance may provide coverage, and if the attack occurred on commercial property, the property owner's insurance may provide coverage.

Dog bite law and the related insurance coverage issues can be complicated. A dog bite lawyer can provide clear explanations of your rights and the possibility of obtaining compensation when you or a loved one is a victim of a dog bite injury.

What if the dog owner
has no insurance?
Recovery may still be possible, depending on the circumstances of the case. For example, a landlord who knows that a renter keeps a dangerous dog on the property may be held liable for a dog bite attack. In other cases, the true owner of the dog may not be the person in possession of the dog, and the true owner may have insurance. A dog bite accident lawyer can help sort through these issues and provide answers.

Contact us here for a free initial consultation.