When dogs bite, victims can suffer critical injuries. If you or someone you love was viciously attacked by a dog and suffered critical injuries due to the bite, you might have grounds for legal action against the dog’s owner or other liable parties.
Find out what is next for your dog bite insurance and civil claim when you contact a Memphis dog bite lawyer at Cory Watson Attorneys for help. Receive a free consultation to learn more about what you can expect from the dog bite claims process in Memphis.
Common Dog Bite Injuries Victims Suffer
It is not unusual for dog bite victims in Memphis to hesitate to file a lawsuit. They have concerns that their injuries may not be severe enough to file a dog bite injury lawsuit. However, it should be noted that the injury you are diagnosed with is more or less irrelevant.
That is not to say the impact your injury has had on your life does not matter. On the contrary, this is the most important detail of the entire claims process. But the type of injury will not determine whether you have grounds for a claim.
Someone with a broken bone injury has just as much a right to pursue a civil dog bite claim as someone who suffered traumatic brain damage. With this in mind, some of the more common types of dog bite injuries seen in Memphis include:
- Head, neck, and back injuries
- Paralysis and spinal cord injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Loss of limbs
- Compound fractures and broken bones
- Soft tissue injuries and internal injuries
- Emotional injuries including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
These are just a few of the more common types of dog bite injuries we see in the civil court system. If you have been dealing with another kind of injury related to a dog attack or bite, be sure to contact our office to find out whether you have the right to pursue a claim.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Memphis, call 877-562-0000
Tennessee Dog Bite Laws
Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-8-413 has some of the most complex dog laws across the country. While some states focus on strict liability or the one-bite rule, Tennessee allows both rules to apply depending on the specific details of the dog bite. Here is more about what you can expect from your dog bite claim in Memphis:
When Does Strict Liability Apply?
When dog bite victims suffer injuries in a private place where they were invited or any public area, the dog’s owner may be held strictly liable for the victim’s injuries. This means the defendant will not be required to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent or otherwise responsible for causing their injuries.
When Does the One-Bite Rule Apply?
The one-bite rule can apply when individuals are on private property or other non-commercial properties where they have permission to be. The dog bite victim will be responsible for proving that the dog’s owner knew or should have known that their dog was going to bite or act aggressively if they hope to hold the dog’s owner accountable successfully.
Memphis Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 877-562-0000
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits in Tennessee
The amount of time you have to move forward with your Memphis dog bite claim will vary widely depending on the damages you seek compensation for.
For example, if you are filing a personal injury claim for a dog bite in Memphis, the statute of limitations will likely expire one year from the date of the incident. However, when you file a claim for property damage caused by a dog bite or attack, you will have up to three years to file your compensation claim.
If you have concerns such as when the statute of limitations runs out for your case, do not hesitate to contact your dog bite attorney in Memphis for legal guidance and support.
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Recoverable Damages in a Dog Bite Claim
After being attacked by a dog in Memphis, you may be wondering what your insurance and civil claim could be worth. However, to accurately calculate the value of your dog bite claim, your lawyer needs to go over how your life has been affected by your injuries.
You have the right to be made whole. This does not just mean you should be compensated for your financial losses, but for every way you have been affected by your dog bite and resulting injuries. Some of the more common types of damages awarded in Memphis dog bite claims include:
- Emotional distress
- Costs of mental health counseling
- Costs of medical equipment and bills
- Diminished quality of life
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of consortium
- Embarrassment from disfiguring injuries or skin scarring
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How to Maximize Your Dog Bite Injury Settlement in Memphis
Getting the most out of your dog bite claim may be complicated. However, if you hope to maximize your compensation, you should never settle for an insurance settlement alone.
Although an insurance settlement may ease some of your burdens, it is important to remember that the insurance company may be limited by the types and amounts of coverage the policyholder purchased before the incident. If your damages exceed these limits, any remaining losses could only be recovered through a civil claim against the liable party.
Contact a Memphis Dog Bite Attorney for Help with Your Case Today
If you are feeling intimidated at the thought of pursuing your dog bite case, you are not alone. However, when you have help from a Memphis dog bite lawyer at Cory Watson Attorneys, you can rest easier knowing our team is working tirelessly to recover the compensation you are entitled to.
Find out more about how the insurance and civil claims process works for dog bites in Memphis when you contact our office for a no-cost, risk-free consultation. You could reach us by phone or through our quick contact form when you are ready to get started on your case.
Memphis Office Location
254 Court Avenue, Suite 511Memphis, TN 38103
Call or text 877-562-0000 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form