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Knoxville Dog Bite Lawyer
At NST Law, we are dedicated to helping injured individuals and their families get the justice and compensation they deserve.
Expertise
Mr. Trotz has handled injury cases involving auto accidents, slip and fall, premises liability, and negligent security. Every day, Mr. Trotz represents those who have been injured and many of his clients have sustained traumatic and life-altering injuries.
NST Law is your go-to personal injury firm for all cases involving dog bites and animal attacks. With over 35 years of experience and over 175 professionals on staff, we have won billions in settlements and verdicts for injured clients.
Our attorneys are available around the clock and are willing to meet clients wherever needed. If another person’s dog has injured you or a loved one, call us at 800-529-4004 to determine if you have a case for compensation.
- Why Choose NST Law After a Dog Bite?
- Our Knoxville Testimonials
- Understanding Tennessee Dog Bite Laws
- Common Injuries From Dog Bites
- What To Do After a Dog Bite in Knoxville
- Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
- Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Claim
- How NST Law Builds Strong Dog Bite Cases
- Speak With a Knoxville Dog Bite Lawyer Today
- Our Knoxville Dog Bite Injury Lawyers.
Why Choose NST Law After a Dog Bite?
With a proven track record of successful personal injury claims and compassionate, client-first legal care from start to finish, you can trust our team to handle your case. We have access to medical experts, investigators, and legal resources necessary to establish fault and provide aggressive advocacy focused on maximizing compensation. Review the Six Pillars of NST Law and testimonials to learn more about us.
Our Knoxville Testimonials
“Such a wonderful group of attorneys! I would highly recommend! They’re now in Knoxville – go to them first for outstanding personal injury representation.”
“NST is the best! I have never had to sue for an accident before but the people there helped so much with a lot of information. Everyone was so kind. They got a great settlement for me. Thank you so much NST!”
Understanding Tennessee Dog Bite Laws
Tennessee imposes strict liability on dog owners under Tennessee Code § 44-8-413 when a dog injures someone in a public place or on private property where the victim is lawfully present—except when the incident occurs on the dog owner’s own residential, non-commercial property.
In those residential settings, the victim must prove that the dog owner was negligent, such as by failing to reasonably control or restrain the animal.
Additionally, strict liability does not apply in certain situations, including:
- If the injured person was trespassing
- If the dog was provoked
- If the dog was protecting people, property, or itself from a threat
Tennessee does not have a statewide leash law, but local ordinances—like those in Knoxville—require pet owners to control their dogs, often through leashes or secure fencing. A violation of such local laws can be used to demonstrate negligence.
Under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104, victims have one year from the date of the incident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failure to meet this deadline may result in losing the right to recover compensation.
Common Injuries From Dog Bites
Numerous injuries can stem from a canine attack, including:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Infections (e.g., rabies or MRSA)
- Nerve damage or mobility loss
- Emotional trauma, especially in children
Each day, nearly 1,000 U.S. citizens seek emergency care for serious dog bite injuries. Annually, about 12,480 citizens are hospitalized due to dog bite injuries.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Knoxville
In the aftermath of a dog bite incident, it’s critical to prioritize your well-being and protect your rights to a claim.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: First, you should see a doctor to have your injuries looked at. Even if your injuries seem minor, these incidents can have underlying health risks, such as infection and disease. Some of the best hospitals in Knoxville include:
- University of Tennessee Medical Center
- Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center
- Parkwest Medical Center
- East Tennessee Children’s Hospital
- North Knoxville Medical Center
- Document Injuries and Gather Contact Information of Witnesses: Take photos at the scene to use as part of your claim. If there are any witnesses, request their contact information. Their testimonies could be crucial to proving fault.
- Report the Incident to Animal Control or Local Authorities: It can be difficult to report an animal attack, especially when the animal in question belongs to a family friend or neighbor. However, it’s essential to alert authorities to prevent the dog from hurting anyone else.
Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters Before Consulting a Lawyer
Avoid handling insurance negotiations on your own. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may try to shift blame to weaken your claim. Instead, seek advice from a Knoxville dog bite attorney. NST Law can help negotiate with insurance companies to ensure maximum compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
Multiple parties can be held accountable for your dog bite and may be expected to pay for the damages. The dog owner is the primary liable party; however, property owners, landlords, caretakers, and pet sitters who failed to act responsibly could also be at fault. Our seasoned Knoxville lawyers can help identify the liable party in your dog bite case and pursue compensation on your behalf.
Compensation Available in a Dog Bite Claim
You can collect several forms of compensation following an animal attack. These include tangible losses, known as economic damages, and more subjective losses, referred to as non-economic damages. The purpose of these damages is to return you to your former self prior to the incident, and may include:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages or reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Costs for reconstructive surgery or therapy
How NST Law Builds Strong Dog Bite Cases
Our Knoxville office will conduct an in-depth investigation into the attack and the dog’s history, examining medical documentation, expert testimony, and evidence of emotional and financial impact. We can also negotiate with insurance companies and file lawsuits as needed. Our case results reflect our commitment to our clients:
- Over $700,000 Recovered – Personal Injury Case – NST Law represented an injured individual in a complex personal injury case involving severe physical trauma and nerve damage. Liability was initially denied by the insurance company, but after a thorough investigation, consultations with expert witnesses, and extensive litigation, our team secured a settlement exceeding $700,000.
- $1,019,652 Jury Verdict – NST Law secured a jury verdict of over $1 million on behalf of a young client who suffered traumatic injuries due to another party’s negligence. Our team worked diligently to ensure the child received the necessary compensation for long-term care and recovery.
Speak With a Knoxville Dog Bite Lawyer Today
At NST Law, our Knoxville dog bite lawyers commit themselves to helping injured victims recover. We offer a guarantee of no upfront fees; you never pay unless we win your case. With availability 24 hours a day, seven days a week and the ability to travel to you, our local attorneys are here for you. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a dedicated personal injury lawyer.
Our Knoxville Dog Bite Injury Lawyers.
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684 – 1000
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Founding Member – Senior Partner
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684-1000
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (865) 684-1000
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550
Attorney
Phone: (731) 427-5550