Nashville Dog-Bite Accident Lawyer
Why Choose NST Law for Your Dog-Bite Case in Nashville
Each year, almost 4.3 million people are bitten by dogs. According to the Insurance Information Institute, there were 292 insurance claims in 2018 involving dog bites in Tennessee. Insurance companies paid out almost $11 million for these attacks.
After an attack, you might not know where to turn for assistance. While there are numerous dog-bite lawyers in Nashville, the attorneys at NST Law stand above the rest. We understand the nuances of dog-bite cases. When it comes time to find the right team for your case, choosing NST Law is a wise decision. Here is how NST Law can help in your case:
- Knowledge of local laws: Our team understands all the applicable statutes and ordinances that could apply to your case. From strict liability statutes to “one-bite” rules, we can find the appropriate option for your claim in Nashville.
- Proven track record: Our legal team has built a strong reputation as an advocate for accident victims’ rights. We have helped numerous individuals in Nashville and the surrounding communities receive over $2 billion for their injuries.
- Personalized approach: We understand that every case is unique. Our team will develop a legal strategy to fit your case.
Table Of Contents
- Why Choose NST Law for Your Dog-Bite Case in Nashville
- Comprehensive Legal Services for Dog-Bite Victims
- Understanding Nashville’s Dog-Bite Laws
- Navigating the Legal Process in Nashville
- Seeking Compensation for Dog-Bite Injuries in Nashville
- Preventing Dog-Bite Incidents in Nashville
- Trust NST Law To Handle Your Nashville Dog-Bite Case
When you’re not at fault, you may believe your case will be an easy win. Motor vehicle accident laws are complex, and insurance companies go to great lengths to reduce payouts. You may not be able to anticipate your ongoing medical needs or quantify the totality of your losses.
An experienced Nashville car accident attorney can effectively navigate the complicated legal system and prevent insurance companies from taking advantage of you. At NST Law, our legal team is proud of the reputation we’ve built over the last 30 years through the $2 billion in verdicts, judgments, and settlements we have achieved on behalf of our clients. For example:
- $1.4 million for a couple involved in a head-on collision
- $1.5 million for an elderly couple in a catastrophic car wreck
- $1.3 million for an infant death resulting from a car wreck
Our Nashville car accident law office is conveniently located to serve car accident victims throughout the metropolitan area, including Murfreesboro, Brentwood, and Franklin.
Comprehensive Legal Services for Dog-Bite Victims
The Insurance Information Institute reports that dog-bite-related claims costs have risen astronomically in the last 20 years, at least 162 percent. This is partly due to the increased size of settlements and jury awards. At NST Law, we can help you hold a dog owner responsible for their pet’s actions and receive the highest possible compensation you deserve. We will assist you every step of the way by:
- Evaluating your claim
- Hearing your personal history and story
- Explaining all legal avenues
- Gathering and analyzing evidence
- Negotiating with the insurance company and other third parties
- Representing you throughout all filings, hearings, and court proceedings
We take a personalized approach. We take the time to learn about you and how the incident affected your life. Then, we go over each step for pursuing justice on your behalf.
Understanding Nashville's Dog-Bite Laws
You want a dog-bite lawyer in Nashville, TN, with a firm grasp of the local laws and ordinances on liability. Under Tennessee Code section 44-8-408, dog owners must always keep their animals under reasonable control and keep them from running at large. If the owner fails this duty, they could be strictly liable for any injuries caused by the animal.
Tennessee Code section 44-8-413 outlines the state’s dog-bite law. In most cases, the dog owner will have to pay for the damages and injuries caused by their pet. However, a dog-bite victim may have limited legal options if they were trespassing or committing an illegal action when the incident occurred.
Tennessee generally abides by strict liability principles. Under this law, you don’t have to prove fault or negligence. However, your case must meet the following specific criteria:
- You were attacked in a public place.
- You were injured while lawfully on private property.
However, if the dog bites you on the owner’s residential property, you must prove the owner knew or should have known the dog’s dangerous propensities and did not take the necessary steps to prevent the attack.
A dog-bite injury lawyer in Nashville can help prove that the owner knew the dog would bite but failed to prevent an attack. While this statute does offer limited protection to the dog owner, it is not a legal right to allow their pet to bite another person.
Navigating the Legal Process in Nashville
We can help you navigate complicated laws, statutes, and local ordinances. Our comprehensive legal services include:
- Case evaluation: We will analyze your attack’s circumstances and evaluate the specific injuries caused by the dog.
- Investigation and evidence gathering: Our legal team collects and examines your medical records, witness statements, injury photographs, and other relevant case documents.
- Negotiations: The insurance companies may try to settle your claim before heading to court, often for less than the actual cost of your damages. Our attorneys have years of experience negotiating with these parties.
- Litigation: Not all negotiations produce a satisfactory result. Some cases must head to court. We will aggressively fight for your rights and be your legal advocate at every step of litigation.
We’ll take a personalized approach to your case to build a comprehensive claim on your behalf. To learn more, please contact our Nashville office.
Seeking Compensation for Dog-Bite Injuries in Nashville
The amount and type of compensation depend on your case’s circumstances and the severity of the injuries. At NST Law, we work to help you receive compensation.
- Medical expenses include emergency treatments, surgeries, hospital visits, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care.
- You may request compensation for any pain and suffering you experience from the dog- bite incident.
- If you cannot work due to these injuries, you may receive compensation for lost wages or diminished earning capacity.
- Dog-bite incidents can leave you with lasting emotional scars, and you can seek damages for emotional trauma and distress.
- In some cases, dog-bite injuries can lead to long-term injuries, permanent disabilities, or even disfigurement.
With these incidents, there is a limited time frame to pursue legal action. Tennessee’s statute of limitations is only one year from the time of the dog bite. You must act quickly and find a knowledgeable dog-bite injury lawyer in Nashville.
Preventing Dog-Bite Incidents in Nashville
While legal assistance can help dog-bite victims, preventing these incidents is even more important. Nashville is taking steps to reduce these issues through education and awareness campaigns. All dog owners are responsible for their pets in public spaces and on private property. Safety tips include the following:
- Get proper training.
- Keep pets secured at all times.
- Always supervise your pets.
- Comply with leash laws, regulations, and ordinances.
Helping to prevent dog bites does not stop with pet owners. Anyone encountering an aggressive or dangerous dog should report the incident to Metro Animal Care and Control Services.
Trust NST Law To Handle Your Nashville Dog-Bite Case
You may have difficulty proving your case under all the local laws and ordinances. You need an experienced Nashville dog-bite lawyer on your side. With our understanding of local laws, NST Law can be your trusted partner in these cases.
We take a personalized approach to every claim, working to help hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. We can help you take the first step to pursue compensation. If you want to learn more about how we can assist you, contact us to schedule a consultation. You can also Call the Champs at 615-249-1946.
Contact us for a free consultation now so that we can review your case and decide how we can best help you.
2323 21st Avenue South
Suite 500
Nashville, TN 37212
Phone: 615-235-0766
Fax: 615-257-6797