Knoxville Dog Bite Attorneys
Dog attacks and dog bites are dangerous and terrifying. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, you need an experienced dog bite attorney who is ready and able to help you. Being bitten by a dog is a traumatic experience that often leaves the victim with long-lasting physical and emotional scars. Long after the superficial wounds heal, a dog bite victim must deal with the long-term damage inflicted by a dog bite.
A seemingly “nice” dog can turn vicious without any warning. When this happens, we want to help. The dog bite attorneys of Hodges, Doughty & Carson, PLLC combine compassion with knowledge, skill, and experience to provide you with comprehensive legal representation when you need it the most—when you are struggling to recover from a terrible personal injury. Call our office now at (865) 737-2784 to schedule your consultation. We will listen to your story, gather any necessary evidence, and present your case to the court; we will do everything in our power to fight for the compensation you deserve.
What Are the Tennessee Dog Bite Laws?
Tennessee generally does not believe in a “one pass” or “free bite” rule. Our dog bite laws generally require that dog owners maintain control over their dogs at all times and prevent the dog from running at-large. Tennessee dog bite laws can impose strict liability on dog owners; in other words, if the dog bites someone, the owner is responsible for the damages. Even if the dog has never bitten anyone or shown any dangerous propensities such as aggression, the owner maybe responsible for the dog bite victim’s damages. The accident victim may take civil action against the dog owner to receive compensation for his or her damages.
However, some exceptions to the strict liability rule must be noted. A dog bite victim may not be able to receive compensation for his or her damages in the following situations:
- The injury occurred because the person was disturbing, harassing, alarming, enticing, or otherwise provoking the dog.
- The dog is a military or police dog acting in the course of the dog’s official duties.
- The dog was protecting its owner or another person from an attack by the dog bite victim or that person’s dog.
- The dog bite victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s private, nonresidential property.
- The injury occurred while the dog was securely confined in a crate, kennel, or other enclosure.
Common Injuries Sustained in Knoxville Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite attacks can cause traumatic, serious, and even life-threatening injuries. In some cases, the accident victim must endure several reconstructive surgeries and painful physical therapy to heal. Unfortunately, there are cases where the dog bite victim suffers permanent scarring from the vicious attack. The following are dog bite injuries that a victim may sustain:
- Serious infections of the wound that sometimes spread throughout the entire body
- Nerve damage
- Fractured bones
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Permanent disfigurement
- Permanent scarring, especially to the hands, arms, feet, legs, and face
- Emotional problems such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and an unnatural fear of dogs and/or other animals
- Crush injuries
- Viral and bacterial infections
- Amputations of limbs or other body parts
- Rabies
Stories of Success See What Nearly a Century of Legal Excellence Means for Our Clients
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"Support Every Step of the Way"
The team at HDC Law provides patience, clarity, and unwavering support, making even the most complex legal matters feel manageable.
- Curt H. -
"Dedicated Defense, Unmatched Support"
Joshua Ball provided expert guidance and unwavering support, treating me like family while securing the best outcome. A truly outstanding law firm!
- Gary H. -
"A Beacon of Hope in Difficult Times"
Hodges, Doughty & Carson provided expert guidance and unwavering support, turning a daunting legal challenge into a success—highly recommended without hesitation.
- Raquel S. -
"Support When You Need It Most"
Bart Williams and his team provided outstanding guidance and care after my accident. Grateful for their help—highly recommended!
- Christine M.
Honoring a Legacy of Trust & Strength What Sets Us Apart?
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Strategic & Tenacious RepresentationLegal challenges require sharp strategy and unwavering commitment. We approach every case with meticulous preparation and relentless advocacy to help you move forward with confidence.
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Proven Experience, Trusted ResultsWith decades of combined legal experience, our team has successfully guided countless clients through complex legal matters. We bring the knowledge and dedication needed to fight for the best possible outcome.
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Client-Centered AdvocacyYour case isn’t just another file—it’s your future. At HDC Law, we take a personalized approach, crafting strategies tailored to your unique situation and goals.
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Comprehensive Legal RepresentationNo matter your legal challenge, we have you covered. From personal injury and family law to healthcare law and business litigation, our firm provides skilled representation across a broad range of practice areas.
Learn about Dog Safety and Teach Your Children
It is estimated that 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, and one out of every five bites become infected. Children, especially between the ages of five and nine years old, have a high risk of being bitten or attacked by a dog. You can reduce your risk of being bitten or attacked by a dog by following these dog safety rules:
- Don’t allow young children to play with a dog without adult supervision.
- Don’t disturb a dog that is eating, sleeping, or caring for puppies.
- Don’t approach an unfamiliar dog, panic, or make loud noises.
- If approached by a strange dog, don’t run. Remain motionless. If the dog attacks, curl into a ball with your hands over your head, ears, and neck.
We Want to Help You as You Heal and Recover from a Dog Attack and/or Dog Bite
