Harlene Labrum | October 16, 2025 | Dog Bites in Tennessee \ Uncategorized
Dog Bite Laws in Tennessee: What Victims Need to Know
A dog attack can happen suddenly and leave a victim with serious physical and emotional injuries. Many people suffer deep bites, nerve damage, infections, or permanent scars that require surgery and long-term medical care. Along with physical pain, victims also face emotional trauma, fear, lost wages, and expensive medical bills.
When a dog owner fails to control a dangerous animal, dog bite laws in Tennessee allow victims to seek compensation. Understanding these laws is important because insurance companies often attempt to deny or minimize valid claims. Knowing your legal rights early can prevent mistakes that weaken your case.
This guide explains how dog bite laws in Tennessee work and what victims must prove to file a successful claim. You will learn how liability is determined, what defenses dog owners may use, and what compensation is available. Most importantly, you will see how a Nashville dog bite lawyer can guide you through the process and protect your right to recovery.
How Dog Bite Laws in Tennessee Work
Strict Liability – When Owners Are Automatically Responsible
Under Tennessee Code §44-8-413, strict liability applies when a dog injures someone in a public place or when the victim is legally on private property. In these cases, the victim does not need to show that the owner was careless. The fact that the dog caused the injury is enough to hold the owner responsible.
Strict liability applies even if the dog never attacked anyone before. Also, this rule does not apply only to bites — it also covers injuries like being knocked down or chased into traffic. Because of this law, many victims have a strong case even if the dog seemed friendly before the attack.
The Residential Exception – When Negligence Must Be Proved
The law is different if the attack happens on the dog owner’s property. In this situation, the victim must prove negligence, which means showing the owner failed to use reasonable care. This includes letting a dangerous dog run loose, ignoring leash laws, or failing to restrain a dog that has previously acted aggressively.
Unlike strict liability, negligence requires more evidence. The victim must show that the owner knew or should have known the dog could be dangerous. Because of the higher proof standard, these cases often require help from a Tennessee personal injury lawyer.
When Dog Owners Are Not Liable
Provocation Defense
Dog owners and insurance companies often argue that the victim provoked the dog to avoid paying compensation. Provocation may include actions such as:
- Teasing or harassing the animal
- Hitting or striking the dog
- Cornering, frightening, or taunting it
Because this defense is commonly used, attorneys gather witness statements, video evidence, and medical documentation to prove the attack was not provoked.
Trespassing or Illegal Entry
Tennessee law only protects dog bite victims who were legally on the property at the time of the attack. Claims may be denied if the victim was trespassing or entered the property without permission. However, the following people are usually considered lawfully present and are still protected by the law:
- Delivery drivers
- Mail carriers
- Utility workers
- Invited guests
Working Dogs
Tennessee law treats police and military dogs differently from household pets. These dogs are generally exempt from liability when they injure someone while performing official duties. A civil claim may only succeed if the victim can prove the handler used excessive force or the dog was deployed improperly.
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite
Get Medical Treatment
Dog bites carry a high risk of infection, nerve damage, and scarring, so you should visit a doctor right away. A healthcare professional will clean the wound, prescribe antibiotics if needed, and assess the risk of rabies. Medical records from this treatment create a valuable piece of evidence that documents your injuries.
Report the Attack
Report the incident to Animal Control or local law enforcement as soon as possible. An official report identifies the dog owner, verifies where the attack occurred, and records how the injury happened. This prevents the owner from later denying the incident.
Collect Evidence
Evidence is strongest when gathered immediately. Take photos of your injuries, the dog, the property, and any warning signs such as broken fences or open gates. If anyone witnessed the attack, collect their names and contact information before they leave the area.
Proving a Dog Bite Claim in Tennessee
Prove Ownership or Control
You must show who owned or controlled the dog at the time of the attack. This may be the legal owner, a family member, a neighbor, or even a pet sitter. Witness statements, records from Animal Control, or photos of the dog on the property can help identify responsibility.
Show Legal Liability
Liability depends on where the attack occurred. If it happened in public or on lawful private property, strict liability applies. If it occurred on the owner’s property, you must prove negligence by showing the owner failed to restrain the dog properly or ignored signs of aggression.
Build Supporting Evidence
Strong evidence increases the value of your claim. Useful documents include medical records, photos, video footage, police or Animal Control reports, and wage loss statements from your employer. Proof that you were legally allowed to be on the property prevents the defense from arguing trespassing.
Compensation Available to Dog Bite Victims
Economic Damages
Economic damages include medical treatment, hospital bills, surgery, infection management, and prescription medications. Victims may also recover compensation for lost wages while they are unable to work. Future medical needs, such as scar revision surgery, physical therapy, or counseling, may also be covered.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages pay for emotional harm such as pain, suffering, anxiety, and embarrassment. Many dog bite victims suffer permanent scarring, especially on the face, which affects self-confidence. Tennessee law limits non-economic damages in some cases, but higher compensation may be available for catastrophic injuries.
Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites
Most dog bite settlements are paid through homeowners’ or renters’ insurance. These insurance policies cover dog attacks that happen on the owner’s property and sometimes off the property as well. However, insurance companies often delay or deny claims, so legal help is important.
Legal Deadlines and Mistakes to Avoid
Statute of Limitations
You have one year from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit under Tennessee law. Missing this deadline can permanently bar you from recovering compensation, no matter how strong your evidence may be.
Avoid Recorded Statements
After a dog attack, insurance adjusters may contact you quickly and try to collect statements that can be used against you. To protect your claim during early communication with insurers:
- Do not provide recorded statements without consulting your attorney.
- Avoid casual discussions about the attack with insurance representatives.
- Keep communication brief and factual until legal guidance is available.
Strong documentation is essential when building a dog bite injury claim. Keep copies of all medical bills, treatment records, and photos that show the progression of your injuries. You should also save pay stubs, employment records, and written communication with insurance companies to prove financial loss.
Conclusion
Dog bite laws in Tennessee are designed to protect victims, but successfully proving a claim requires strong evidence and a legal strategy. The rules change depending on where the attack occurred and whether strict liability or negligence applies. Acting quickly to get medical care, report the incident, and preserve evidence gives your case a strong foundation.
Our firm stands with dog bite victims and fights to hold careless owners accountable. We build strong claims, deal directly with insurance companies, and protect your rights at every stage of the process. If you or someone you love has been injured in a dog attack, legal help is available today.
At Labrum Law Firm, we know a dog attack can leave you in pain, overwhelmed, and unsure of what to do next. Our attorneys understand dog bite laws in Tennessee and know how to hold negligent dog owners accountable. Call us today at (615) 265-0000 for a free consultation with a Nashville, TN dog bite attorney. Do not wait. Let our team protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
