Harlene Labrum | January 14, 2026 | Dog Bites in Tennessee
Medical Costs After a Dog Bite: Can You Recover Damages?
Medical treatment after a dog bite often begins with urgency and fear, as injuries may require emergency care, stitches, or treatment for infection without warning. These situations escalate quickly and leave victims focused on healing rather than paperwork or bills. As treatment continues, medical costs after a dog bite can grow faster than most people expect.
In Tennessee, recovering these expenses depends on a narrow set of legal factors that courts examine closely. Liability often turns on where the bite occurred and whether the injured person was lawfully present at the time. When Tennessee’s dog bite statute applies, proof of prior bites or lack of control is not required. Even small details can determine whether medical expenses are fully recoverable.
Tennessee’s primary dog bite statute, Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-8-413 allows injured victims to pursue compensation in many cases without proving the dog had bitten before or that the owner failed to control the dog. However, the statute includes specific exceptions that can limit recovery when those statutory conditions are not met. Speaking with a Nashville dog bite lawyer can help victims understand how the statute applies to their medical expenses and legal options.
When Medical Costs Are Legally Recoverable
Medical costs can be recovered after a dog bite, but liability depends on the circumstances of the incident. Tennessee law focuses on the dog’s lawful presence and control at the time of the bite.
Bites In Public Places Or During Lawful Presence
Medical costs may be recovered when a dog bite occurs in a public place open to lawful visitors. Recovery is also possible when the injured person was lawfully present on private property not owned by the dog’s owner. In these situations, proof of prior aggressive behavior is not required. The primary legal focus is whether the injured person was lawfully present at the location where the bite occurred.
Situations Where Liability Is Harder To Establish
Bites occurring on property connected to the dog’s owner often involve higher legal hurdles. The injured person may need to prove that the owner knew, or should have known, the dog was dangerous. Without establishing liability, courts will not consider medical expenses or other damages. These cases often require stronger evidence and careful legal analysis.
Medical Expenses That Can Be Included in a Claim
Medical costs form a critical component of personal injury claims. Both past and reasonably anticipated future expenses are considered when calculating recoverable damages.
Past Medical Treatment Costs
- Emergency room or urgent care visits immediately following the incident.
- Wound cleaning, stitches, diagnostic testing, and imaging were ordered by a healthcare provider.
- Medications, vaccines, and treatments for infection or other complications.
- Follow-up visits are directly related to the initial injury or resulting complications.
- Documented proof ensures that incurred costs are eligible for reimbursement.
Future Medical Expenses
- Medical professionals anticipate scar treatment, reconstructive procedures, or corrective surgery.
- Physical therapy for mobility, strength, or nerve recovery.
- Counseling, psychological, or behavioral therapy when medically supported.
- Future care must be reasonably expected and substantiated by medical records or expert opinions.
- Accurate documentation of anticipated treatment strengthens claims and supports fair settlement or award.
Proving Medical Costs Are Bite-Related
Proving medical expenses are connected to a dog bite requires clear, consistent evidence. Insurance carriers and courts closely examine whether treatment directly resulted from the incident.
Documentation That Strengthens Recovery
Early photographs help establish the severity and timing of the injury. Consistent medical records should clearly connect each visit and treatment to the bite. Itemized bills and pharmacy receipts support the financial impact of care. Provider notes explaining why treatment was necessary strengthen the causal link.
Issues That Commonly Reduce Medical Recovery
Delays in seeking treatment often raise doubts about whether injuries were bite-related. Gaps or unexplained breaks in care can weaken the connection between treatment and the incident. Medical visits not clearly tied to the bite may be challenged by insurers. Missing or incomplete billing documentation can further limit recovery.
Lack Of Control And Dogs Running Loose
Lack of control is a central issue when determining responsibility for dog bite injuries. Tennessee law closely examines whether the owner took reasonable steps to prevent the dog from causing harm.
Why Control Failures Matter
Unleashed dogs or broken fences often indicate a failure to maintain proper control. Dogs roaming beyond the owner’s property suggest weakened supervision and increased risk to others. These control failures reduce disputes about responsibility by showing preventable conditions. As a result, medical expenses are more easily connected to owner negligence.
Running At Large Standard Under Tennessee Law
Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-8-408 addresses dogs that are allowed to run at large. Injuries caused by uncontrolled dogs increase legal exposure by showing a lack of reasonable care. Although the statute is criminal in nature, these facts often support civil claims. Courts frequently rely on this conduct to evaluate responsibility for resulting injuries.
Defenses That Can Limit Medical Cost Recovery
Certain legal defenses can limit or reduce recovery even when a dog bite caused real injuries. Understanding these defenses early shows how Nashville personal injury lawyers can help protect a claim before problems arise.
Trespassing And Unlawful Presence
Recovery may be barred if the injured person had no legal right to be on the property. The owner may argue that permission, invitation, or a lawful purpose was missing at the time. This defense focuses on location rather than injury severity or treatment needs. A lawyer can help show lawful presence and challenge improper assumptions.
Provocation And Shared Fault
Medical recovery may be reduced if the injured person is accused of provoking the dog. Ordinary movement, lawful entry, or self-protection does not qualify as provocation under Tennessee law. Tennessee allows fault to reduce damages rather than automatically eliminate recovery. Filing deadlines still apply under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104, making early legal guidance essential.
Practical Steps to Protect Medical Cost Claims
Prompt and organized action after a dog bite is essential to preserve medical cost claims. Following proper documentation and treatment procedures strengthens the potential for recovery.
Actions to Take Immediately After a Bite
- Seek medical care promptly to assess injury severity and prevent complications.
- Follow all treatment instructions and attend scheduled follow-up appointments.
- Keep organized copies of all medical records, bills, and insurance statements.
- Document symptoms, medications, and therapy to support both medical and legal claims.
- Early attention ensures accurate proof of costs and timely claim submission.
Mistakes That Weaken Claims
- Delaying medical attention can cast doubt on injury severity or causation.
- Ignoring follow-up treatment or failing to complete prescribed care.
- Discarding bills, receipts, or insurance statements that support financial claims.
- Assuming that medical costs will be automatically covered by insurance or the responsible party.
- Avoiding these mistakes preserves claim integrity and maximizes potential recovery.
Conclusion
Medical costs after a dog bite can be recovered in Tennessee when liability is clearly established and treatment is properly documented. Recovery depends on location, lawful presence, and whether the dog was under reasonable control at the time. These factors matter more than assumptions about the dog’s prior behavior.
While Tennessee law allows recovery of necessary medical expenses, defenses and filing deadlines can sharply limit claims. Prompt treatment, consistent documentation, and timely action protect the right to reimbursement. Understanding these requirements early helps injured victims avoid preventable barriers to recovery.
At Labrum Law Firm, we understand how quickly a dog bite can disrupt your life and create uncertainty about medical bills and recovery. Our team has deep knowledge of Tennessee dog bite law and knows how to pursue accountability when injuries occur. Contact us or call us today at (615) 265-0000 to schedule a free consultation and speak with our Nashville dog bite attorney. Take action now and let us guide you through the legal process with clarity and care.
