Harlene Labrum | December 4, 2025 | Dog Bites in Tennessee
What to Do Immediately After a Dog Bite in Nashville
A dog attack can strike without warning, leaving victims hurt, overwhelmed, and unsure what to do immediately after a dog bite in Nashville. Injuries can intensify within minutes, turning a frightening moment into a medical emergency. Acting quickly protects both your safety and your ability to hold the dog’s owner accountable.
Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-8-413 outlines Tennessee’s dog-bite liability rules, making early steps especially important for victims. Cleaning the wound, seeking medical care, and reporting the incident help establish a clear record of what occurred. These actions also support any investigation into infection risks or potential rabies exposure.
Evidence collection, identification of the dog, and early notice to authorities all strengthen your position before insurance becomes involved. Timely documentation helps an experienced Nashville TN dog bite lawyer understand how the attack happened and what compensation may be available. With proper guidance, victims can protect their rights and move forward with clarity.
Get to Safety and Control the Injury
Creating distance from the dog is the first step because it prevents further harm and gives you space to focus on safety. Once you are clear, take a moment to look for visible injuries so you can respond quickly. These early actions also help Nashville personal injury lawyers understand how the incident unfolded.
Move Away From the Dog
Move to a safe location as soon as possible to avoid more bites. Do not chase the animal, since this can cause another attack and increase danger. Stay alert to your surroundings because loose dogs can return without warning, which is important for dog bite lawyers handling your case.
Assess and Control Bleeding
Check for torn skin, deep punctures, and heavy bleeding so you know what to handle first. Apply steady pressure with a clean cloth or bandage to slow active bleeding. Call 911 if the bleeding continues or the victim becomes dizzy, since quick care also supports your lawyer building your claim.
Clean the Wound and Seek Medical Care
Cleaning the wound right away helps remove dirt and bacteria before they cause serious infection. Rinsing with soap and running water also lowers the risk of complications while giving you a clearer view of the injury.
Clean the Bite Immediately
Rinse the injured area under running water for several minutes to clear surface bacteria. Remove any debris with gentle movements, since harsh scrubbing can worsen tissue damage. Apply a thin layer of antibiotic ointment if available to reduce early infection risks.
Get Professional Medical Evaluation
A medical provider may prescribe antibiotics or suggest a tetanus booster based on the severity of the wound. Deep punctures often require stitches or a more specialized treatment plan to prevent long-term issues. Tell the doctor the injury came from a dog bite so it is documented accurately for future legal use.
Report the Bite and Complete Rabies Procedures
Reporting the bite right away ensures the incident is officially documented and helps protect your health. Under Tenn. Code Ann. § 68-8-109, authorities may order quarantine or observation of the dog to confirm its vaccination status and check for signs of illness.
File a Report With Metro Animal Care & Control
- Provide your contact information and the details of the incident.
- Identify the dog’s location and owner if possible.
- Ask for a copy of the bite report for your records.
Rabies Observation Requirements
- Dogs that bite a person may be placed under observation or quarantine.
- Officials verify the dog’s rabies vaccination status.
- Your doctor may coordinate with animal control on whether further treatment is needed.
Document the Incident Clearly
Careful documentation helps preserve details that may fade quickly after the incident. Photographs, videos, and written notes provide a clear picture of what happened and how the injury occurred. These records strengthen both medical evaluation and any future claim by showing the full context of the event.
Take Photos and Video
Photograph the wound from different angles so its severity is accurately captured. Include images of torn clothing, visible blood, or the exact spot where the bite occurred. If it is safe, take a picture of the dog without getting closer, since this helps verify what happened.
Collect Key Information
Request the dog owner’s name, phone number, and address to document who was involved. Ask witnesses for their contact details and brief statements, since outside accounts support your version of events. Keep all medical paperwork, receipts, and treatment notes to track the full impact of the injury.
Notify Insurance and Track Your Losses
Knowing how to notify insurance and track your losses helps protect your claim from the start. When the dog owner has coverage, most cases move through homeowner’s or renter’s liability insurance, which allows you to report the incident without dealing directly with the dog owner afterward.
Contact the Dog Owner’s Insurance (If Available)
- Most dog-bite claims are processed through homeowner’s or renter’s liability insurance.
- Share only essential details when first reporting the incident.
- Avoid recorded statements until you get proper legal advice.
- Request the claim number once the insurer begins processing the file.
Document All Damages
Tracking losses early helps show the full impact of the injury.
- Keep medical bills, prescriptions, mileage logs, and proof of lost wages.
- Record swelling, pain levels, scarring, sleep issues, and emotional distress.
- Use photos to document healing progress and long-term changes over time.
Tennessee’s One-Year Filing Deadline
Tennessee gives victims only one year to file a dog bite claim. Missing this period can prevent recovery even when the injuries are well documented. Acting quickly protects your rights and keeps every legal option available.
One-Year Limit
Most dog bite claims under Tenn. Code Ann. § 28-3-104 must be filed within one year from the injury date. Courts usually dismiss lawsuits that fall outside this strict deadline. Filing early helps preserve your ability to seek proper compensation.
Why Timing Is Critical
Evidence can fade, and witnesses may forget key details over time. Insurance companies sometimes delay responses in ways that risk missed deadlines. Contacting a lawyer early ensures all necessary steps are taken on time.
Conclusion
Dog bite victims should respond quickly by moving to safety, cleaning the wound, and getting prompt medical care. Reporting the bite and documenting every detail also strengthens the record before important information fades. These early steps help protect both your health and your ability to pursue a claim.
Tennessee law gives victims important protections, but those protections work best when supported by clear evidence. Quick action keeps deadlines from slipping and ensures nothing important is lost. With the right approach, victims can protect their rights and move forward confidently.
At Labrum Law Firm, we understand how quickly a dog bite can disrupt your life and leave you searching for answers. Our team knows Tennessee’s dog bite laws and has the experience needed to hold negligent owners responsible. Contact us or call us today at (615) 265-0000 for a free consultation with a dedicated Nashville dog bite attorney. Take the first step now and let our firm protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
