Personal Injury LAW
Dog and Animal Bites
Located in Memphis, TN
Dog bite cases have become more common in the past 10 years with the emergence of more dog-friendly parks and recreational areas. Not only are dog bites painful, but they can result in permanent disfigurement and, if left untreated, cause serious long-term complications.
If you have been injured in a dog attack, you may be able to file a lawsuit against the animal’s owner for failing to keep his or her dog restrained. An experienced lawyer from The Chiozza Law Firm will investigate your case and help you obtain compensation for your injury, if possible.
Most pet owners have a knowledge and understanding of his or her dog’s personality. Sadly, some owners recklessly disregard the safety of others and allow the dog to run loose, which can lead to an attack. A dog owner should be wary and watchful of their pet, especially in a public place or when children are present.
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What the Law Says
In 2007, Tennessee law with regard to dog bite cases drastically changed. The change in law, referred to as the Dianna Acklen Act of 2007, occurred after Dianna Acklen, a Tennessee resident, was attacked and killed by three dogs during her routine morning walk.
T.C.A. 44-8-413 holds dog owners strictly liable for any damage done by their pet. An owner has a duty to keep his or her pet under reasonable control and prevent the animal from running at large. If you do not uphold these conditions you, as a pet owner, can be held liable for any related damages.
Some exceptions to this law are for military or police dogs or if the animal was provoked or enticed to attack. This law also requires that the victim lawfully be on the property where the attack took place, meaning they cannot be trespassing onto private property or business-owned property during non-working hours.
For dog attacks that occur on the owner’s property, the victim must prove that the pet owner or handler knew, or should have known, the animal had dangerous tendencies or may have been prone to attack based on previous knowledge or past incidents.
What You Should Do
If you have been the victim of an animal or dog bite you seek medical assistance as soon as possible, if necessary. With the possibility of infection setting in, choose being safe over being sorry and seek a medical opinion to prevent further injury or complications.
You should also document injuries with photographs as soon as possible while also obtaining the name, contact information and homeowners’ insurance carrier from the dog handler or owner.
Dog and animal bite cases can be difficult to handle and even catastrophic in nature. We have seen young children sustain life-altering, permanent injuries and scarring because of negligent pet owners. These injuries could have been avoided if the dog owner took necessary time and precautions with the pet.
Why You Should Choose Us
We have been successful over the years in representing children and adults who were injured due to a dog attack. These cases require a tremendous amount of investigation, and we will treat your case with the time and respect it deserves.
Feel free to contact an attorney at 901-526-9494 for a confidential case evaluation or email Brian Chiozza at brian@chiozzalaw.com for immediate assistance. You will pay absolutely nothing to speak with an attorney at The Chiozza Law Firm about your case, but it can cost you years of dread or permanent injury if you do not consult with an experienced attorney.
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