Changes in Tennessee Laws May Impact Dog Bite Cases

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Tennessee, you may want to know how recent changes in Tennessee dog bite laws might affect your case.

From animal care laws to property law, a number of different statutes impact the way we handle dog bite injuries in the area. And most residents don’t know what these laws say and why.

As an award-winning Memphis dog attack lawyer, I’m here to guide you through these updates and explain what they mean for you.

Understanding Tennessee’s Dog Bite Law

Tennessee’s dog bite laws have evolved over time to better protect victims. The key statute governing dog bite liability is Tennessee Code § 44-8-413.

This law lays out two basic principles:

Strict Liability

Under strict liability, dog owners are generally held responsible if their dog injures someone in a public place or on someone else’s private property.

This means the owner can be held responsible regardless of the dog’s past behavior or the owner’s knowledge of any aggression. But of course, it may be easier to hold them responsible if there is evidence they knew the dog might be dangerous before the attack.

Residential Exception

If the incident occurs on the dog owner’s property, it’s a little different. In that situation, Tennessee dog bite laws say the victim has to prove the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies.

Recent Legislative Updates

The core principles of Tennessee’s dog bite laws have remained the same for years. But in some other areas of the law, there have been some notable legislative developments that might affect dog bite cases.

Animal Cruelty

First, in 2024, Tennessee enacted a law that allows licensed veterinarians to report suspected animal cruelty without breaching confidentiality, and with immunity from liability.

This change aims to improve animal welfare. It could indirectly impact dog bite cases by identifying dangerous animals earlier and creating a record of known problematic behavior.

Property Law

In addition, another 2024 law prohibits state or local agencies from entering private property without probable cause, consent, or a warrant.

This legislation reinforces property rights. It doesn’t directly impact who’s responsible for a dog bite. But it might change how quickly law enforcement can respond to suspected dangerous animals on a property.

What Dog Bite Victims Should Do

If you’re a victim of a dog bite in Tennessee, these laws don’t impact how you should respond after a dog bite. The basic guidance remains the same:

First, move quickly to get legal help. Tennessee has a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites. Make sure to take legal action within this timeframe so you don’t get shut out.

Always consult with an experienced attorney. Navigating the nuances of dog bite laws can be complex. An experienced dog attack lawyer can help you understand your rights and get the compensation you deserve.

And you’ll also want to gather evidence. Document your injuries, collect witness statements, and report the incident to local authorities. This information will be vital in building your case. Fortunately, our attorneys can handle a lot of this work.

Decades of Experience with Tennessee Dog Bite Laws

Dog bites can have serious physical and emotional consequences. You may need months or even years to recover. So the last thing you should be expected to do is keep up with all the latest state laws.

That’s where we come in. Our award-winning Memphis personal injury team will investigate your claim, gather your evidence, and fight for you every step of the way.

We’re dedicated to making Memphis safer and protecting its residents – starting with you. And we don’t get paid a penny unless and until we win your case.

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, contact us online today for a free consultation. You can also call us at 901-327-2100.

We’ll handle the law, so you can have peace of mind and focus on what matters most: your own recovery.