Chattanooga Dog Bite Lawyer

Award-winning Chattanooga dog bite attorneys representing victims of animal attacks. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, The Higgins Firm will fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and trauma.

Dog Bite Injuries Can Change Your Life

It happens in an instant. A seemingly friendly dog suddenly attacks, leaving you or your loved one with serious injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma that can last a lifetime.

Dog bites are not minor incidents—they can cause severe infections, permanent scarring, nerve damage, and deep psychological wounds, especially for children. In the most tragic cases, victims may even die from their injuries.

You don’t have to face this difficult time alone.

In Tennessee, dog owners can be held legally responsible for injuries their pets cause. The Higgins Firm’s experienced Chattanooga dog bite lawyers understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these attacks take on victims and their families. We’re here to help you navigate the legal process and secure the compensation you deserve.

Tennessee Dog Bite Laws You Need to Know

Tennessee has specific laws governing dog bite liability, primarily found in Tennessee Code § 44-8-413, known as the “dog bite statute.” Understanding these laws is crucial to your case:

The “One Bite Rule” vs. Strict Liability

Tennessee follows a mixed approach to dog bite liability:

• Strict liability applies when the dog bite occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property. The owner is responsible regardless of whether they knew the dog was dangerous.
• The traditional “one bite rule” applies when the bite occurs on the owner’s residential, farm, or noncommercial property. In these cases, you must prove the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.

Important Exceptions to Liability

A dog owner may not be liable if:

• The victim was trespassing
• The dog was protecting its owner from attack
• The dog was confined in a kennel or crate
• The victim provoked the dog

The Impact of Local Leash Laws

Chattanooga and Hamilton County have leash laws requiring dogs to be under their owner’s control. Violations of these ordinances can strengthen your case by establishing negligence per se—meaning the owner’s violation of the law automatically establishes negligence.

Common Dog Bite Injuries We See in Chattanooga

Dog attacks can cause devastating injuries, many requiring extensive medical treatment and leaving permanent damage:

• Deep puncture wounds and lacerations
• Facial injuries and disfigurement
• Broken bones, particularly in the hands and arms
• Nerve and tissue damage
• Infections, including dangerous ones like MRSA or tetanus
• Emotional trauma, including PTSD, anxiety, and phobias
• Scarring requiring plastic surgery

Children and elderly individuals are particularly vulnerable to severe injuries due to their size and inability to defend themselves. When children are victims, special consideration must be given to future medical needs and long-term psychological impact.

Proving Liability in Chattanooga Dog Bite Cases

To successfully recover compensation, our attorneys will build your case by:

1. Documenting the attack through photographs, medical records, and witness statements
2. Investigating the dog’s history for previous aggressive behavior
3. Identifying applicable laws that the owner violated
4. Consulting with medical experts to establish the extent of your injuries and future treatment needs
5. Working with mental health professionals to document psychological trauma

We’ll determine all potentially liable parties, which may include:

• The dog’s owner
• Property owners (if different from the dog owner)
• Landlords who knew about a dangerous dog
• Dog sitters or walkers who had control of the animal

Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims in Chattanooga

If you’ve been injured by a dog attack in Chattanooga, you may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Plastic surgery and scar revision procedures
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
• Physical pain and suffering
• Emotional distress and psychological counseling
• Permanent disfigurement
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Tennessee’s comparative fault rules established in McIntyre v. Balentine (833 S.W.2d 52) allow you to recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as your fault doesn’t exceed the dog owner’s. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

The Higgins Firm Approach to Dog Bite Cases

Our Chattanooga dog bite attorneys bring a meticulous and compassionate approach to your case:

1. Free initial consultation to evaluate your case and explain your options
2. Thorough investigation of the attack, gathering evidence before it disappears
3. Documentation of all injuries, including photographs showing the progression of healing
4. Identification of all insurance policies that may provide coverage
5. Expert testimony from medical professionals, animal behaviorists, and psychological experts
6. Aggressive negotiation with insurance companies for a fair settlement
7. Trial preparation if the insurance company refuses to offer adequate compensation

We understand the unique challenges of dog bite cases, particularly when they involve friends, neighbors, or family members. We handle these sensitive situations with discretion while still fighting for your right to compensation.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Chattanooga

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog:

1. Seek immediate medical attention – Even minor bites can lead to serious infections
2. Report the incident to Chattanooga Animal Control or local police
3. Identify the dog and its owner – Get name, address, and contact information
4. Document everything – Take photos of injuries, the location, and the dog if possible
5. Get witness information from anyone who saw the attack
6. Keep track of medical treatment and how injuries affect your daily life
7. Contact our Chattanooga dog bite attorneys for a free consultation

Remember, Tennessee’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is just one year from the date of injury under Tennessee Code § 28-3-104. This gives you limited time to take legal action, so don’t delay.

Local Chattanooga Dog Bite Attorneys

The Higgins Firm understands the Chattanooga community and has successfully represented dog bite victims throughout Hamilton County. Our local knowledge gives us an advantage when investigating your case, working with area animal control authorities, and presenting your claim to local judges and juries.

With offices throughout Tennessee, including Nashville, Memphis, Knoxville, and right here in Chattanooga, we’re equipped to provide powerful representation no matter where in the region your attack occurred.

Don’t suffer in silence. Our Chattanooga dog bite lawyers offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Call The Higgins Firm today or complete our online form to schedule your free case evaluation and take the first step toward recovery.