Tennessee Dog Bite Settlements: A Guide to Your Potential Payout

Tennessee Dog Bite Settlements: A Guide to Your Potential Payout

Overview of Tennessee Dog Bite Laws

Tennessee has a mixed approach to dog bite liability, combining elements of strict liability and the “one bite” rule:

• Strict liability applies when the bite occurs in a public place or when the victim is lawfully on private property.
• The “residential exclusion” applies the “one bite” rule if the incident occurs on the dog owner’s property.

Factors Affecting Settlement Amounts

Several key factors influence dog bite settlement amounts in Tennessee:

1. Severity of injuries
2. Medical expenses (current and future)
3. Lost wages and earning capacity
4. Pain and suffering
5. Permanent scarring or disfigurement
6. Location of the incident (public vs. private property)
7. Dog’s history of aggression
8. Owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous propensities

Average Settlement Amounts

While settlement amounts can vary widely, here are some general ranges:

• The national average for dog bite settlements is approximately $50,000 to $65,000.
• In Tennessee, settlements can range from a few thousand dollars for minor injuries to hundreds of thousands for severe cases.

Notable Tennessee Settlements

• A Nashville dog bite case settled for $300,000.
• Another Tennessee case resulted in a $160,000 settlement for a victim attacked by a neighbor’s pit bull.

Maximizing Your Settlement

To potentially increase your settlement amount:

1. Seek immediate medical attention and follow all treatment plans.
2. Document all injuries, medical expenses, and lost wages.
3. Gather evidence, including photos of injuries and the incident location.
4. Avoid giving statements to insurance companies without legal counsel.
5. Consider hiring an experienced dog bite attorney to negotiate on your behalf.

Time Limitations

In Tennessee, you have one year from the date of the dog bite incident to file a claim. It’s crucial to act promptly to preserve your right to compensation. Remember that each case is unique, and these figures are only general guidelines. Consult with a qualified Tennessee dog bite attorney to get a more accurate assessment of your potential settlement based on the specific details of your case.

Sources 

1. https://www.drslawfirm.com/dog-bite-injury-settlement/
2. https://www.johndaylegal.com/tennessee-s-dog-bite-law-and-proving-your-case.html
3. https://www.terry-lawfirm.com/tennessee/dog-bite-lawyer/
4. https://www.brownandcrouppen.com/blog/average-dog-bite-settlement-amount/
5. https://www.hughesandcoleman.com/300000-nashville-dog-bite-settlement/