Protecting young victims: One Tennessee family’s journey through a dog bite case
In June 2023, an 11-year-old boy knocked on the door of his friend’s house to see if they could play outside. When his friend’s sister opened the door, their German Shepherd leaped out of the house and attacked our client. The attack was completely unprovoked and caused our client serious injuries.
Dog attacks have lasting repercussions
Sadly, when a child is attacked by an animal, they also suffer severe emotional damage. The sound of dogs barking can cause psychological issues like PTSD, especially for young children, and nightmares are common. Often, therapy is necessary to learn to cope with the psychological damage of an animal attack.
The 2023 attack left our young client scared and skittish about even being outside. He went from being a very active young boy to not wanting to go outside or be around dogs. But thanks to our team of dedicated dog bite attorneys, we negotiated a six-figure settlement offer on behalf of the family.
All about Tennessee’s dog bite law
Tennessee is a strict liability state when it comes to dog bites. However, Tennessee has a residential exception to the dog bite law called the “one-bite rule.” Most of the time, if the attack occurs at a private residence, the homeowner won’t be held liable unless they knew—or should have known—that the dog was aggressive and dangerous. The easiest way to show this is to prove that the dog has bitten or attacked someone.
German Shepherds are already among the most dangerous dog breeds. Our investigation revealed that this particular German Shepherd had violent tendencies. The insurance company understood the litigation risks since the homeowner knew their dog was dangerous.
Because of the factual details, dog bite cases often require a lawsuit to understand their value. However, dog bite litigation is also mentally tough because the memories of that day remain fresh. Parents know best when weighing the pros and cons of dog bite litigation for their children.
Supporting your family through recovery after a dog bite incident
If your family is navigating the aftermath of a dog bite incident, remember that you are not alone. Weir & Kestner Injury Lawyers are dedicated to supporting families affected by such traumatic events. We understand the physical and emotional toll these cases can take on young victims and their families. Our experienced team is here to help you understand your rights, explore your legal options, and secure the compensation necessary for recovery. Please contact us for a free consultation to discuss how we can assist you in finding justice and healing.
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