A Franklin dog bite lawyer can make a critical difference if you’ve been attacked or bitten by a dog. Dog bites often cause devastating injuries, leaving victims with lasting physical scars and emotional trauma.
In Franklin and throughout Williamson County, these incidents frequently require extensive medical treatment and legal action to recover fair compensation for medical expenses. At GriffithLaw Injury Lawyers, our experienced Franklin personal injury lawyers understand the challenges victims face and fight to hold negligent dog owners accountable.
We have successfully recovered millions of dollars for victims from all walks of life. Call us today to speak to a dog bite lawyer in Franklin. Consultations are free, so don’t hesitate to reach out.
Holding Dog Owners and Insurers Accountable for Dog Bite Injuries
Our Franklin dog bite attorneys can help you get the payments and reimbursements you need from insurance companies.
Depending on your circumstances, you can recover financial compensation for the following losses:
- Medical bills. Victims can suffer a wide range of injuries from a dog attack that require extensive medical care, including lacerations, puncture wounds, broken bones, infections, and nerve damage. Severe dog bite injuries may even require reconstructive surgery.
- Permanent effects. Dog bites can result in life-altering injuries, including amputation of fingers and toes, disfigurement, scars, or lifelong emotional trauma.
- Property damages. Clothing, eyeglasses, jewelry, expensive handbags, shoes, and other valuable personal items can be torn or broken during a dog attack.
- Lost wages and income. A serious dog attack can cause a victim to miss weeks from school or work, greatly impacting their income as well as their professional future. If an injury has resulted in permanent impairment or disfigurement, a person may be unable to perform the same job, have fewer career opportunities, or be forced into early retirement.
- Pain and suffering. The effects of an animal attack are not just physical. A victim can suffer many symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and other forms of emotional trauma that require temporary or ongoing therapy.
- Injuries to children. Children are significantly more likely to be injured or killed in a dog attack than adults. In most cases, children who are attacked by dogs suffer injuries to the face and neck, requiring painful plastic surgery and lifelong visible scarring.
- Wrongful death. Young children and elderly victims are at high risk of death due to dog attacks. Victims with fragile bodies may not survive severe shaking or tossing, loss of blood, or an infection that begins in a dog bite wound.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Franklin, call (615) 807 7900
Types of Cases Our Franklin Dog Bite Lawyers Handle
Dog attacks can result in a variety of serious injuries, including:
- Puncture Wounds & Lacerations. Deep bites can cause severe tissue damage, requiring stitches, surgery, or even skin grafts.
- Infections & Rabies Exposure. Dog bites can introduce harmful bacteria, leading to infections like cellulitis or sepsis. Rabies exposure may also be a concern.
- Broken Bones & Crush Injuries. Larger dogs can knock victims down, causing fractures or crushing injuries, particularly in children and the elderly.
- Nerve Damage & Permanent Scarring. Deep bites may sever nerves, leading to loss of sensation or long-term pain, along with visible disfigurement.
- Psychological Trauma & PTSD. Many dog bite victims experience anxiety, mental anguish, nightmares, and lasting fear of dogs after an attack.
Franklin Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me (615) 807 7900
Dog Breeds More Likely to Cause Serious Damage
There is no breed that is inherently “dangerous” or guaranteed to attack, as a dog’s behavior depends on factors like training, socialization, and environment.
However, based on bite statistics and reported incidents, some breeds are more frequently involved in severe attacks, including:
- Pit Bull Terrier. Often cited in dog bite reports due to their strength and tenacity.
- Rottweiler. Large and powerful, they can be territorial if not properly trained.
- German Shepherd. Commonly used in police work, they are protective and require strong leadership.
- Doberman Pinscher. Naturally protective and can be aggressive without proper socialization.
- Bullmastiff. Large and strong, they can be territorial if not trained correctly.
- Husky. High-energy and independent, sometimes involved in bite incidents.
- Chow Chow. Can be aloof and territorial, requiring experienced handling.
- Akita. Loyal but known for being protective and dominant.
- Boxer. Playful but strong, and can be reactive if threatened.
- Dogo Argentino. Bred for hunting, they require firm training to prevent aggressive behavior.
Again, any dog can become aggressive under the wrong circumstances, and proper training, socialization, and responsible ownership play a crucial role in preventing bites and attacks.
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Strict Liability and Dog Bites in Franklin, TN
Normally, with a personal injury claim, you need to prove that the at-fault party was negligent to file a lawsuit. However, dog owners in Tennessee are strictly liable for injuries their pets cause, meaning you don’t have to prove negligence.
Tennessee applies a strict liability standard for dog bites occurring in public places or on another’s private property. However, it is important to note the “residential exception.” If an injury occurs on the dog owner’s own residential property, the “one-bite rule” applies, requiring proof that the owner knew the dog had dangerous propensities.
This strict liability standard is advantageous for victims as it makes financial recovery easier to pursue. As long as you weren’t trespassing and didn’t hurt the dog first, the liability of the owner is generally presumed.
Why Choose GriffithLaw as Your Franklin Personal Injury Lawyer?
At GriffithLaw, we are dedicated to protecting the rights of dog bite victims in Franklin, TN. Our firm has a strong track record of securing fair compensation for those injured due to negligent dog owners.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Extensive Personal Injury Experience. Our legal team has years of experience handling dog bite cases, giving us the knowledge needed to navigate complex claims and fight insurance companies for the compensation you deserve.
- Strong Advocacy for Victims. We aggressively pursue justice on behalf of injured clients, ensuring negligent dog owners and their insurance companies are held accountable for the harm caused.
- Personalized Legal Support. Every case is unique, and we take the time to understand your situation. Our lawyers provide tailored legal strategies to maximize your recovery.
- Respected Local Reputation. As a Tennessee-based firm, we have earned a reputation for delivering results in Franklin and the surrounding areas. Our commitment to excellence has helped countless injury victims.
- No Upfront Fees. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case. Our goal is to make quality legal representation accessible to everyone.
Time Limit for Pursuing a Dog Bite Claim
Tennessee’s statute of limitations gives you one year to file a lawsuit for injuries after a dog attack. Once the one-year timer expires, you will lose your right to file a civil lawsuit for your dog bite injuries. If you try to file, the courts will reject your claim.
One year is a much shorter deadline than many other states, so you must act quickly and not delay the legal process. By contacting a personal injury firm early, you can expedite proceedings and reduce the risks of payment delays or denials.
Contact a Franklin Dog Bite Attorney for Help
Many people dismiss dog bites as minor injuries, but a severe animal attack can change your life forever. Let the experienced dog bite lawyers at GriffithLaw advise you of your legal rights in a free initial consultation before your right to compensation is lost forever.
Call us today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a free case consultation with a Franklin dog bite lawyer. For more information on filing a claim, order a free copy of our book, The 10 Worst Mistakes You Can Make With Your Tennessee Injury Case.
Call (615) 807 7900 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form
