Sevierville Dog Bite Lawyers | The Terry Law Firm

A dog attack in Sevierville can leave you with serious physical injuries, unexpected financial strain, and a lot of unanswered questions about what comes next. If someone else’s failure to control their dog left you injured in Sevier County or anywhere in East Tennessee, you could be entitled to compensation for your injuries and related losses.

The Sevierville dog bite lawyers at The Terry Law Firm are ready to help you demand the money you deserve after an animal attack. Our dog bite injury lawyers in Sevierville are ready to step in quickly and prepare the strongest possible case for your recovery. Our firm has a long tradition of heartfelt, client-centered advocacy. Every attorney on our team is committed to supporting you from your first call to the final resolution of your case.

Why You Need Our Sevierville Dog Bite Attorneys

The Terry Law Firm has been a trusted name in East Tennessee personal injury law since 1960. We have built our reputation on one simple principle: We take every case personally.

Our attorneys bring over 90 years of combined legal experience to each case we handle. We put that experience to work every day for injured clients throughout Tennessee, including in Sevierville and Sevier County.

When you come to us for help, we do not just hand your case off to junior staff members and hope for the best. Our lawyers take a hands-on, team-driven approach that keeps us responsive and prepared at every turn.

If a dog attack has left you with serious injuries and financial strain, our Sevierville dog bite attorneys are ready to stand in your corner.

Tennessee’s Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability and the Residential Exception

Tennessee law holds dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries. That means if a dog bites you while you are in a public place or lawfully on private property, the owner can be liable even if their dog has never shown aggression before. You do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous to hold them responsible for their pet’s behavior.

There is one important exception to the strict liability rule for bites that occur on residential, farm, or other noncommercial properties that a dog owner owns or occupies. To hold a dog owner liable for bite injuries in such situations, you must show that the dog owner knew or reasonably should have known that the dog had dangerous tendencies. The rule can be a source of disputes in Sevier County, where some pet-friendly vacation properties blur the line between private residences and commercial short-term rentals.

It’s also worth noting that some municipal ordinances in Sevierville can be relevant in local dog bite cases:

For one, the city prohibits owners from letting dogs run at large. Every dog must be leashed and under the active control of a capable handler when off the owner’s property.
The city of Sevierville also forbids anyone from harboring a vicious animal (one with the tendency to attack or bite) within city limits.

If a dog owner violates either rule, evidence of the violation can strengthen a strict liability or negligence claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Attack in Tennessee?

Tennessee law defines the “owner” of a dog broadly. Specifically, anyone who regularly harbors, keeps, or controls a dog can be held liable for any injuries it causes, even if that person is not the dog’s technical owner.

However, the law does not impose liability on someone who is only temporarily caring for the dog, or on a landowner who simply gave a third party permission to keep a dog on their land.

Common Dog Bite Injuries and Damages You May Recover

The long-term physical and psychological consequences of a dog attack depend on factors like the size of the dog, the nature of the attack, and how quickly the victim receives medical care. Common injuries in dog bite cases include:

Puncture wounds
Lacerations
Crush injuries
Nerve damage
Tendon and ligament damage
Broken bones
Facial injuries
Eye injuries
Scarring and disfigurement
Infections
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Emotional distress and anxiety

Dog bite injuries often come with significant financial, physical, and emotional consequences. If someone else’s failure to control their dog injured you or your loved one, you could be entitled to monetary compensation for:

Medical expenses (current and future)
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Disfigurement
Loss of enjoyment of life

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Sevierville, TN

If a dog has attacked you or someone close to you, try to take the following steps as soon as possible:

Seek medical attention right away, even if the injuries seem minor at first.
Identify the dog’s owner and obtain their name, address, and contact information.
Report the bite to the Sevierville Police Department within 24 hours, as the local ordinance requires.
Document the scene with photos of your injuries, the location, and any relevant conditions.
Gather contact information from any witnesses who saw the attack.
Avoid giving recorded statements to insurance companies before speaking with an attorney.
Keep records of all medical visits, treatments, and related expenses.
Contact a dog bite lawyer at the Terry Law Firm in Sevierville as soon as possible to discuss your legal options.

How Our Law Firm Helps People Harmed in Dog Attacks

At The Terry Law Firm, our experienced personal injury attorneys are prepared to handle every aspect of your dog bite claim from start to finish. From the moment you contact us, we get to work reviewing the facts of your case, identifying liable parties, and gathering the evidence necessary to support your compensation claim.

Depending on the situation, evidence may include bite reports, animal control records, veterinary histories, property records, and witness accounts. We also communicate with insurance companies directly so you do not have to. We are fully prepared to take your case to trial if a fair settlement is not on the table.

Get a Free Consultation with a Sevierville Dog Bite Lawyer at The Terry Law Firm

A dog bite injury can set off a chain of medical, financial, and emotional consequences that no one should have to face alone. The Terry Law Firm is ready to help you. Our Sevierville dog bite attorneys will review your case at no charge and fight to recover every dollar you are owed.