
A dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, but you don’t have to carry those costs on your own. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.

Maybe it was the new neighbor’s dog. Maybe you were visiting a friend of a friend for a backyard BBQ. Maybe you were walking down the sidewalk and just in the wrong place at the wrong time. No matter where a dog bite injury happens, you deserve to be compensated for the dog owner’s negligence. Because no one should be hurt because of irresponsible pet owners.
Dog bites can leave more than scars. They can mean emergency room visits, painful shots, missed work, and lasting trauma. In Tennessee, you don’t have to carry that burden alone. At DevonLaw, PLLC, we fight for people in Nashville who’ve been injured because someone else failed to take responsibility. If you or a loved one has been bitten, here’s what you need to do right away.
Dog bites aren’t just scrapes or scratches. They can tear muscle, damage nerves, and introduce dangerous bacteria into your body. Even what looks like a small puncture wound can lead to infection or rabies if untreated. Go to the ER or an urgent care clinic immediately. Keep copies of your medical records, doctor’s notes, and receipts. This protects both your health and your legal rights.
If you’re able to, try to identify the dog’s owner right away. Get their name, phone number, address, and homeowner’s insurance details, and confirm whether the dog is up to date on its rabies vaccinations. If the dog runs away or no one claims it, write down its breed, size, and color, and ask anyone nearby if they recognize it. Quickly finding the owner can make a big difference in getting your medical expenses covered.
After you’re safe and treated, contact the Metro Public Health Department or local animal control in the county where the incident occurred to report the bite. This step isn’t about getting anyone in trouble—it’s about protecting others and documenting what happened. Having an official report is essential when it comes time to hold the dog’s owner responsible.
In the days after an attack, details can fade and evidence can disappear. Take photos of your injuries right away and as they heal. Save your medical bills, prescription receipts, and any records of missed work. If anyone saw the attack, ask for their name and number. These details build the foundation of your case and help us show insurers—and the court if necessary—what you’ve been through.
Tennessee law says dog owners can be held responsible when their pets bite. But insurance companies rarely make it easy. They will often downplay your injuries, shift blame onto you, or offer a settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your medical costs and lost time from work.
That’s where we step in. At DevonLaw, PLLC, we don’t back down when insurers try to take advantage of our clients. We know the law, we know the tactics, and we know how to fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve: whether that’s for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, or future care.
What sets us apart isn’t just our knowledge of Tennessee’s dog bite laws. It’s our commitment to our clients. When you walk into our office, you’re more than a case file. You’re a neighbor, a parent, a loved one who deserves justice. We’ll guide you through the process, stand up to the insurance companies, and keep you informed every step of the way, and we do it with heart.
We’ve seen what happens when dog owners don’t take responsibility. We’ve seen the consequences when dog owners fail to take responsibility. We’ve stood up for children who were bitten, runners attacked on their own neighborhood streets, and delivery drivers hurt while just doing their jobs. And we’re ready to fight just as hard for you.
A dog bite can leave lasting physical and emotional scars, but you don’t have to carry those costs on your own. The sooner you act, the stronger your case can be.
Contact DevonLaw, PLLC today to schedule a free consultation. We’re ready to fight for your recovery, your rights, and your peace of mind. It’s our mission to fight for you and your future.