Link Successfully Copied to Clipboard!
Here’s what you need to know about who pays after a dog bite in Tennessee and how we can help you get every dollar you deserve.
You’re out for a walk in your Nashville neighborhood when a loose dog charges you and sinks its teeth into your leg. Or maybe your child is playing at a friend’s house when the family dog suddenly snaps and bites their face.
One minute, life is normal. Next, you’re rushing to the ER, worrying about stitches, scars, infection, and how you’re going to cover the medical bills.
Who’s supposed to pay for this? The dog’s owner? Their insurance? What if they say it’s your fault, or claim the dog has never bitten anyone before?
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Nashville, these questions matter — and the answers can make the difference between getting stuck with bills you shouldn’t have to pay and getting the compensation you need to heal and move forward.
At DevonLaw, we fight for people who’ve been hurt because someone didn’t properly control their pet. We know Tennessee’s dog bite laws inside and out, and we know how to stand up to insurance companies that try to dodge responsibility.
Here’s what you need to know about who pays after a dog bite in Tennessee and how we can help you get every dollar you deserve.
In Tennessee, dog owners are generally held legally responsible when their dog bites or injures someone. The state’s “strict liability” statute applies when the bite occurs in a public place or lawfully on private property (such as a sidewalk, street, or at a friend’s house). Under this law, the dog’s owner may be held liable regardless of whether the dog has previously shown signs of aggression or whether the owner knew the dog might bite.
However, if the bite happened on property where the dog owner lives lawfully—whether they own the home or are a legal tenant—Tennessee law creates an exception to strict liability. In this situation, the injured person must prove that the dog’s owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. This is a higher legal standard and usually requires evidence such as prior bites, complaints, or other signs of the dog’s aggressive behavior.
If you were bitten, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
These are rights granted under Tennessee law, and, at DevonLaw, we fight to ensure they are fully enforced on your behalf!
Yes, in most cases. Specifically, in Tennessee, most homeowners and renters insurance policies provide coverage for injuries caused by the policyholder’s dog. This typically includes liability coverage for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages resulting from a dog bite.
But don’t expect the insurance company to make it easy. They will likely claim you provoked the dog, argue the dog had no history of aggression, minimize the severity of your injuries, or offer far less than what you need to cover your medical care and recovery.
Having an experienced Nashville dog bite lawyer in your corner keeps them honest — and forces them to pay what’s fair.
When you hire DevonLaw, you get more than legal advice. You get a team that:
We don’t back down, and we never let insurance companies push you around.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in the Nashville area, take the following steps to protect your health and your legal rights:
Taking these steps early can make a major difference in the strength and outcome of your case.
A dog bite can turn your life upside down in an instant. You shouldn’t be left to deal with overwhelming medical bills, lost income, emotional stress, and permanent scarring on your own.
DevonLaw is here to hold negligent owners and their insurers accountable so you can focus on getting better.
Contact us today for a free consultation. No upfront fees, no pressure — just answers, action, and a legal team ready to fight for every penny you’re owed.
.avif)
