Even if you or your child has suffered significant injuries in a dog bite incident in Tennessee, the law gives you the burden of proof against the dog’s owner. Most of these claims are paid using the owner’s home insurance policy, and insurers often attempt to fight against victims seeking compensation. For this reason, it is vital that you gather clear and comprehensive evidence to support your claim.
How to Prove Negligence in Your Dog Bite Injury Claim
The best way to remember all of the details is to write down a firsthand account of the incident as soon as possible. You may also consider keeping an injury journal to give the jury a day-by-day account of the pain you experienced, the problems you had during recovery, and other ways the attack affected you and your family.
In order to build a convincing personal injury claim, you should:
- Gather your medical records. Medical records are key to getting compensation for your past and future treatment. Request copies of your emergency room records, hospital stays, test results, physician’s notes, and any other records related to the injury. Any pictures of the wounds you suffered—both before and after treatment—can be extremely useful.
- Contact animal control. Dangerous animals should be reported to animal control. When you report the attack, an investigator will contact the dog’s owner to collect proof of current rabies vaccinations, inquire about the health of the dog, and obtain animal safety reports that could be useful in your case.
- Re-create the scene. If you can do so safely, take a video of the dog at the home or business where the dog lives. Include any notable items or defects in the area around the dog, such as torn up toys or holes in a fence where the dog could escape. Show the precise location of the attack, and note any witnesses who were at the scene who could be called to give testimony.
If someone else’s negligence caused your dog bite, we can get you the compensation you deserve for your injuries and help prevent a negligent owner from harming others in the future. Our injury lawyers can gather evidence on your behalf and advise you on your next steps, and we do not collect any payment from you until we secure a recovery. Simply call (615) 807-7900 today to set up a free initial consultation.
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