Asked in Animal / Dog Law and Personal Injury for Tennessee

Q: I was bit by a neighbors dog when i went to get my dog out of my neighbors yard. do i have any rights?

1 Lawyer Answer
David Alan Wolf
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Answered

A: As I understand it, Tennessee has strict liability for a dog bite in place if the dog bite victim was on public property or lawfully on private property. Under your facts, the neighbor and / or the insurance company for the neighbor may have a defense to the dog bite injuries by arguing that you were trespassing. Unless you were given permission by the owner on this occasion or on a regular basis to retrieve your dog, there may be a valid defense to the dog bite claim. You should consult with a Tennessee attorney in your geographic area. The laws and time limits in Tennessee can be quite restrictive. Good luck.

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