In Tennessee, a dog owner is responsible for the outcome of a dog attack if they failed to follow necessary measures to prevent it. The owner isn’t responsible if the victim played a role in causing their own injuries by provoking or abusing the dog or by trespassing or entering the property unlawfully. An Injury Attorney Murfreesboro TN provides clarity for dog attack victims.
Seeking Medical Attention Quickly
The victim should seek medical attention quickly even if the injuries seem minor. A full assessment determines if the injuries are severe and if ongoing treatment is required. The doctors can also conduct testing to determine if the victim has contracted the rabies virus.
Conduct an Assessment of the Dog
When the dog attack is reported, the animal control officer must conduct a full assessment of the dog and determine if it is a danger to the public. The officer interviews the dog owner if possible and determines if the dog was vaccinated. If the dog owner is unavailable, the animal control officer issues a notice to the owner about the attack.
Quarantines and Investigations
Any dog that wasn’t vaccinated must be quarantined after an attack. A licensed vet conducts the assessment and determines if the dog was infected with the rabies virus. The vet also assesses the dog’s temperament and determines if it is aggressive towards humans and/or other animals. During the quarantine period, the animal control officer conducts an investigation and determines if the dog had a previous history of attacks.
How Strict Liabilities Work
A strict liability applies only if the dog has a previous history of attacking humans. If there are previous reports, the dog owner is held at a strict liability and is forced to pay additional awards such as pain and suffering or mental anguish.
In Tennessee, dog attacks are often the result of an aggressive temperament, rabies transmission, or unlawful acts. Victims who are injured in a dog attack must notify a medical doctor or an animal control officer about the attack. The officer’s investigation is critical to the legal claim for the victim’s injuries. Victims who need legal assistance from an Injury Attorney Murfreesboro TN contact the Law Office of Gritton & Gritton PLLC or Browse the site right now.
