Injuries due to animal bites? Where should you turn?

Injuries due to animal bites are common occurrences across Tennessee. In most cases, the injuries suffered can be ascribed to dog bites, but other animals can also cause serious injuries. Victims of attacks by animals may have legal rights to claims for damages suffered, but they may not be sure of where to turn or what to do.

Quite obviously, the first course of action is to obtain medical treatment promptly. Once a victim has consulted with a doctor, it may be prudent to contact a lawyer who has experience in dealing with animal attack cases. A lawyer is in the ideal position to evaluate a case and provide a victim with the necessary advice.

During a consultation, an injured victim will be required to describe the circumstances in which the attack took place and provide information regarding the animal’s owner. Victims who do not know the owners must try to get the information from neighbors or witnesses. It is also helpful if a victim can provide the personal details of any witnesses to the attack.

A Tennessee civil court may consider awarding damages relating to medical expenses and pain and suffering, as well as lost wages and damage to property in cases in which a victim suffered injuries due to animal attacks. The amount a court will award depends on how seriously a victim was injured. Depending on the circumstances surrounding the attack, a court may also decide to award punitive damages. However, it is important to take note of the fact that these types of claims can be complicated, and, therefore, it is important to obtain legal advice from an experienced personal injury lawyer.

Source: FindLaw, “Dog Bites and Animal Attack Overview“, Accessed on Jan. 12, 2016