Hamilton County Dog Bite Lawyer
Legal Help for Victims of Animal Attacks in Chattanooga & Beyond
Dog bites can leave lasting physical and emotional scars. In severe cases, victims suffer nerve damage, disfigurement, or psychological trauma that affects them for years. If you or a loved one was attacked by a dog in Chattanooga, East Ridge, Red Bank, or anywhere in Hamilton County, you may be entitled to compensation under Tennessee law.
At Pritchard Injury Firm, we help victims hold negligent dog owners accountable and secure the financial recovery they need to move forward. Our Hamilton County dog bite lawyers know how to build strong claims and push back against insurance companies that try to minimize your injuries.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Hamilton County
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, the steps you take immediately afterward can impact your health and your legal claim:
- Seek medical attention right away — even for seemingly minor wounds
- Report the bite to local animal control or law enforcement
- Document your injuries with photos and keep copies of all medical records
- Get contact info for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Avoid speaking with the insurance company before talking to a lawyer
- Call Pritchard Injury Firm to start protecting your rights immediately
Quick action not only strengthens your case — it also helps prevent future attacks by the same animal.
Why Hire Pritchard Injury Firm After a Dog Bite?
Dog bite claims often turn into legal battles between victims and homeowners’ insurance carriers. These insurers are quick to deny liability or claim the victim provoked the animal — but we don’t let them get away with that.
When you hire Pritchard Injury Firm, you get:
- A legal team experienced in Tennessee’s dog bite and liability laws
- Full investigation into the dog’s history, the attack circumstances, and prior complaints
- Access to medical experts and psychologists who understand long-term trauma
- Skilled negotiators and trial-ready attorneys
- No fee unless we win your case
We’re committed to protecting your rights and delivering the justice you deserve.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Dog Bite?
Dog bites can cause far more than just puncture wounds. They can lead to surgeries, infections, missed work, and even PTSD. We pursue maximum compensation for all your losses, including:
- Emergency medical treatment
- Surgery, wound care, and rehabilitation
- Scar revision or reconstructive procedures
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma and anxiety around animals
- Long-term disability or disfigurement
- Wrongful death damages in fatal cases
Every case is unique. We’ll work with your doctors and specialists to calculate the full impact of your injuries — both now and in the future.
What Does Tennessee Law Say About Dog Bite Liability?
Tennessee follows a “strict liability” approach for many dog bite cases. This means dog owners can be held liable for injuries their animals cause — even if the dog has never bitten before.
Under the Tennessee Dog Bite Statute (Tenn. Code § 44-8-413):
- A dog owner is strictly liable if their dog injures someone in a public place or lawfully on private property, regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
- Owners are not strictly liable if the dog was provoked, the victim was trespassing, or the dog was protecting its owner or property.
In some cases, the legal standard shifts to “negligence” — especially if the bite happened on the dog owner’s own property. In those situations, you must prove the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the animal.
Our firm knows how to navigate both legal theories and determine which path gives your case the strongest chance of success.
Common Injuries in Dog Bite Attacks
Dog bites can range from minor to life-altering — and children are often at the greatest risk due to their size and vulnerability. Some of the most serious injuries we see include:
- Deep puncture wounds and tissue damage
- Facial injuries requiring plastic surgery
- Nerve damage and mobility loss
- Broken bones (especially hands or arms used for defense)
- Infections such as MRSA or rabies
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Emotional trauma and fear of animals
These injuries may require multiple surgeries, extended therapy, or even long-term psychological care. The effects aren’t just physical — they can impact your relationships, confidence, and ability to work.
Where Do Dog Bites Happen in Hamilton County?
Dog bite attacks can happen in a variety of places, including:
- Neighborhoods and apartment complexes in Chattanooga, East Ridge, and Red Bank
- Public parks, trails, or sidewalks
- Retail stores or restaurants that allow dogs on premises
- Private homes when a guest is visiting
- Unsecured yards or driveways with no fence or leash
- Dog-friendly community events or farmer’s markets
In every case, the focus is on whether the owner acted responsibly and followed local leash laws and containment requirements. If they didn’t — and their negligence led to your injury — we’re ready to step in.
FAQ: Dog Bite Cases in Hamilton County
Can I sue the dog owner even if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Tennessee’s dog bite law allows for strict liability in many cases, even if the dog had no history of aggression.
What if the dog was behind a fence or inside the house?
You may still have a claim if the owner failed to secure the dog properly or invited you onto the property and failed to warn you.
What if I was bitten on private property?
You may need to prove negligence instead of strict liability. We can help determine the correct legal approach based on where and how the bite occurred.
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit?
In most cases, you have one year from the date of the bite to file a personal injury claim in Tennessee.
How much does it cost to hire Pritchard Injury Firm?
Nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win your case — no hourly fees, no surprises.
Talk to a Hamilton County Dog Bite Lawyer Today
You deserve to feel safe in your neighborhood, on public sidewalks, and in the homes of friends or neighbors. When a dog owner fails to take that responsibility seriously, Pritchard Injury Firm is here to make it right.
Client Reviews
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"Reachable, Open and Successful"
You can tell that he cares, it's not about the bottom dollar. It's about 'Are you OK?' 'Did you get the proper treatment?' His care for his clients is bar none' impeccable.- D.H. -
"Top notch!"
Pritchard Injury Firm is nothing less than top-notch! They helped my family and I hold a negligent business accountable, and did so with fidelity, trust, and compassion. Zach and Julie always kept us updated and walked us through every step of the way. If you’re looking for an injury firm, look no further!- CP -
"The best team, the best support!"
The best team, the best support! Pritchard Injury Firm lead us through one of the darkest times of our lives to the light at the end of the tunnel! We are forever grateful for their expertise, their consistent communication, and the incredible professionalism that the entire team exhibited throughout the entire process. Thank you Pritchard Injury Firm!- JJ -
"Choose Pritchard"
Pritchard’s communication and counsel put me at ease during this difficult situation. I am pleased with the outcome and recommend them based on my personal experience.- NC
What Sets Us Apart?
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Millions of Dollars Recovered and Thousands of Cases Handled Each Year
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Work With a Firm That Is Dedicated To Your Success 24/7
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Work With a Team That Cares About You Both Inside & Outside of the Courtroom
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Work Directly With Attorney Zach Pritchard
