Nashville Dog Bite & Animal Attack Lawyers
Mauled By a Vicious Dog? Call Our Firm Immediately!
If you or your child has been mauled in a vicious dog attack, and you have significant medical bills, you should have an experienced personal injury lawyer guiding you through the legal process. Many serious animal attacks require multiple surgeries and ongoing medical treatment. It is wise to seek the counsel of a knowledgeable attorney who can help you ensure your future financial compensation.
The Nashville dog bite attorneys at Kinnard Law understand that an animal attack can be jarring both physically and emotionally. Dangerous breeds or large animals can cause devastating, lifelong injuries to adults and children alike. Our lawyers can listen to the facts of your situation and educate you on how the law intersects with your dilemma during a free, no-risk consultation.
Examining the Consequences of Animal Attacks
For the past 30 years, the team at Kinnard Law has been representing clients who have suffered the consequences of vicious dog bites and animal attacks, including:
- Significant scarring
- Serious infection
- Multiple plastic surgeries
- Substantial medical expenses
- Disfigurement
- Torn muscle
These serious injuries can lead to lifelong scarring, both physically and psychologically.
Common Causes of Dog Bites
Understanding the common causes of dog bites is crucial when pursuing a dog bite claim. Dog bite incidents can happen for various reasons, but they typically fall into one or more of the following categories:
- Owner Negligence: Many dog bites occur because of owner negligence, where the owner fails to restrain or control their pet properly. This can happen if the dog is off-leash in a public area, in a place where it should be leashed, or if the owner does not take appropriate precautions to prevent an attack.
- Lack of Socialization: Dogs not adequately socialized may be more prone to biting. A lack of exposure to different people, environments, and situations can make a dog anxious, leading to aggressive behavior.
- Provocation: Dogs may react aggressively if they feel threatened or provoked. This can happen if someone acts aggressively towards the dog, invades its space, or engages in behavior that makes the dog uncomfortable.
- Protective Instincts: Some dogs may bite to protect their owners or territory, especially if they feel their owner is in danger. This can occur when a dog is not properly trained, or owners do not manage their dogs in situations that could lead to aggression.
- Medical Conditions: Underlying medical conditions or pain can cause a dog to react aggressively. Owners should know their pets' health and seek medical attention when necessary.
What Damages Can Be Recovered in a Dog Bite Claim?
When you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite injury, you may be entitled to compensation for various damages. The damages that can be recovered in a dog bite claim may include:
- Medical Expenses: This includes costs related to medical treatment, hospitalization, surgery, prescription medications, and rehabilitation. It is essential to document all medical expenses associated with the dog bite.
- Pain and Suffering: Dog bite injuries can result in physical and emotional suffering, including pain, trauma, and anxiety. Compensation may be available to help you recover from these non-economic damages.
- Lost Wages: If the dog bite injury causes you to miss work or hinders your ability to perform your job, you may be eligible to recover lost wages and future income potential.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Dog bites often result in scarring or disfigurement, which can have a long-lasting impact on your appearance and self-esteem. Compensation can cover the costs of scar revision surgery or therapy.
- Property Damage: If the dog bite incident caused damage to personal property, such as torn clothing or damaged personal items, you may be entitled to reimbursement.
- Emotional Distress: The psychological trauma resulting from a dog bite can be extensive. Compensation may be awarded for emotional distress, including anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Claim in Tennessee
In Tennessee, the statute of limitations for dog bite claims is generally one year. This means you have one year from the date of the dog bite incident to file a lawsuit. If you fail to do so within this time frame, you may lose your right to pursue a claim and seek compensation for your injuries. It is essential to consult with an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible to ensure your case is filed within the prescribed time limits.
Taking the Right Steps After Suffering a Dog Bite Injury
Because of their trusting and playful nature, children are especially vulnerable to dog bites. Our attorney team is knowledgeable about Tennessee's dog bite legislation. We can examine the facts of your situation and properly advise you regarding your case and the challenges you might face through litigation. You can trust us to help you make the right decision after a severe animal attack.
It is not uncommon for individuals to be bitten by a dog and immediately wish to file a lawsuit. These decisions can be fueled by anger or frustration. In many circumstances, the injury itself might be superficial and could better be handled through negotiation with the dog's owner. Whatever the case, you must discuss your options with an attorney before taking action.
Let us review your case for free by calling (615) 933-2893.

Verdicts & Settlements
Unmatched Dedication Has Led to Record-Setting Victories-
Personal Injury - Erin Andrews Lawsuit Against Hotel $55 Million
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Medical Malpractice - 62 Year Old Woman $22.2 Million
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Medical Malpractice - Largest Verdict in Weakley County History $15.2 Million
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Medical Malpractice - Davidson County $6.5 Million
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Wrongful Death of 22 Month Old $5 Million
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Golf Cart Accident $4.4 Million
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Medical Malpractice - 24 Year Old College Student $4 Million
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Wrongful Death - Tractor-Trailer Wreck $3.25 Million
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Wrongful Death - 16 Year Old Boy $3 Million
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Auto Accident - Rutherford County $3 Million

Client Testimonials
Helping the Injured Obtain Justice
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Integrity, above and beyond
“From a choice in the Yellow Pages to Success. This Law Firm has proven itself as absolutely professional, goal oriented, kind and compassionate in the past several years during my case. Mutual trust ...”
- H.W. -
In the hardest two years of my life, you provided the utmost trust, comfort, and support.
“Thank you Randy, Jennifer, and Cynthia so much for not only helping me get through what has been the hardest time of my life, but for always providing grace, trust, and a sense of comfort for what ...”
- T.H. -
We are very grateful.
“Our case was not easy. Many law firms would not be willing to get involved with a case this complicated and time-consuming. What Kinnard Law achieved on account of conquering numerous hurdles was ...”
- E.I. -
Great staff.
“I had the pleasure of working with a few different Kinnard Law lawyers after a personal injury. The process in its entirety took a couple years - which is longer than I anticipated, but also news to ...”
- J. -
100% Best Lawyers Around
“You have all been so kind and loving to our family! We appreciate all the hard work and dedication you all put in for our case.”
- J.S.
Awards & Accolades
Highly Respected in the Legal Community-
Randall Kinnard is a member of the Inner Circle of Advocates, a prestigious invite-only group comprised of the top 100 plaintiffs’ trial lawyers in the United States.
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Randall Kinnard (since 1993),
Mary Ellen Morris (since 2017),
and Jennifer Eberle (since 2022)
have all been recognized for their legal skill and achievements. -
The firm has received the prestigious “Best Law Firms” rating in the practice areas of Medical Malpractice Law, Personal Injury Litigation, Product Liability Litigation and Health Care Litigation.
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Attorney Randall Kinnard is a member of ABOTA, a nationwide organization of lawyers who care passionately about the trial system in the United States.
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Randall Kinnard is an inducted member of the ACTL, one of North America’s premier trial organizations comprised of less than 1% of all lawyers in each state.
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Randall Kinnard is a member of the invitation-only International Academy of Trial Lawyers, which is limited to 500 trial lawyers in the United States.
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Randall Kinnard is a Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America, an invite-only honorary society comprised of less than .5% of all U.S. lawyers.
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Attorney Randall Kinnard was named the 2019 Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs ‘Lawyer of the Year’ in Nashville, TN.
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Randall Kinnard has been voted to TN Super Lawyers®. This organization recognizes the top 5% of attorneys in their practice area.
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Randall Kinnard and Mary Ellen Morris have received the highest rating for legal excellence by Martindale-Hubbell.
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Our attorneys have been voted by their peers to the "Top 40 under 40" Trial Lawyers list, as awarded by The National Trial Lawyers organization.
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Our firm’s trial attorneys have been recognized among the state’s leading legal minds, and named by Business TN Magazine to its coveted “150 Best Lawyers in Tennessee” list.
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Our attorneys have been named as 2023 “Best of the Bar” by Nashville Business Journal.
