Dog bites happen more often than people think, and the aftermath can feel messy. You are dealing with pain, doctors, and awkward talks with a neighbor who swears their dog is sweet.
At Johnnie Bond Law, we hear this story a lot, and we know you need answers, not a claims factory that treats you like a file number.
We keep you informed, listen to your goals, and build a plan that fits your life. This guide walks through your options in Washington D.C. and Tennessee, so you know what steps help your health and your claim.
Immediate Steps After a Dog Bite
Acting quickly protects your health and your legal rights. A few simple choices in the first hours can make a big difference later.
- Wash the wound with soap and water for several minutes, then cover it with a clean bandage.
- Get medical care right away, even for small punctures, so a doctor can check infection risk and document your injuries.
- Report the bite to animal control or the police to create an official record.
- Take photos of your injuries, the dog, the yard or sidewalk, and any broken fencing or open gates.
- Collect the owner’s name, address, and, if possible, the dog’s vaccination records.
Hold on to torn clothing and keep all medical receipts. Those details help connect the bite to your losses.
Dog Bite Liability in Washington, D.C.
D.C. has laws that put responsibility on dog owners in many bite situations. Your actions at the scene still matter, and defenses like provocation can affect a payout.
Strict Liability Statute
D.C. applies strict liability in dog bite cases. This means the owner is responsible for injuries if you were not trespassing and did not provoke the dog, even if the dog never showed aggression before, see D.C. Code Ann. § 8-1808.
You do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. The main questions are where you were and what happened just before the bite.
Contributory Negligence
D.C. follows contributory negligence. If you share blame, even a small share, your claim can be knocked out entirely.
This makes clear evidence and careful statements very important. Small details, like reaching toward a growling dog, can be used against you.
Dog Bite Liability in Tennessee
Tennessee uses a mix of strict liability and the one bite rule. Which one applies depends on where the bite happened and what the dog owner knew.
Combination of Strict Liability and the ‘One Bite’ Rule
Strict liability generally applies when the bite happens in a public place or where you were legally allowed to be. In those settings, the owner is on the hook even if the dog never bit before.
If the bite happens on the owner’s private residential property and you were not lawfully there, the one bite concept can come into play. In that setting, proving the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous becomes key.
Negligence
Some Tennessee claims require proof of negligence. You would need to show the owner knew or should have known of the dog’s dangerous behavior, then failed to act reasonably.
Evidence can include past complaints, prior bites, warning signs, or careless handling like letting a known biter roam off leash.
Statute of Limitations
Tennessee has a short filing window. You get one year from the date of the bite to file a lawsuit, Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-8-413.
Waiting can risk your claim, and it makes it harder to track down records and witnesses.
The rules in D.C. and Tennessee share some themes, but they are not identical. This quick table highlights the big differences at a glance.
| Jurisdiction | Main Liability Rule | Common Defenses | Filing Deadline | Code Reference |
| Washington, D.C. | Strict liability if no trespass or provocation | Provocation, trespassing, contributory negligence | Generally 3 years for injury claims | D.C. Code Ann. § 8-1808 |
| Tennessee | Strict liability in public or where you were lawfully present, one bite concepts on private residential property | Provocation, trespassing, lack of knowledge on residential property | 1 year from the bite | Tenn. Code Ann. § 44-8-413 |
Your location and the dog’s status, leashed or roaming, can shift which rules apply. That is why scene photos and witness names can help so much.
Potential Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can lead to more than ER bills. Infections, scarring, and missed work often create a ripple effect that lasts for months.
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, follow-up visits, surgery, medication, therapy, and future care.
- Lost wages and, in serious cases, reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering for the physical pain and the emotional fallout, like anxiety or sleep problems.
- Disfigurement and scarring, especially on the face or hands, with costs for revision procedures.
Keep a journal of symptoms and photos as wounds heal. That record shows how the injury affects your life, not just your bills.
Factors Affecting Your Claim
Insurance adjusters and courts look at the whole picture. The following issues often shape fault arguments and case value.
Provocation
If the dog was teased, struck, or cornered, the owner will argue provocation. That can reduce or even defeat a claim in both D.C. and Tennessee.
Neutral witnesses and video are very helpful here since stories can shift once a claim starts.
Trespassing
Where you stood matters. If you entered someone’s property without permission, recovering money gets harder.
Guests, delivery workers, and tenants are usually lawful visitors. Make sure your status is clear in the record.
Location of the Bite
A bite in a public park, on a sidewalk, or in a hallway at an apartment can point toward strict liability. A bite inside the owner’s private yard can trigger different standards in Tennessee.
Photographs of gates, fences, and leash use help show how the bite happened.
Dog’s History
Prior bites or complaints can strengthen your case. If the owner knew the dog was dangerous, failing to warn or restrain the dog looks worse.
Ask neighbors if they have photos, texts, or emails about past incidents. That material can be powerful.
Why You Need a Personal Injury Attorney
Dog bite cases look simple at first, then turn into disputes about fault, provocation, and medical care. Insurance companies often push low offers or try to blame you for the bite.
A personal injury attorney gathers medical records, tracks down witnesses, and works with animal control for reports. If talks stall, he/she prepares a lawsuit and pushes forward.
Injured by a Dog? Contact Johnnie Bond Law Today
We help dog bite victims in Washington D.C. and Tennessee hold owners and insurers accountable. Our firm listens, explains each step, and fights for fair results without losing sight of your health.
If you have questions about your rights or the next steps, reach out today. Call (202) 683-6803 or use our Contact Us page, and let’s talk through your options.