Child Victims of Dog Attacks

Why Dog Bites Involving Children Demand Immediate Action

Dog attacks on children are particularly traumatic. Young victims are often smaller in stature, less able to defend themselves, and more likely to suffer bites to the face, neck, and head. The emotional and physical scars can last a lifetime. In Tennessee, the law provides legal remedies for families of children injured by dogs—but these cases must be handled with exceptional care, compassion, and legal precision.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we represent child victims and their families in dog bite cases throughout Nashville, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, and across Middle Tennessee. We understand the devastating impact a dog attack can have on a child’s physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Our team is here to guide families through every step of the legal process and fight for full compensation on their behalf.

How Tennessee Law Protects Child Victims

Tennessee recognizes both statutory and common law theories of liability in dog bite cases. The key statute is Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-413, which imposes strict liability on dog owners if their dog injures someone in a public place or in a location where the victim had a lawful right to be. This includes public parks, sidewalks, apartment complexes, and private property with permission. The law does not require proof of the dog’s dangerous history when strict liability applies, making it easier for children and their families to pursue justice.

However, exceptions apply. If the bite occurs on the dog owner’s residential, non-commercial property, the victim must prove that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. This is particularly relevant in situations where a child is invited to a friend’s home and bitten by the family dog. In those cases, parents must show that the dog had a history of aggressive behavior and that the owner failed to take precautions.

Additionally, Tennessee law under T.C.A. § 28-3-104 generally imposes a one-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, when the victim is a minor, the statute is tolled, meaning the clock does not begin running until the child turns 18. Despite the extended time period, we strongly recommend that families pursue legal action as soon as possible so evidence can be preserved, witness memories remain fresh, and the child’s medical care is properly documented.

Why Children Are More Vulnerable to Dog Attacks

Children are statistically more likely to be bitten by dogs than adults, and their injuries tend to be more severe. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 50% of dog bite victims are children, with the highest rates among children aged 5 to 9 years. Children’s small size and curious behavior often lead them to approach dogs without understanding the risk, even if the animal shows signs of fear, stress, or territorial behavior.

In many cases, the attacking dog is familiar to the child—a pet owned by a family friend, neighbor, or even a relative. These bites often happen quickly and without warning. Because of their size, children are more likely to suffer bites to sensitive areas such as the face, scalp, ears, or neck, increasing the need for emergency surgery, long-term scarring, and reconstructive care.

Emotional trauma is another critical component. A dog bite can leave children with lasting anxiety, nightmares, fear of animals, and post-traumatic stress. In more severe cases, children may struggle with depression or require years of therapy to recover.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

In child dog bite cases, liability may rest with more than one party. Tennessee law allows for claims against:

Dog Owners
Under T.C.A. § 44-8-413, the primary source of liability is the dog’s owner. If the child was lawfully on the property or in a public place and did not provoke the animal, the owner is strictly liable unless a statutory exception applies.

Property Owners and Landlords
If the dog was kept on a rental property or apartment complex, the landlord may be liable if they knew the dog was dangerous and failed to act. This is especially true if the bite occurred in a common area under the landlord’s control, such as a sidewalk, playground, or hallway.

Parents or Guardians of the Dog Owner (in some cases)
If the dog owner is a minor or the dog resides with the owner’s parents, those adults may be liable if they had knowledge of the dog’s aggression or failed to supervise their child’s interactions with the animal.

Businesses or Event Hosts
If a dog attack occurs at a public venue, festival, store, or pet-friendly business, the entity that allowed the dog’s presence may be liable for failing to provide adequate safety measures or ignoring signs of danger.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we explore every potential avenue for liability to ensure that families have access to all available compensation. We conduct in-depth investigations, interview witnesses, review medical and veterinary records, and consult experts to build a comprehensive case.

What Damages Can Families Recover?

Dog bite cases involving children often result in substantial damages due to the long-term impact of the injuries. In Tennessee, families may be entitled to recover both economic and non-economic damages on behalf of the child and in some cases, the parents themselves.

Recoverable damages may include:

• Medical expenses, including emergency care, hospital stays, and surgeries
  
• Future medical treatment, such as plastic surgery or therapy
  
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
  
• Psychological counseling and trauma therapy
  
• Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
  
• Scarring and disfigurement
  
• Loss of enjoyment of life or permanent disability
  
• Parental expenses for medical care or lost income during recovery
  
• Punitive damages, in cases involving reckless disregard for safety
  

For children who experience lasting injuries or scarring, we often work with specialists in pediatric care, plastic surgery, child psychology, and vocational experts to assess the full scope of damages over the child’s expected lifetime. A dog bite settlement or verdict can include structured payments or trusts to support the child well into the future.

Special Legal Considerations for Minors

When a minor is injured, Tennessee courts require special oversight to ensure any settlement is in the child’s best interest. If a claim is settled before the child turns 18, the settlement must often be approved by a court. Funds recovered for a child are typically placed into a court-controlled account or trust that cannot be accessed until the child reaches adulthood, unless used for medical care or educational expenses with court approval.

Additionally, parents may have a separate claim for medical expenses they paid on the child’s behalf. In certain cases, the court may appoint a guardian ad litem to review the settlement and ensure fairness. Our firm routinely handles these procedural matters, drafts the necessary petitions, and appears in court to finalize settlements properly.

Importance of Prompt Medical and Legal Attention

If your child is bitten by a dog, seek medical attention right away—even if the injury seems minor. Dog bites can lead to infection, nerve damage, or hidden injuries that require imaging or surgery. Be sure to follow all medical advice, photograph the injuries, and maintain a journal of your child’s symptoms, pain levels, and behavioral changes.

It is also crucial to report the bite to animal control. This creates an official record of the incident, allows authorities to investigate whether the dog is up to date on vaccinations, and may uncover prior complaints against the animal. These reports can be valuable evidence in your legal claim.

Once your child is stable, consult a qualified dog bite attorney. At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we offer free consultations and handle all personal injury cases on a contingency fee basis—meaning we only get paid if we recover money for you. Early legal representation allows us to gather time-sensitive evidence, interview witnesses, and advise you on steps that protect your child’s legal rights.

Real Case Examples: Protecting Children Injured by Dogs

In one case, we represented the family of a six-year-old boy who was attacked by a neighbor’s dog while playing in the front yard. The dog had escaped its yard multiple times in the past, and the owner had received prior warnings from animal control. Despite these red flags, the dog was not properly restrained. The child required facial surgery and suffered permanent scarring. We filed suit, established the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behavior, and recovered a six-figure settlement approved by the court.

In another case, a teenage girl was bitten at a dog-friendly event hosted by a local retail center. The dog, which belonged to a vendor, lunged without warning. Our investigation revealed that the same dog had growled at other attendees earlier in the day, and that the business had no policy for removing dangerous animals. We successfully brought claims against the dog’s owner and the event host for negligent supervision and premises liability.

These real-world examples demonstrate the importance of taking dog bite claims seriously—especially when children are involved. Our legal team understands how to build strong cases and pursue full justice for injured children and their families.

Why Choose the Law Offices of John Day, P.C.?

Our firm is known throughout Tennessee for compassionate, highly skilled representation in complex personal injury cases. Attorney John Day is the author of Day on Torts: Leading Cases in Tennessee Tort Law, and our team has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and the Tennessee Trial Lawyers Association. We bring decades of experience to every case and are deeply committed to protecting the rights of vulnerable victims—including children.

We work closely with families to provide clarity, peace of mind, and trusted legal guidance. You will never be treated like a case number. Our attorneys are accessible, responsive, and deeply invested in achieving the best possible result for your child.

Contact Us Today

If your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog, do not wait to seek legal help. These cases often involve complicated liability questions, significant medical needs, and a child’s long-term future. We are here to stand by your side.

Call the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. at (615) 742-4880 today to schedule your free and confidential consultation. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we represent families throughout Davidson County and Middle Tennessee. Let us help your child move forward with the care, support, and compensation they deserve.