Injuries from Dog Knockdowns or Scratches

Not All Dog Injuries Are Bites

When most people think about dog-related injuries, they immediately picture bite wounds. But many serious injuries occur in other ways. Dogs, regardless of size, can knock people down by jumping, lunging, or charging. Sharp claws can cause deep scratches, torn skin, infections, or eye injuries. In the wrong setting, a seemingly playful or energetic dog can cause life-altering harm.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we represent people across Middle Tennessee who have suffered injuries from dog-related incidents that do not involve bites. These include falls, lacerations, sprains, fractures, and traumatic brain injuries. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we proudly serve injured clients throughout Davidson County and beyond. If you or a loved one was hurt by a dog, whether bitten or not, you may have the right to pursue compensation under Tennessee law.

Tennessee Law Applies to More Than Just Bites

Many people assume that Tennessee’s dog bite statute applies only to injuries involving teeth. However, Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-413 is not limited to bites. The statute imposes strict liability on dog owners when their dog causes injury to a person who is in a public place or lawfully on private property, so long as the person was acting peaceably and did not provoke the animal.

The language of the statute refers broadly to “injury” rather than “bite.” This means that if a dog knocks someone over, causes them to trip, or scratches them severely, the owner may still be strictly liable provided the incident occurred in a setting where the victim had a legal right to be and no statutory exception applies.

The statute includes certain exceptions. For example, if the dog was on its owner’s non-commercial residential property, the victim must show that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous or prone to the behavior that caused the injury. In these cases, traditional negligence law governs the claim.

Knockdown Injuries and Owner Responsibility

A dog’s size and behavior can pose a serious threat even without biting. A large dog can easily knock over an adult or child with a single leap. Knockdown incidents frequently occur when a dog is unleashed, escapes its yard, or greets someone too aggressively. Injuries can result from the fall itself, such as a broken wrist, concussion, or hip fracture, or from contact with a hard surface or nearby object.

Tennessee law holds dog owners accountable for failing to control their animals. A dog that habitually jumps on people, lunges at visitors, or bolts toward strangers may pose a foreseeable risk. If an owner knows or should know that their dog is likely to knock someone over and does not take steps to prevent it, they may be liable under both strict liability and negligence principles.

Dog knockdowns can occur on sidewalks, in parks, on porches, in apartment complexes, or even inside homes where guests are invited. Each case depends on where the incident occurred and whether the victim was lawfully present. If the injury occurred on public property or on private property where the person had a right to be, Tennessee Code Annotated § 44-8-413 may apply. If the incident occurred on the dog owner’s residential property, the case must be evaluated under common law negligence.

Injuries from Dog Scratches Can Be Severe

While scratches may seem minor compared to bites, they can lead to serious complications. A dog’s claws can puncture the skin, tear tendons, or scratch sensitive areas such as the face or eyes. Infections including cellulitis or tetanus are common, and some scratches require surgical repair. Children and the elderly are especially vulnerable to these types of injuries, which can result in permanent scarring or vision impairment.

Scratches often occur when a dog jumps up or plays too roughly, particularly if the animal is not properly trained or socialized. In these situations, dog owners have a duty to control their pets, especially when visitors or children are present. Owners who allow their dog to scratch someone through overexuberance, aggression, or indifference may be liable for the resulting harm.

Even when a scratch is unintentional, the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s behavior is critical. If the dog regularly jumps on people, paws at them, or claws furniture, the owner is on notice that harm is foreseeable. Failure to leash the dog, keep it calm during greetings, or supervise interactions may constitute negligence.

Where These Incidents Commonly Occur

Injuries from dog knockdowns or scratches are common in parks, neighborhoods, front porches, driveways, apartment common areas, and public dog-friendly establishments. Children are often knocked over by dogs running loose or playing off-leash. Delivery workers, postal employees, home healthcare providers, and contractors frequently encounter dogs at job sites and homes.

Visitors to private homes may be invited inside without being warned of the dog’s behavior. Guests may be seated or standing when a dog jumps up suddenly, leading to a fall or collision. In apartment complexes and shared spaces, dogs may run loose due to broken gates, absent leashing, or negligent supervision. In each of these scenarios, liability may attach depending on whether the dog’s owner acted reasonably to prevent the harm.

In commercial spaces, dog owners may still be liable for injuries their dogs cause even in pet-friendly businesses. If a customer’s dog knocks down another patron or scratches a staff member, the owner may be held responsible. Businesses may also share liability under Tennessee’s premises liability laws if they fail to enforce dog-related safety policies.

Building a Legal Case for Knockdown or Scratch Injuries

These cases often turn on proof of the dog’s behavior, the owner’s knowledge, and the location of the incident. To recover compensation, a victim must show that the dog caused the injury and that the owner had a duty to prevent such harm, either through strict liability or a negligence claim.

In strict liability cases, it must be established that the victim was lawfully present and did not provoke the dog. In negligence cases, additional proof is required, such as evidence of prior incidents, complaints, animal control reports, or witness testimony showing that the dog had a history of unruly or dangerous behavior.

Medical records, photos of injuries, and statements from witnesses are essential. We also review veterinary records, city or county incident reports, surveillance footage, and neighborhood communications to understand the dog’s history. If the owner violated leash laws, ignored prior warnings, or failed to take reasonable precautions, those facts support the claim.

Our firm routinely handles cases involving injuries that do not involve biting. We know how to frame these claims within the bounds of Tennessee law and how to present the full impact of the injury to insurers, courts, or juries.

Damages Available Under Tennessee Law

Dog-related injuries, whether from bites, scratches, or knockdowns, can entitle the victim to compensation. Economic damages may include the cost of emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, therapy, medications, and any related medical expenses. If the victim misses work due to the injury, lost income and reduced earning capacity may also be recovered.

Non-economic damages are equally important. Victims may recover for pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent scarring, and loss of enjoyment of life. When the injuries affect mobility, independence, or daily activities, these effects are factored into the total compensation. Children and seniors who suffer long-term harm may require specialized care or modifications to daily living, which can be included in the claim.

In certain situations, punitive damages may be appropriate. If the dog owner acted with reckless disregard, such as ignoring clear signs of danger or deliberately failing to restrain a known-aggressive dog, the court may award damages intended to punish that behavior and deter similar conduct.

Real-World Example: Knockdown Resulting in a Concussion

In one recent case, a middle-aged woman was visiting a neighbor when their large dog rushed through the doorway and knocked her backward onto a concrete porch. She sustained a concussion and a fractured wrist. Although the dog did not bite, the injury was serious and required months of treatment.

Through investigation, we discovered that the dog had knocked down a delivery person just weeks earlier and that the owner frequently allowed the dog to approach guests without restraint. We filed a claim under both strict liability and negligence theories and secured compensation for medical costs, lost wages, and the client’s pain and suffering.

Legal Representation Makes a Difference

Insurance companies may try to deny these claims by arguing that a dog jump or scratch was accidental or not foreseeable. They may assert that the victim assumed the risk by interacting with the dog or downplay the extent of the injuries. This is where experienced legal counsel becomes critical.

At the Law Offices of John Day, P.C., we know the law and how to counter the defenses commonly raised in non-bite injury cases. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations, retain expert witnesses when needed, and present clear evidence showing that dog owners are responsible for the harm their animals cause. We work to ensure that our clients are treated fairly and compensated fully for their losses.

Contact the Law Offices of John Day, P.C.

If you have been injured by a dog through a knockdown, scratch, or other non-bite incident, do not assume that you have no legal options. Tennessee law protects victims from a broad range of dog-related injuries, and you may be entitled to substantial compensation.

Call the Law Offices of John Day, P.C. today at (615) 742-4880 for a free and confidential consultation. With offices in Brentwood, Nashville, and Murfreesboro, we proudly serve injured clients across Davidson County and Middle Tennessee. Let us help you get the answers and justice you deserve.