TN · Mixed
Tennessee dog bite law
Tennessee pairs a control-based statute with a one-year deadline. If the dog was loose, the statute helps. If you wait, nothing helps.
- Liability
- Statutory liability when the dog is not under control
- Statute
- Tenn. Code § 44-8-413
- Deadline to file
- 1 year · Tenn. Code § 28-3-104
- Bites only?
- Injuries more broadly
One-year filing deadline — among the shortest in the U.S.
One year. That is the whole strategy memo. Photograph, treat, report, and talk to a lawyer measured in weeks, not seasons.
Exceptions insurers will mention
Applies when the dog was not under reasonable control or was running at large. Police/military dogs; trespassing; dog protecting someone; provocation.
Compare the national split in strict liability vs one-bite, and confirm your clock on statute of limitations.
Similar liability rules
This page is general information, not legal advice, and is not a substitute for a lawyer licensed in your state. Statutes change. Confirm the current rule and your deadline with counsel before you rely on a date.