Tennessee Dog Bite Law (2026)
Preliminary legal information — researched from cited sources, but not yet reviewed by a licensed attorney. Rules and exceptions may change the result in an individual case.
Quick answer
Tennessee is a hybrid-rule state. Location- and control-dependent rule: Tenn. Code § 44-8-413 imposes liability when a dog is running at large or not under reasonable control, subject to statutory exceptions. The one-bite/common-law rule may apply on the owner's residential property. Victims generally have 1 year as a general injury-law reference. The actual deadline can differ.
Comparative research source: Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center, 2025 survey. Individual statutory citations control.
Who is liable for a dog bite in Tennessee?
Location- and control-dependent rule: Tenn. Code § 44-8-413 imposes liability when a dog is running at large or not under reasonable control, subject to statutory exceptions. The one-bite/common-law rule may apply on the owner's residential property.
Deadline to file: 1 year
Tennessee's general statute of limitations for injury claims is 1 year. Special rules can extend it for minors — common in dog bite cases, since children are the most frequent victims. See the full Tennessee statute of limitations guide.
How fault rules affect your claim
Modified comparative negligence (50% bar): you recover nothing if you are 50% or more at fault.
Damage-limit note: Tenn. Code § 29-39-102 generally limits noneconomic damages to $750,000 per injured plaintiff, increased to $1 million for specified catastrophic injuries. Statutory exceptions include certain intentional, concealed, intoxication-related, and felony conduct.
Your real case may be worth more.
Bitten in Tennessee? Homeowner's insurance usually pays these claims — find out what yours may be worth.
Get a free case reviewEstimate your numbers with the dog bite settlement calculator or see average dog bite settlement amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Tennessee a strict liability state for dog bites?
Location- and control-dependent rule: Tenn. Code § 44-8-413 imposes liability when a dog is running at large or not under reasonable control, subject to statutory exceptions. The one-bite/common-law rule may apply on the owner's residential property.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Tennessee?
Generally 1 year from the date of the bite, with possible extensions for minors. Missing the deadline usually bars the claim entirely.
Who actually pays the settlement?
In most cases the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance — not the owner personally. That's why claims between neighbors or family members are common.
General information, not legal advice. Attorney advertising. Claimelo is not a law firm. This page is a starting point: deadlines, liability rules, exceptions, and available damages depend on the facts and the law in effect when the event occurred. Do not delay or decide not to pursue a claim based only on this website. A licensed attorney can apply the law to your situation.