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Author: Charles Syler

Workers Compensation

November 10, 2017

Workers’ Compensation is a benefit that is provided by most employers in Tennessee. If you have suffered an injury that arose out of and in the course of their employment we can help. Work related injuries typically covered by workers’ compensation include:

  • Neck, back, and knee injuries
  • Carpal tunnel-repetitive trauma injuries
  • Hearing problems
  • Work-related emotional problems
  • Work-induced heart attack or stroke
  • Occupational diseases such as asbestosis and dermatitis
  • Disfigurement and scarring of face, neck or hands
  • Asthma or other work related pulmonary conditions
  • Loss of use of limbs
  • Eye injuries
    When you are hurt while performing your duties as a covered employee there is are special laws that govern from whom and how much you can recover. This differs from other types of injuries. We can assist you in working through this complicated area of law in order to receive compensation from all possible sources. The issues that arise most often in these matters are:
  • Whether you were an employee at the time of the injury?
  • Was the injury received while you were on the job?
  • Was there an injury?
  • What benefits are you entitled to?
  • Was the injury permanent?
  • Are you entitled to an impairment rating.
    Workers’ compensation or “workers comp” claims in Tennessee are governed by the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Commission. For a free step-by-step booklet discussing Workers’ Compensation Claims in Tennessee, please click here. To find out if your employer carries workers’ compensation insurance coverage as provided by the Tennessee Workers’ Compensation Act, please click here.
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Tennessee Dog Bites: Proving Knowledge of an Animal’s Vicious Propensities

September 19, 2017

Injury Lawyers,
In Tennessee, unless the animal is considered dangerous, the injured person usually must show that an animal owner knew (or had reason to know) that his/her animal was harmful, having what is known as “vicious propensities,” in order to recover damages from the owner. There are many warning signs that may indicate an animal is dangerous.

The following list describes some of the more common factors that can be used to prove an owner knew or should have known of his/her animal’s vicious propensities. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list, and simply proving one of item below does not mean a victory.

Breed and Size of Animal: Generally, the larger the animal, the greater the chance that the animal can cause injury. The species and breed of an animal may also be relevant if you can prove that, as a general rule, that breed has a propensity toward viciousness.

Purpose for Which the Animal is Kept: If an animal is kept for protection, and is trained to attack unknown people, it can be inferred that its owner knew or should have known it might attack someone.

Frequent Snapping and Biting: A history of aggressive behavior can be used to demonstrate that the owner had knowledge of the animal’s vicious propensities.

Complaints Brought to Owner’s Attention: If people previously complained to the owner, and the owner did nothing (or didn’t do enough) to prevent future attacks, this can be used as evidence that the owner knew the animal could be dangerous.

Fighting with Other Animals: Even if an animal had not attacked a human before, if it had fought with other animals, this may be useful in proving its vicious nature.

In Tennessee, unless the animal is considered dangerous, the injured person usually must show that an animal owner knew (or had reason to know) that his/her animal was harmful, having what is known as “vicious propensities,” in order to recover damages from the owner. There are many warning signs that may indicate an animal is dangerous.

The following list describes some of the more common factors that can be used to prove an owner knew or should have known of his/her animal’s vicious propensities. Keep in mind that this is not a complete list, and simply proving one of item below does not mean a victory.

Breed and Size of Animal: Generally, the larger the animal, the greater the chance that the animal can cause injury. The species and breed of an animal may also be relevant if you can prove that, as a general rule, that breed has a propensity toward viciousness.

Purpose for Which the Animal is Kept: If an animal is kept for protection, and is trained to attack unknown people, it can be inferred that its owner knew or should have known it might attack someone.

Frequent Snapping and Biting: A history of aggressive behavior can be used to demonstrate that the owner had knowledge of the animal’s vicious propensities.

Complaints Brought to Owner’s Attention: If people previously complained to the owner, and the owner did nothing (or didn’t do enough) to prevent future attacks, this can be used as evidence that the owner knew the animal could be dangerous.

Fighting with Other Animals: Even if an animal had not attacked a human before, if it had fought with other animals, this may be useful in proving its vicious nature.

Frequent Confinement of the Animal: If the owner keeps the animal locked in a cage, or on a tight leash or chain, this may indicate the owner’s awareness that the animal might be dangerous.

Occasional Muzzling of the Animal: Particularly with respect to dogs, if an owner muzzles an animal on walks or at times when people are near the animal, this can be proof that the owner is aware of the animal’s dangerous nature.

Warning Sign on Owner’s Premises: If an animal owner puts up warning signs (such as “Beware of Dog”), an injured person can use this fact to establish the owner’s knowledge of the animal’s viciousness.

Statements by Owner as to Animal’s Character: Any statements made by the owner of the animal about past fights, aggressive behavior, or previous bites are relevant to the owner’s knowledge regarding the likelihood of future attacks.

Owner’s Warnings to Strangers About Animal: Verbal warnings to others potentially show that an owner is worried the animal might cause harm to others.

Consider all the factors and talk to people in the neighborhood where the animal lives to learn more about the animal’s past, which might help support your case significantly.

If the owner keeps the animal locked in a cage, or on a tight leash or chain, this may indicate the owner’s awareness that the animal might be dangerous.

Occasional Muzzling of the Animal: Particularly with respect to dogs, if an owner muzzles an animal on walks or at times when people are near the animal, this can be proof that the owner is aware of the animal’s dangerous nature.

Warning Sign on Owner’s Premises: If an animal owner puts up warning signs (such as “Beware of Dog”), an injured person can use this fact to establish the owner’s knowledge of the animal’s viciousness.

Statements by Owner as to Animal’s Character: Any statements made by the owner of the animal about past fights, aggressive behavior, or previous bites are relevant to the owner’s knowledge regarding the likelihood of future attacks.

Owner’s Warnings to Strangers About Animal: Verbal warnings to others potentially show that an owner is worried the animal might cause harm to others.

Consider all the factors and talk to people in the neighborhood where the animal lives to learn more about the animal’s past, which might help support your case significantly.

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