      
  306 reviews

Full-Service Law Firm

Memphis Dog Bite Lawyer

Focused, personal representation for Tennessee families and businesses, with offices in Nashville and Memphis.

Last Updated: Oct 22, 2026

Read Time: 3 mins

Key Takeaways

Patterson Bray PLLC represents people injured in Memphis dog attacks, including cases where the owner claims the dog had never bitten anyone, by investigating prior aggressive behavior such as lunging, snarling, or threatened bites that can show the owner should have anticipated an attack. Dog bite claims often carry higher value than other injury claims because of hard-to-suture wounds, high infection risk, longer hospital stays, and rabies treatment, so medical costs and lost wages call for thorough documentation.

We Represent Victims When Man’s Best Friend Turns Vicious

Fun, furry, and friendly, dogs are usually great companions, and most go their entire lives without any indication of violent or aggressive behavior. But, they’re still animals, and there’s a chance that even the most peaceful-looking dog will bite or attack. In Tennessee, dog owners aren’t always liable for injuries their dog causes. If a dog has bitten you, this could spell bad news for your wallet; you could be responsible for all your medical care, and get nothing for your other losses, like replenishing the wages you didn’t earn because you had to miss time from work to heal. Our Memphis, TN dog bite lawyer can evaluate your claim and help you hold the negligent dog owner accountable for the harm their pet caused you.

Just because Tennessee’s dog bite laws seem to give canines a “free pass” the first time they actually bite someone, doesn’t mean that you’re completely out of luck in pursuing a lawsuit for compensation against the dog’s owner. At Patterson Bray PLLC, we have extensive experience litigating dog attack cases, including those where the owner claimed that the dog had never bitten. Our strong track record of successfully settling contentious personal injury claims speaks for itself. We can explain more in person, so please contact us today for a free consultation.

Our Attorneys Overcome Common Hurdles To Dog Bite Injury Recovery

Dog bite claims have challenges that many other personal injury cases do not. Firstly, if you haven’t already realized it, there’s a significant amount of victim-blaming in dog bite claims. The dog’s owner may not want to believe their pet could harm someone so badly or be worried about what animal control may do. We have seen this countless times and have several successful strategies to overcome victim-blaming. Ultimately, the dog’s owner is responsible for its behavior (with a few very narrow exceptions).

Secondly, the value of dog bite claims is typically higher than other types of personal injury claims. Bite injuries are notoriously difficult to suture, and the risk of infection is high. In fact, dog bite victims spend an average of 2 days longer in the hospital than people injured similarly. You may also need to go through rabies treatment, a painful, invasive series of injections. Your medical expenses may be considerable, which means that the insurance company will take a close look at your claim. We must build a strong, evidence-based case justifying the amount of compensation we seek.

Our Skilled Memphis Dog Bite Lawyer Defends Your Rights

Even though Tennessee operates under a “one-bite” rule for dog attacks, the owner is still responsible for ensuring their pet doesn’t harm anyone. Many times, dogs that bite will exhibit other aggressive behaviors, like lunging, snarling, or threatening to bite. Under Tennessee law, behaviors like these mean that the owner should have reasonably predicted that the dog would eventually hurt someone, making them liable for a bite, even if they claim that the dog never so much as nipped.

Our legal team investigates the dog’s history and behavior as part of our case-building. We overcome common objections to your claim and fight hard for every penny you’re due. Please contact Patterson Bray PLLC today for a free consultation.

Patterson Bray

20+ Years of Experience

24/7 Call Answering

Nashville & Memphis Offices

We're Here to Help

Reach out to Patterson Bray and an attorney will follow up with you soon.

Client Reviews

    
 
 
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   Nancy Wallace 
 20 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. If you are looking to do estate planning, go with Patterson Bray! They are excellent to deal with!
  
 
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   Cheryl Adkins 
 21 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We loved the staff at Patterson Bray.  Everyone was very professional.  Judith was very thorough and explained everything extremely well.  We would recommend Patterson Bray to anyone.
  
 
     Posted on Google  
   
   Hailey Wade 
 45 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC did an excellent job with my grandmother's estate planning, and made everything easy to understand! She recommended them to a friend who went and is also very satisfied with their services.
  
 
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   Deb Clark 
 50 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. My experience with this firm, particularly Judith Denham has been truly exceptional.  From the consultation to the finish, the attention to detail, listening and responding to my needs.  My documents were completed timely and professionally.  I highly recommend Patterson Bray.
  
 
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   Tanya White 
 50 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. PattersonBray Estate Planning was an incredible firm to work with setting up our Trust. Judith Denham was thorough, very smart, and personable as she patiently explained each part.  Gabby put together  a very professional beautiful binder for us to have, and has answered questions we have had since  then. I am so glad they were recommended to us, and we had them to walk us through this procedure.
  
 
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   Charmaine Sego 
 50 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray did a great job with my mother's trust.
  
 
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   Phil Chamberlain 
 67 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Patterson Bray PLLC - first class lawyers.
  
 
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   Catherine McGee 
 87 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. Heath Taylor was a genuine joy to work with during my divorce: straight forward, professional, and knowledgeable. I do hope I never have the need to acquire more legal help, but if I do, he'll be my first call. Thank you for everything, Heath!!
  
 
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   Marva Johnson 
 93 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. I FOUND PATTERSON BRAY AND JUDITH DENHAM TO BE PROFESSIONAL, VERY THOROUGH, AND PERSONAL. I DID NOT FEEL LIKE A CLIENT, BUT A PERSON. I AM SO IMPRESSED WITH THEM, ESPECIALLY JUDITH AND GABBY. VERY GRATEFUL FOR ASSISTANCE.
M.JOHNSON
  
 
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   Pam Nicole 
 94 days ago
 
 
 Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google. We set up a trust with Judith, at Patterson Bray and we received excellent service. Everything was explained thoroughly and everyone was very friendly and professional. I would definitely use her and the firm again, if needed.

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