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Animals

pets—damages for death or injury

Most states classify companion pet animals (dogs, cats) as personal property, and only allow owners to recover the fair market value (what a willing buyer would pay for the animal) or the replacement cost (the cost of replacing the pet with an animal of the same age, breed, and condition) for the injury or death of the pet (a rare, prize winning, pedigreed dog may have greater economic value). But some states allow pet owners to recover greater damages when the injury or death of the pet is intentional or malicious.

In Tennessee, companion animals such as dogs and cats are generally considered personal property under the law. This means that if a pet is injured or killed, the owner is typically entitled to recover the fair market value of the pet or the cost of replacing the pet with another of the same age, breed, and condition. However, Tennessee law does recognize the special value of pets to their owners. Under certain circumstances, Tennessee allows pet owners to recover additional damages for the intentional or malicious injury or death of their pet. These damages can include compensation for the emotional value of the pet to the owner, which goes beyond the pet's economic value. It is important to note that the specifics of what damages may be recoverable can depend on the details of the case and the discretion of the courts.

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Animals

pets—damages for death or injury

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Tennessee State Code

Tennessee State Code

Animals

pets—damages for death or injury

Articles