What is the Nevada Dog Bite “One Bite” Rule?

Dog bites are very common, especially in Western states where dogs are more likely to be found in people’s homes. Dogs could be considered a family member, and dogs have oftentimes helped people go through severe trauma. But dogs could also cause various injuries from their bites. Each state has a different dog bite statute that addresses whether dog bite injury victims have a claim against the dog owner for injuries. For example, western states are most likely to have dog bite victim friendly laws that assist the dog bite victim in recovering compensation for their injuries. There is no federal state law that specifically addresses dog bites injury statutes. But Nevada has some laws put in place that address how dog by victims could potentially recover for the injuries sustained from the dog bite.

Our dog bite injury attorneys in Nevada advise that you hire an experienced attorney who is well aware of the laws of the state when addressing your dog bite injury claims. Our skilled attorneys understand that it could be very difficult going through a dog bite injury. For example, oftentimes we have seen many clients go through months of trauma from such a horrific event. This is most likely to be seen in younger children. Our dog bite attorneys believe that dog bite victims should be able to receive compensation for their injuries, and have their rights represented by an experienced attorney.

It is important to note that Nevada is considered to have a “one bite” statute. But this differs very heavily from California’s “one bite” dog statutes. In Nevada, you could hold a dog owner liable for negligence for dog bites that the victim has sustained. Generally, a dog owner is not liable to a dog bite victim if the dog has never bit a person before. But a dog owner could be held liable if their dog is considered “dangerous” or “vicious”.

Dog Bite Negligence Laws in Nevada

Even if a dog has not bit a person before, someone who has been injured by a dog bite can hold the dog owner liable under a negligence theory. The plaintiff’s attorney has to prove specific elements in order to show that the dog owner was negligent. That is why it is very important to hire an experienced dog bite attorney that is well aware of Nevada’s negligence laws. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing dog bite victims in Nevada.

In order to file a lawsuit for negligence against the dog owner, the injured must be able to show:

• The defendant had a duty of care to the plaintiff. The duty of care could essentially be securing the dog in order to prevent any dog bites.
• The defendant breached that duty of care when they failed to take the necessary precautions to prevent a dog bite.
• The breach caused injury to the plaintiff. If the defendant had not failed to take such measures, plaintiff would not have suffered any injuries.
• Plaintiff suffered damages. These damages could include medical bills to treat the injury, or lost wages as a result of being off from work when receiving treatment for the injuries.

Nevada Dog Bite Example

You are walking through a park when a Pitbull who is off the leash rushes over to you and bites your leg. You could potentially hold the Pitbull owner liable for your injuries. You could recover hospital bills, future treatments, lost wages, and emotional distress for dealing with the trauma. In this case, you could show that the dog owner was negligent when they failed to secure the pit bull. Because they failed to secure the dog and take precautions to prevent a dog bite, you now have endured some type of injury.

Nevada Dog Bite Statistics

• According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there are about 4.5 million dog bites that occur every year in the United States.
• Dogs bite an average of at least seven people every day in Clark County, Nevada.
• There were around 2,500 dog bites reported to animal control in the last 5 Years in Nevada
• The majority of dog bites occurred in the city of Las Vegas
• Fortunately, dog bites in Nevada rarely result in death
• Pitbull and Terrier type mixes are the most common dogs that have been associated with dog bites in Nevada

What is considered a dangerous dog in Nevada?

In Nevada, dangerous dogs are those that have been behaving menacingly. Instances where a dog is considered dangerous includes:

• When the dog has behaved improperly 2 times in eighteen months
• When the dog has behaved improperly without being provoked
• When the dog has behaved improperly when off the leash

Nevada requires that owners who have dogs that fit any one of the above categories follow state laws. For example, many counties require that the dog owner file a permit with the Animal Regulation Officer. This permit allows the county to monitor whether the owner has spayed or neutered the dog, how the owner controls their dog, and whether the dog owner has an insurance policy. Those dog owners that do not meet the above requirements placed by the state of Nevada could be monetarily fined. Severe consequences of not following these laws include imprisonment.

What is considered a vicious dog in Nevada?

 Vicious dogs are those that have:

• Been continuing to act menacingly
• Caused substantial bodily harm or death

If an owner has a dog that has met any of the above elements, the dog owner could be held liable in a civil lawsuit against the injured victim. If the dog owner fails to take any precautions, they also may be liable for any criminal charges placed by the state.

It is important to note that no single dog breed has been expressly stated in any of the Nevada dog bite statutes. Nevada dog bite statutes refer to behavior rather than dog type.

When is a dog not considered vicious or dangerous?

There are certain circumstances where a dog should not necessarily be considered dangerous or vicious. This includes instances when:

• A trespasser is on the dog owner’s property
• A person provokes the dog
• Another animal has provoked the dog
• A person was trying to commit a criminal offence

Get Expert Help from a Nevada Dog Bite Attorney

Our attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. This means that you do not have to pay for our Nevada attorney’s upfront unless they win a judgment or settlement in your favor. There are no upfront costs to hire our attorneys.

If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog bite in Nevada, contact us at Heidari Law Group today to determine if you have a valid claim against the dog owner for your injuries. We understand that a dog bite could be a very difficult experience to go through. Our experienced Nevada dog bite attorneys are here with you every step of the way to pursue your claims for you and win a favorable clean.

***Disclaimer: This page is created by Heidari Law Group for educational purposes. This article provides a general understanding of the law. It does not provide specific advice. By using this site and reading through this page, there is no attorney-client relationship created between you and any member of Heidari Law. Further, due to the constant change of the law, some parts of the information above may no longer be good law.