Las Vegas Dog Bite Injury Lawyer

Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Las Vegas

A severe dog bite can impact your life forever. It can hinder your ability to perform your job or live life comfortably. It could also lead to psychological effects. Medical treatment and recovery from a dog attack can be expensive. In 2019, the average payout claim was $44,760.

If you or a loved one are a victim of a dog bite in Nevada, the right and experienced dog bite lawyer can help you receive the compensation you deserve from the dog’s owner. Depending on the situation, a dog’s owner can be held responsible for their animal’s aggressive behavior. 

Under Nevada dog bite laws, you may be able to file a legal claim against the dog owner under negligence. This means that the owner should have used ordinary reasonable care, and failed to use ordinary reasonable care. Because they failed to use ordinary reasonable care, the dog bite victim suffered injuries. Las Vegas has several dog bite statutes and laws in place. However, the different laws that apply are dependent on the circumstances of the dog bite accident. For example, where the attack occurred and what the dog’s history is may determine the specific Nevada laws that apply.

Could I file a lawsuit for my dog bite injuries in Las Vegas? 

Under Nevada dog bite laws, you may be able to file a legal claim against the dog owner under “negligence.” Negligence means that the dog owner should have used ordinary reasonable care, and failed to use ordinary reasonable care. Because the dog owner failed to use ordinary reasonable care, the dog bite victim suffered injuries. Las Vegas has several dog bite laws in place. However, the different laws that apply depend on the circumstances of the dog bite accident. For example, where the attack occurred and the dog’s aggressive history may determine the specific Nevada laws that apply.

What type of compensation can I receive for my dog bite injuries in Nevada?

To determine exactly what type of compensation you could receive, and how much compensation you could receive, consult with our top rated Las Vegas lawyers today. Someone who has suffered severe dog bite injuries could recover more and compensation compared to another. Examples include:

• Hospital stay
• Prescription medication
• Treatment 
• Physical therapy
• Pain and suffering
• Lost wages
• Future lost income
• Property damage 
• Punitive damages (on rare occasions)

Dog Bite Laws In Las Vegas

Nevada does not provide a statewide dog bite statute that you may find in other states. However, the law takes negligence that results in a dog attack or injury caused by a dog bite very seriously.

In Nevada, victims of a dog bite can sue the dog’s owner to receive compensation for medical expenses and loss of income during recovery. However, without an experienced dog bite attorney, proving negligence can be challenging.

Nevada requires that after a dog has attacked a person, the dog must be reported to Las Vegas animal control. The Las Vegas animal control will take custody of the dog and place the dog in isolation for around a week to make sure that the dog does not have any diseases.

Las Vegas Municipal Code 7.24.010 provides that a dog must be impounded if they are vicious and have engaged in constant biting.

In most cases, the dog owner is held strictly liable for their dog’s injuries. This means that if the dog owner knew or didn’t know the dog was dangerous, they will still be held responsible.

What are the most common injuries associated with a dog bite?

A dog bite can lead to very serious injuries, possibly even death. The different types of injuries that a dog bite could cause are:

• Rabies
• Broken bones
• Traumatic brain injury
• Head injuries
• Rabies
• Spinal cord injuries
• Death
• Abrasions 
• Fractures
• Lacerations 
• Scarring

Psychological Effects of a Dog Bite

A dog bite cannot only have physical injuries as described above, but it could also lead to psychological effects. Some examples of how a dog bite could affect a victim, especially younger children, could include:

• Fear: the dog bite could cause the victim to be fearful for dogs in the future
• Anxiety: the victim might start to get anxiety when they’re near animals or dogs
• Isolation: the victim might feel a bit embarrassed from the injuries they have sustained from the dog bite, such as the scarring and disfigurement that the dog bite has caused
• Trust issues: the victim may start to lose trust not only in the people around them, but also dogs and animals. This could then impact the way that they form relationships.

The “One Bite” Rule in Nevada

If a dog bites a third party for the first time, there can be exceptions to pursuing legal action against the dog owner. After the first bite, a dog is considered vicious or aggressive in Nevada. 

This means that the dog owner must take precautions to make sure the dog does not harm other dogs or other people. Hiring a dog bite attorney can help you receive compensation from the dog’s owner -whether it’s the dog’s first bite or a result of a pattern of vicious behavior and owner negligence.

What is a “dangerous dog” in Nevada?

A dog is considered dangerous if it behaves in a menacing way that requires someone to defend themselves. A dangerous dog has behaviors that result in substantial bodily harm.

What is a “vicious dog”?

A dog is considered vicious in Nevada if it:

• Kills a human being or causes substantial bodily injury, or
• Is used to commit a crime, or
• Continues to behave similarly to a dangerous dog

Who is responsible if I get bitten by a dog in Nevada?

The state of Nevada does not specifically establish 100% liability on a dog owner if a dog bites someone. Therefore, dog bites can be very complex in Nevada, especially if they involve multiple parties. Usually, the dog owner is most likely going to be held responsible if the dog has a history of aggression.

How do you prove a dog bite in Nevada?

Our attorneys can help you receive compensation by proving the dog owner was negligent in the situation leading up to a dog attack and bite. Your attorney could show:

• An owner violated state or local animal control laws by not using a leash or enclosed area to contain the dog
• A dog attacked or bit a third party without being provoked while not properly contained
• An owner failed to recognize the signs to prevent a potential attack, including the dog growling, showing its teeth, or making eye contact with the victim

If factors contribute to these conditions, victims of a dog bite case can file a lawsuit against the dog’s owner. Your dog bite attorney will investigate the circumstances of the case and help compile evidence for negligence that resulted in an unprovoked dog attack and bite.

When should I file my dog bite accident lawsuit in Nevada?

In Nevada, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is 2 years from the date of the incident. This means that you have 2 years from the day the dog attacked the victim. It is important that you file your lawsuit immediately, because if you miss the deadline for filing your dog bite injury claim in Nevada, you will lose the right to file a claim and seek compensation.

What should I do if I am a dog bite victim in Las Vegas?

If you have been bitten or attacked by another dog in Las Vegas, Nevada there are several steps you must take in order to ensure that you get maximum compensation for your injuries. Below are some examples of steps you should take. Regardless, you should still talk to your attorney for more information. Our Las Vegas attorneys advise that you:

• Contact the police department immediately to report the dog bite. The police department will look into the circumstances of the dog bite, and call Las Vegas animal control.
• Seek medical attention as soon as possible to make sure that you do not suffer any severe injuries. Oftentimes, many think that suffering a dog bite might result in minor injuries. However, dog bite injuries can get aggravated if not treated properly, such as getting infections.
• Collect as much information as possible about the dog bite incident, including the type of dog, and any other information that could help you identify and locate the dog owner in order to hold them responsible in a future lawsuit. Take pictures of the bite and where you were bitten if possible.
• Contact a Las Vegas dog bite injury attorney immediately for free no risk consultation. Our Las Vegas personal injury lawyers have decades of experience representing victims of dog bites, and are available 24/7 to assist you with your claim.

Are dogs required to be leashed in Nevada?

In Nevada, all dog owners are required to keep their dogs leashed. This applies even if the dog is on the dog owner’s property. If the dog is not on a leash and attacks another dog or another human, the dog owner will be held liable for negligence by the injured party.

Will I still be responsible for dog bite injuries if I posted a “beware of dog” sign?

Although the “beware of a dog” sign is a great way of letting visitors know that there’s a dog located in the house, you may still be held liable for negligence if your dog bites another. 

Under Nevada law, the dog owner is still responsible for their dog’s actions even if they posted a “beware of dog” sign. This depends on the circumstances of the dog bite. If you have been injured in a dog owner’s home who has posted beware of dog signs, contact our attorneys today.

How can our Las Vegas dog bite lawyers help you?

1. Our dedicated Las Vegas animal injury attorneys and dog bite lawyers are available 24/7 to pursue your claims and seek justice in your favor. We believe that all negligent dog owners must be held accountable for their actions, and no victim should have to suffer through injuries because of another’s negligence. 
2. Our attorneys are readily available to listen to your claim, and provide a free no risk initial consultation to evaluate your claim, and determine the possible compensation you could receive.
3. Dog bite accidents could get very complex, especially if the details need to be investigated. Our attorneys will investigate the cause of the accident, and determine where the dog owner may be.