Animal Injury Attorneys

Experienced Dog Bite & Animal Attack Attorney in California and Nevada

Have you or a loved one suffered injuries from a dog bite or other animal attack? It’s crucial to consult with a skilled animal bite attorney as soon as possible. At our law firm, we have extensive experience representing victims of dog and animal bites throughout California and Nevada. Our attorneys are committed to securing the maximum compensation available for your medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and other damages.

We understand the physical and emotional toll animal attacks can cause. Whether you were bitten in a public space or on private property, our legal team thoroughly investigates every detail of your case and aggressively pursues justice on your behalf. From negotiating with insurance companies to preparing for trial, we are your unwavering advocates.

Understanding Animal Bite Statistics and Their Global Impact

Animal bites are a serious public health issue around the world, contributing to millions of injuries and thousands of deaths each year. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), animal attacks—particularly from dogs and venomous snakes—pose a significant threat to public safety, especially in areas with limited access to medical care.

Global Animal Bite Statistics

• An estimated 5 million people are bitten by snakes every year globally.
• Dog bites are the most common source of rabies transmission to humans, followed by cat and monkey bites.
• Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites and often suffer more severe injuries.
• Venomous snakebites frequently require immediate administration of antivenom to prevent serious complications or death.

Animal Bite Risks in the United States

In the United States, animal bites remain a persistent concern, especially in western states such as California and Nevada. These regions report higher incidents of bites and stings from snakes and scorpions due to their desert climates and native species.

• In states like California, hikers and campers are at elevated risk of encountering rattlesnakes and scorpions.
• Emergency rooms in these states frequently treat patients for venomous bites and stings during the warmer months.

Rabies Transmission and Prevention

Rabies is one of the most dangerous outcomes of an animal bite. While vaccination programs have greatly reduced the risk in many countries, it remains a serious concern in parts of Asia and Africa.

Q: Which animals are most likely to transmit rabies to humans?
A: Dogs are the most common source of human rabies infections worldwide, but cats, bats, and monkeys can also carry the virus.

Q: How can you prevent rabies after a bite?
A: Immediate and thorough washing of the wound, followed by prompt medical evaluation and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), is critical to preventing rabies after a bite.

Bitten by a Snake? Our Experienced Snake Bite Lawyers Can Help

If you’ve suffered a snake bite—whether from a pet or a wild snake—you may be entitled to compensation. In California, snake bites can occur during the warmer months, especially in rural or suburban areas where snakes tend to hide in cool, damp places. While some snake bites are harmless, others can be life-threatening. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), between 7,000 and 8,000 people in the United States are bitten by venomous snakes each year.

Can I Sue After a Snake Bite Injury?

Yes. If you were bitten by someone’s pet snake, you may be able to file a personal injury claim against the owner. Pet owners are legally responsible for controlling their animals and protecting others from harm. If the snake was not domesticated or lacked a known owner, your case may fall under the legal theory of premises liability, meaning the property owner could be held accountable for unsafe conditions that led to your injury.

Common Symptoms of a Snake Bite

Seek medical attention immediately after any snake bite to determine whether the snake was venomous. Delaying treatment could result in serious complications or even death. Common symptoms of a venomous bite include:

• Redness or swelling near the bite
• Nausea or vomiting
• Muscle twitching or spasms
• Numbness or tingling
• Excessive salivation
• Breathing difficulties

What Should I Do If I’m Bitten?

1. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
2. Try to remember the color and shape of the snake to help with identification.
3. Avoid cutting the wound or attempting to suck out venom.
4. Contact a qualified snake bite injury attorney as soon as you are stable.

How Our California Snake Bite Attorneys Can Help

Our legal team has extensive experience representing victims of animal attacks, including snake bites. We can:

• Investigate the incident and determine liability
• Gather medical evidence and expert testimony
• Negotiate with insurance companies
• File a premises liability or negligence lawsuit, depending on the case

You should not have to shoulder the financial burden of medical bills, lost wages, or long-term health effects alone. Let our team help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in California and Nevada: What Victims and Pet Owners Need to Know

Dog bites are the most frequently reported type of animal attack in California. Because of this prevalence, the state enforces strict liability laws that hold dog owners legally responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of the animal’s prior behavior.

Under California Civil Code § 3342, if a dog bites someone in a public place or while the victim is lawfully on private property (including the dog owner’s property), the owner is strictly liable. This means the victim doesn’t need to prove negligence to receive compensation.

However, there are exceptions. If the injured party provoked, harassed, or otherwise contributed to the incident—for instance, by teasing or abusing the dog—then the owner may argue comparative fault. In such cases, the victim’s compensation could be reduced in proportion to their share of the blame.

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What About Dog Bite Laws in Nevada?

Unlike California, the state of Nevada does not have a dedicated statute addressing dog bite liability. Instead, dog bite claims are typically handled under common law theories, such as negligence or the “one-bite” rule. However, Clark County—home to Las Vegas—has adopted ordinances that align more closely with California’s strict liability model.

Additionally, there are specific local rules in place. For example, dogs are currently prohibited on the Las Vegas Strip. Violating this regulation could add legal complications for pet owners if an incident occurs in that area.

Understanding Horse Bite Injuries in Nevada: Legal Rights and Owner Liability

Horse bite injuries are more common in Nevada than many people realize—sometimes nearly as prevalent as dog bites. While horses are generally seen as gentle and majestic animals, they can inflict serious injuries through biting, often accompanied by kicking with their powerful hooves. These dual-impact incidents can result in devastating physical harm, including deep lacerations, fractures, internal injuries, and even long-term disability.

Why Are Horse Bites So Dangerous?

Unlike smaller animals, a horse’s bite can puncture muscle tissue and damage nerves. What makes these attacks especially dangerous is the likelihood of a horse also kicking during the same incident. The force of a horse’s kick can cause traumatic injuries to the chest, spine, or skull. These compound injuries often require emergency medical treatment, surgery, and extensive recovery time.

Legal Liability: Can You Sue for a Horse Bite Injury?

If you’ve been bitten or kicked by a horse in Nevada, you may have a valid personal injury claim. One potential legal path is filing a negligence claim against the horse owner. To establish negligence, you must prove that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to restrain or supervise the animal and that this failure directly caused your injuries.

For instance, if a horse were left unrestrained in a public area or if proper warning signs were not posted, the owner may be held liable for any resulting harm.

Strict Liability in Animal Injury Cases

Strict liability is a legal topic that essentially makes the defendant liable regardless of the precautions that they took. Even if the defendant exercised reasonable care, the defendant could still be liable under a strict liability claim. In California, the owner of a dangerous animal will be held strictly liable for damages to others. Wild animals include those that have dangerous propensities, an example being monkeys. The owner must know, or have reason to know, the animals’ dangerous propensities. Certain California cases have held that horses are not considered wild animals under the strict liability theory.

California Civil Jury Instructions for Strict Liability Injuries Caused by Wild Animals

People who own, keep, or control wild animals are responsible for the harm that these animals cause to others, no matter how carefully they guard or restrain their animals.

To establish [his/her/nonbinary pronoun] claim, [name of plaintiff] must prove all of the following: 1. That [name of defendant] owned, kept, or controlled [a/an] [insert type of animal];

1. That [name of plaintiff] was harmed; and
2. That [name of defendant]’s [insert type of animal] was a substantial factor in causing [name of plaintiff]’s harm.

California Civil Jury Instructions for Strict Liability Injuries Caused by Domestic Animals

People who own, keep, or control animals with unusually dangerous natures or tendencies can be held responsible for the harm that their animals cause to others, no matter how carefully they guard or restrain their animals. To establish [his/her/nonbinary pronoun] claim, [name of plaintiff] must prove all of the following:

• That [name of defendant] owned, kept, or controlled a [insert type of animal];
• That the [insert type of animal] had an unusually dangerous nature or tendency;
• That before [name of plaintiff] was injured, [name of defendant] knew or should have known that the [insert type of animal] had this nature or tendency;
• That [name of plaintiff] was harmed; and 5. That the [insert type of animal]’s unusually dangerous nature or tendency was a substantial factor in causing [name of plaintiff]’s harm.

Examples of Animal Bite Injuries

Many different types of injuries could occur from an animal attack. Some of the most common injuries include:

• Lacerations
• Infections and line amputations
• Fractures
• Puncture wounds

What Damages Could I Receive for My Animal Injuries?

• Past and future medical treatment, new line, past and future lost income
• Emotional distress
• Past and future pain and suffering

Our team of animal injury attorneys is committed to helping victims receive fair compensation for their animal injuries. Our attorneys have decades of experience representing animal bite victims all around California and Nevada. Because there’s a statute of limitations for every state, we encourage you to see our attorneys immediately following a dog bite accident. Call our attorneys today for a free, no-risk consultation where we will determine the animal bite injuries suffered and the compensation you could receive.

 Most animal bites and attacks involve dogs, but considering that several states in the West have dangerous animals, there’s also the possibility of getting attacked by a horse, a snake, etc. There are several laws passed in California and Nevada that are meant to protect the public from pets or wild animals. If you are the victim of an animal attack, it is important to contact an attorney who could help pursue compensation for your medical care needed.