Dog Bite Lawyer

What does Nevada law say about dog bite cases?

Contrary to the “one bite” laws of other states, a Nevada dog owner is not liable if the animal has never bitten a person before. There are only three scenarios where an owner may be responsible for paying compensation to an injured victim:

The dog is a “dangerous” dog as defined by Nevada law. A dangerous dog is one that has acted in a threatening, menacing manner toward people twice in 18 months while at large or unleashed. However, if the animal was provoked or tormented by someone, it does not fall in this category.

It’s not illegal to own a dangerous dog in Las Vegas, but owners must comply with state and local laws. For instance, an owner may need to obtain a permit, spay or neuter, keep the dog secure on private property, post warning signs about the dangerous nature of the dog, and other legal requirements. Failure to adhere to these regulations may be a misdemeanor and give rise to a dog bite lawsuit based upon negligence.

The canine is considered “vicious” by law. Nevada defines a dog to be vicious if:

• It has acted in a threatening, menacing manner toward people on a continuous basis after being designated as dangerous; or,
• It has caused significant bodily harm or death to a human being.

When a dog is considered vicious, it is no longer legal for the owner to keep it or give it away. Violation of these laws can also lead to a lawsuit if the dog bites someone.

The dog owner is negligent in handling his or her pet. It may be possible to sue a dog owner for compensation if he or she acted carelessly, or failed to take reasonable precaution under the circumstances. For instance, there may be negligence where:

• The owner allowed an aggressive dog to play with small children without an adult present, even if it has never bitten;
• The owner knew that the dog acted in a threatening, menacing manner toward people once, but not twice, in recent months; or,
• The dog acted in a threatening, menacing manner toward people, but while on a leash.

How Can I Recover Damages If I Suffer Injuries from a Dog Bite?

Victims who suffer injuries from a dog bite may be able to recover compensation in a similar fashion to other types of personal injury cases. The theory is that he or she sustained losses as a result of the injuries, and should be able to obtain monetary damages.

If you’re attacked by a dog, you may recover such damages as:

• Medical costs for treating your injuries, including surgery, rabies shots, stitches and other procedures, rehabilitation, and long-term care;
• Your lost wages, if you were out of work due to your injuries;
• The pain and suffering you experience as a result of the attack;
• Damages related to the impact upon your personal relationships.

“What should I do if a dog bites me in Las Vegas?”

You may wonder what to do if you or a loved one is bitten by a dog in Las Vegas or another city in Nevada? Here’s our honest advice based on years of handling such cases.

Call the police – By having a Las Vegas police officer at the scene of your dog bite, you will have an official who will create an official record of your dog attack. The police report can be very useful when trying to obtain compensation for your dog bite.

Obtain owner’s name and contact information – Write down the full name, address and phone number of the dog owner. The same goes for any witnesses of your dog attack, since you may need to contact them to assist or provide testimony as proof when you make a claim. Also, ask whether the dog is current on shots, especially rabies. Treatment for rabies is painful and costly; plus, the shots are given in a series, which means several inconvenient trips to a healthcare practitioner.

Take photographs – Information is power. The more evidence you have, the stronger your case. Take photographs of your injuries, the dog and scene of your dog attack. Include all wounds in your images, including cuts, scrapes, bruises, bite marks, and other injuries. You should also capture pictures of any torn or bloodied clothing, and the location of the attack.

Seek medical attention – Don’t dismiss your dog bite as something minor. Let a doctor or medical professional decide the seriousness of your injury. You should either call 911 or head to the hospital to have your wounds cleaned, disinfected, stitched up, and otherwise treated as necessary. The risk of infection from a dog bite is high, and your injuries can be compounded if you avoid or delay treatment.

Start writing everything down – Damages for noneconomic losses, like pain and suffering, are a major factor in dog bite cases, but you need to provide the details of your experience to establish that you’re entitled to compensation beyond medical expenses. Writing things down, such as in the form of a journal, will support your legal claims, so set aside time each day to record your level of pain, what you needed to do to treat your injuries, and your emotional state. Your claim may take months to settle – or even years if it’s necessary to take your case to court. Your journal will help you refresh your memory for future recollection.

Call a dog bite lawyer – You have too much at stake to leave your future to chance. If you have been bitten by a dog, working with an experienced legal professional can help to protect your rights. Costs of medical treatment are high, the pain may be severe, and you may even be out of work as a result of your injuries. Nevada law allows you to recover compensation for these losses, but these cases are complicated. A dog bite attorney can help you navigate the complex process.