Dog Bite Lawyer In Las Vegas
Dog bites in Las Vegas often result in serious personal injuries
The consequences of a dog bite can be devastating. The victim, whether it’s a child or an adult, might suffer disfigurement and scarring as well as pain and suffering, not to mention emotional trauma. That’s why it’s important that you contact an experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer as soon as possible after a dog has bitten you or a loved one. Evidence helps build strong cases. The longer you wait, the harder it might be for a personal injury attorney to obtain the compensation you rightfully deserve.
The legal team at Paul Padda Law knows what it takes to successfully handle dog bite cases in Las Vegas. We have the experience and skills to help you obtain favorable compensation. If you’ve been injured in an animal attack, but especially where a dog is involved, call us today at (702) 707-3000 and let us help you get the attention and compensation you deserve.
When a dog bites or attacks, it’s not the animal’s fault. It’s generally the result of poor training and control by the owner. A dog that is not properly conditioned or controlled can be dangerous and can cause serious injuries. If you’re the victim of a dog bite, you can hold the owner liable. Get in touch today and let us help you.
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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:
Reason #1: The dog is a “dangerous” dog as defined by Nevada law. A dangerous dog is one that has acted in a threatening or menacing manner toward people on at least two occasions in the past 18-months while at large or unleashed. However, if the dog was provoked or tormented by someone, it is not deemed “dangerous.” Just like humans, dogs have the right to defend themselves too.
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.
Reason #2: 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’s 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.
Reason #3: 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 someone before;
- The owner knew that the dog acted in a threatening, menacing manner toward people once in recent months; or
- The dog acted in a threatening, menacing manner toward people, but while on a leash.
Does Medical Treatment From A Dog Bite In Las Vegas Cost A Lot?
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality conducted a study demonstrating the high medical expenses victims of dog bites incur. The findings include some very alarming statistics.
- The average cost of a hospital stay due to dog bite injuries is $18,200, which is about 50 percent higher than the average stay for other types of injuries.
- Every day, there is an average of 870 visits to the emergency room and 25 hospitalizations from dog bite incidents.
- According to the US Centers for Disease Control, approximately 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs every year. Victims experience severe pain and nerve damage from deep bites and cuts. They’re also at risk of infection, which can lead to severe illness, or even death, as a result of a serious dog bite.
- The highest rate of dog bite emergency room visits occurred among children aged 10 or younger at almost 200 visits per 100,000 for five to nine-year-old children and 175 visits per 100,000 for children under five years’ old.
- The most common injuries that lead to hospitalization after a dog bite are skin and tissue infections; open wounds to the hands, feet, head, neck, and torso; and, broken bones in the upper extremities.
How Can I Recover Damages If I Suffer Injuries From A Dog Bite In Las Vegas?
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 a victim can pursue 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 compensation for the following:
- 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.
Why Do You Need An Experienced Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer For Your Injury Case?
Nevada dog bite victims can have a harder time obtaining justice. Why? Because proving the elements needed to establish liability in dog bite cases can be challenging and complex. That being said, if you or a loved one was bitten by a dog in Las Vegas, you should not give up hope of obtaining compensation. Talk to our Las Vegas dog bite lawyers today and get the benefit of having legal counsel that has handled cases involving dog bites with great success.
At Paul Padda Law, we’re more than your lawyers. We’re the allies you want to help set things right.
What Should I Do If A Dog Bites Me In Las Vegas?
You might be wondering or searching for answers about what to do if you or a loved one is bitten by a dog in Las Vegas or one of its surrounding communities such as Summerlin, Henderson, Boulder City or North Las Vegas. Here’s our honest advice based on years of handling such cases.
1. Call the police – By having a police officer at the scene of your dog bite, you’ll have someone who can create an official record of your attack. The police report can be very useful when trying to obtain compensation for your dog bite.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. 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.
5. Start writing everything down – Damages for noneconomic losses, like pain and suffering, are a major factor in dog bite cases, but you need to be able 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 later on. 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 litigate in court. Your journal will help you refresh your memory for future recollection.
6. Call a dog bite lawyer – You have too much at stake to leave your future to chance. If you’ve 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.
Contact A Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer Who Delivers Results
The experienced dog bite lawyers at Paul Padda Law have represented clients throughout Las Vegas and its surrounding communities in dog bite cases, helping them recover financial compensation for their losses.
Contact us today online or by calling (702) 707-7000 to schedule a free case evaluation.