Nevada Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are the most popular domestic animals in the United States with about 65 million households owning one or more. With such a high number of pet ownership among these canine companions, it is expected for owners to properly train them to be obedient and disciplined. But, unfortunately, some may forget the responsibilities that come with caring for a dog, which can ultimately influence bad habits to develop over time, like unprovoked dog bites.

It is estimated that 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with most being children. These cases usually stem from inadequate training or socialization. Nonetheless, if you sustained bodily harm due to a dog owner’s negligence, you may be entitled to file a personal injury claim against them to recover compensation.

At West Coast Trial Lawyers, we are readily available to assist dog bite victims. With over $1.6 billion in financial compensation recovered for our clients, our compassionate team of dog bite lawyers will do everything they can to ensure that you are properly represented in the Nevada court system and ensure that you are properly compensated for your injuries. As filing a personal injury claim can be overwhelming if you are unfamiliar with the legal process, we will be by your side throughout the process and evaluate the evidence provided and determine what necessary steps should be taken to ensure you get a favorable outcome. 

We run on a contingency-fee basis, meaning that you owe us nothing until we settle your case. To schedule a FREE consultation with one of our top-rated Nevada dog bite lawyers, you can get in touch with our 24/7 legal team by calling (213) 927-3700 or completing our easy online contact form.

Nevada Dog Bite Laws

Under Nevada’s one bite rule, a dog owner will not be held liable for the first bite unless they were aware of its aggressive behavior prior to the attack. If the owner knew about it, then they would be required to compensate for medical bills and pain and suffering. To prove liability, you will need to show the following:

• The dog is known to act out in a dangerous manner
• The dog owner or caretaker knew or should have known about its hostile demeanor
• The dog bite was the primary cause of your injury and/or damages

However, if you were found trespassing on someone else’s property or provoked the animal to attack you, the owner will be held less accountable for bodily harm. Under such circumstances, it is encouraged to seek legal assistance from a personal injury law firm, like West Coast Trial Lawyers, to learn whether you should file a lawsuit against the owner.

Our Nevada dog bite lawyers will assess the situation and let you know if you have a case on your hands. If so, we will protect your rights and advocate on your behalf to ensure you are granted a fair settlement.

Common Dog Bite Injuries in Nevada

Dog bite injuries may vary depending on how intensely the canine sinks its teeth into the skin. Below is a list of common outcomes that may occur after such penetration is inflicted:

• Infection
• Nerve damage
• Laceration
• Broken bones

Common Causes of a Dog Bite

A dog bite can be triggered by several factors. Understanding what they are will help raise awareness in preventing potential harm and promoting responsible pet ownership. Let’s explore each common cause in the sections listed below.

Protectiveness

A dog has the natural instinct to protect its owner, puppies, and territory. If it views someone as a threat, it may react with an aggressive response.

Lack of Obedience

A dog owner is expected to train their canine companion to help them develop a well-behaved demeanor. Failing to do this could cause the animal to act up, especially around others, leading to an increased risk of a dog bite from occurring.

Provocation

Dog bites can be provoked if a person does one or more of the following:

• Teases or taunts the dog
• Invades its personal space
• Surprises or startle the animal
• Inflicts physical harm

Since the animal attack was caused by the instigator, they will typically hold more liability compared to the owner.

To get legal assistance with dog bites caused by provocation, you can reach out to West Coast Trial Lawyers and schedule a free consultation with one of our Nevada dog bite lawyers. We will take a look at your case and determine who should hold the most accountability based on the information provided.

What Is the Difference Between a Dangerous Dog and a Vicious Dog?

Although a dangerous dog and a vicious dog both imply that the animal may be considered as a safety risk due to its violent behavior, Nevada law distinguishes these as two separate classifications.

Dangerous Dogs

A dangerous dog is recognized if it bites someone without provocation on two separate occasions within 18 months when it is:

• Off the owner’s property
• Not confined in a cage, pen, or vehicle

Vicious Dogs

A canine may be identified as a vicious dog if either of the following apply:

• The dog killed or caused serious injuries without being provoked
• The police told you that your dog is dangerous and it continues to act in a dangerous manner

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Nevada

It is important to consider doing the following steps after a dog bite to ensure you take immediate safety measures to treat your injury and protect your legal rights.

Call Your Local Animal Control Agency or Law Enforcement

You should contact a local animal control officer after a dog bite, especially if the animal is a public safety risk. Once they arrive at the scene, they will investigate the situation and determine what appropriate decisions should be made. 

You can also submit a report to animal control. They will create a record of the event, which you can request a copy of to use in your dog bite lawsuit.

Another option is to reach out to law enforcement. Once the officers show up, they will conduct a police report. You can ask them to give you a copy of the written documentation to use as proof in your case.

Seek Medical Attention

You should immediately seek medical attention after a dog bite even if you think you sustained minor bodily damage. Symptoms may progressively develop and worsen if it goes untreated. Furthermore, the opposing side may argue that your wound could have been caused by another factor or that you are not in as much pain as you stated.

Gather Evidence

Be sure to gather the following evidence to develop a strong claim:

• Pictures of your injury and where the incident occurred
• The dog’s history of aggression
• A copy of the animal control or police report
• A copy of your medical records pertaining to the dog bite injury you sustained

Hire a Nevada Dog Bite Lawyer

It can be challenging to handle a dog bite case while also trying to recover from physical or emotional pain after the attack. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our Nevada dog bite lawyers will handle all of the legal implications involved in your case while you focus on getting better.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Nevada Dog Bite Lawsuit?

To determine liability in a dog bite lawsuit, you will need to collect substantial evidence and share it with your legal representative. Once the information has been evaluated, liability will be identified. Potential defendants may include: dog owners and dog sitters or walkers.

Dog Owners

A dog owner must take proper care of their pet to ensure it does not exhibit any aggressiveness when it is surrounded by others. If they are aware of the animal’s bad demeanor, they should take preventative measures, like:

• Place warning signs on the premises
• Use protective barriers to separate the dog from guests
• Securely restrain the animal by using a leash, crate, or harness

Failing to do either of these can increase the risk of a dog bite. If one does occur, the owner will face legal repercussions as a result. Punishments will vary based on the severity of the injury.

Dog Walkers or Sitters

A dog walker or sitter can hold partial or full accountability if the animal attacks someone while under their supervision. For instance, if a dog is out on a walk without a leash, the person being paid to care for the animal will be found liable for any bodily harm the animal causes. They could also be going against leash laws depending on what county they reside in. 

For instance, in Clark County, it is required for owners or caretakers to keep dogs on a leash and in control while in county parks. However, this does not apply if you are in a designated dog park area.

What Is the Statute of Limitations to File a Dog Bite Claim in Nevada?

The statute of limitations to submit a dog bite claim in Nevada is two years starting from the date of when the incident occurred. Be sure to gather enough evidence and hire the right dog bite attorney to represent you. If you do not file your lawsuit before the deadline, you will lose your opportunity to seek damages.

What Damages Are Available in a Nevada Dog Bite Case?

Available damages in a dog bite case will differ for each plaintiff. Typically, economic damages and non-economic damages are granted. In rare circumstances, you may receive punitive damages.

Economic Damages

Economic damages are calculable financial expenses you experienced after the dog bite. This includes:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages refers to intangible costs, like:

• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Pain and suffering

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages are added on top of compensatory damages to punish the wrongdoer for their egregious behavior and to prevent others from performing similar conduct in the future. It is rarely awarded in personal injury cases. To obtain punitive damages, you will need to prove how the defendant committed malice, fraud, or intentional harm.

Our Nevada Dog Bite Attorneys Are Here to Help

If you are a dog bite victim, you may be entitled to file a lawsuit against the owner to obtain compensation. At West Coast Trial Lawyers, our knowledgeable Nevada dog bite attorneys will guide you through each stage of the legal process to make sure you get a fair settlement. As filing a personal injury claim can be an overwhelming experience, especially if you are unfamiliar with the legal system, our dedicated team of attorneys will be there every step of the way to ensure that you are properly represented. 

To schedule a FREE consultation, you can reach out to us by calling (213) 927-3700 or filling out our quick online contact form.