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The Top Dog Bite Lawyer In Las Vegas, Nevada
Dog attacks rarely occur by chance – they are often the result of a pet owner’s carelessness. In Nevada, it is the responsibility of every dog owner to take reasonable steps to stop their dogs from causing harm or injury. If you have been bitten by a dog in Las Vegas, contact our experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer for help and advice. With no specific dog-bite law in Nevada, the laws surrounding these events remain a bit of a blur. If you are seeking compensation for any damages caused by your suffering, it is best to seek help from an experienced personal injury attorney in Las Vegas. At the Spartacus Law Firm, our legal team offers consultations and will be more than willing to answer any questions that may arise during this time.
What To Do After A Dog Bites You In Nevada
If you or someone close to you has been attacked by a dog in Nevada, whether it’s in Las Vegas or another city, then our experienced Las Vegas dog bite injury lawyer is here to help. We have dealt with many similar cases like yours over the years and are ready to provide honest advice on the next steps.
Call The Police
With the presence of a Las Vegas police officer at your dog bite site, you will be able to create an official record and acquire a valuable police report. This document can prove essential when seeking compensation for your canine attack.
Obtain The Owner’s Name And Contact Information
Record the full name, address, and phone number of the dog owner and any witnesses who may be able to provide assistance or testimony when you file a claim. Also inquire as to whether their pet’s rabies shot is up-to-date since treating this virus requires an expensive and uncomfortable series of shots that must be administered by a healthcare practitioner over several visits.
Take Detailed Photographs
Armed with the right information, you can create an immensely powerful case. Capture photographs of your dog, the attack, and its aftermath to document all relevant evidence. This should include pictures that show any cuts, scrapes, bruises, or bite marks on your body as well as torn clothing and the exact location where everything occurred. When it comes to defending yourself in a legal battle, knowledge is power – so make sure you are armed with enough facts to strengthen your argument!
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
Don’t underestimate the potential severity of your dog bite. Seek medical help right away – be sure to call 911 or go directly to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. Cleaning, disinfection, stitching, and other necessary procedures should all be done as soon as possible in order to reduce the risk of infection from a dog bite. Ignoring this advice may lead to further complications with your injury so don’t hesitate when it comes to these measures!
Document Everything
To be rightfully entitled to compensation, such as for pain and suffering, it is imperative that you provide a clear account of your dog bite experience. This will ensure that any damages for noneconomic losses are calculated accurately in the case. Take a few minutes each day to document your physical and emotional pain, treatments required for healing, and so forth in the form of journaling. This will serve as evidence to strengthen any legal cases you may need to make down the line—whether that’s months or years from now. Your journal entries will be an invaluable tool when it comes time to refresh your memory during future proceedings!
Call A Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer
Do not leave your future in the hands of fate. If you have been attacked by a canine, enlisting an experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer is vital to safeguard your rights. From costly medical bills to excruciating pain and even potential unemployment due to the injuries sustained, Nevada law offers you recourse for these losses; yet dog bite cases are intricate affairs. A proficient personal injury attorney can help guide you through this challenging process so that justice may be served.
Liable Parties In A Dog Bite Accident
When it comes to legal responsibility for a dog bite accident in Nevada, things can get complicated. Luckily, the Spartacus Law Firm is equipped with the necessary resources to carefully investigate your claim and determine who should be held accountable. Depending on different factors such as local Las Vegas laws and the situation of the attack, any of these parties could potentially owe damages:
The Dog’s Owner
In Las Vegas, the legal responsibility for any dog-related bites or attacks usually falls on the pet’s owner. It is their job to control and restrain their animal in order to prevent such incidents from occurring. That being said, if the pet parent is under 18 years old, then liability often shifts onto his/her parents or guardians. Ultimately, it comes down to whether a court believes that they were aware of potential dangers posed by their beloved companion and failed to take necessary precautions – at which point they could be held liable.
Someone Who “Kept or Harbored” The Dog
Nevada’s dog bite laws aren’t limited to merely the pet’s official owner when it comes to liability. Instead, any individual who maintained, housed, watched over, cared for, or had the power of control over the animal while it was attacking could be held liable. This includes relatives of the actual proprietor if they were watching the canine at that time and are thus responsible instead of their relative.
The Dog Owner’s Landlord
In Nevada, property owners can be held accountable for any damages resulting from dog attacks. As such, they must take responsibility to ensure that premises remain reasonably secure and safe by taking preventive measures against potential risks of attack; this applies even to young trespassers. Landlords could face liability if they were aware of a tenant owning a dangerous animal yet neglected to intervene and prevent an incident from occurring.
If the courts find you partially responsible for a dog bite accident in Nevada, your compensation could be reduced by that percentage of fault. Regardless of whether or not you are comparatively at fault if your degree of responsibility is lower than the defendant’s, then you can still recover damages. Understanding liability and comparative negligence laws is essential to securing a successful case outcome, our experienced Las Vegas dog bite attorney has the expertise to help!
Most Common Dog Bite Injuries In Nevada
Every Las Vegas dog bite lawyer is likely to come across clients who have experienced various injuries because of an overexcited and unleashed animal, even if those victims weren’t bitten. Victims’ wounds can vary in severity; however, the most typical involve:
- Facial injuries (common in children)
- Lacerations and bruising
- Broken bones from being knocked down
- Extremity amputation (e.g., fingers, etc.)
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Crush injuries caused by extreme bite force
- Wounds that lead to wrongful death
The bite force of the dog is often a huge factor in the severity of the injury. Our Nevada dog bite lawyer has created a detailed guide of the top 20 breeds with the strongest dog bite force. Click the link below to learn more.
If you or a loved one has been injured due to a dog bite, don’t wait any longer—contact our team at the Spartacus Law Firm today. We offer case evaluations and operate on a contingency-fee-basis so that unless we can recover damages for your injuries, there will be no cost to you! Our Las Vegas dog bite injury lawyer has extensive experience in handling all types of personal injury cases including those related to dog bites. Get the legal guidance and protection you deserve – let us fight for justice on your behalf.
Nevada Dog Owner Laws
Nevada does not have a dog bite statute, which means it is a “one bite” rule state. Below are the dog owner laws you must be aware of if you suffered a dog bite injury. However, there can be many nuances in these situations, so it’s critical to have a knowledgeable Las Vegas dog bite lawyer in your corner to represent you.
The “One Bite” Rule
As per the common-law rule, dog owners are liable for any harm caused by their pet if they had previous knowledge that it could potentially hurt someone. Nevertheless, this does not mean that an owner is accountable in all instances when a canine bites somebody; one may fight against it with proof of provocation from the injured party or if the person voluntarily risked being bitten. Note too that this legal principle applies to more than just bite injuries—it encompasses any damage induced by a dog.
Las Vegas Dog Leash Laws
According to Clark County Code 10.36.040, it is an offense for anyone to take their dog in public without a leash – so if you’re planning on taking your pup out with you make sure they’re leashed up! Furthermore, state laws and local ordinances also apply specifically to the Strip: dogs are not allowed between Sahara Avenue and Sunset Road from 12 PM until 5 AM. So be mindful of these restrictions when visiting Nevada’s iconic Las Vegas Boulevard with man’s best friend!
Nevada Dangerous Dog Law
As dictated by the state statute NRS 202.500, Nevada has strict laws regarding pets that are considered dangerous or vicious; in particular, a dog can be labeled as “dangerous” after just one bite against someone else without provocation! To receive this label of “dangerous,” the dog must have behaved menacingly toward humans on two occasions within 18 months that would lead a reasonable person to believe they were about to suffer substantial bodily harm according to sensible standards for self-defense tactics and safety measures, including:
- Off the premises of its owner or keeper; or
- Not confined in a cage, pen, or vehicle.
If a canine has been used for criminal activity by its keeper or operator, Las Vegas law enforcement may make the determination to declare it as “dangerous.” Although local dog owners can still keep such an animal in their possession, certain safety measures must be taken to steer clear of misdemeanors. A dog is dubbed “vicious” if it either continues with threatening behavior after being labeled dangerous or causes considerable physical harm and death. Consequently, keeping or transferring ownership of a vicious pup within Nevada state limits is prohibited.
Potential Compensation For A Las Vegas Dog Bite
At the Spartacus Law Firm, we understand that every canine bite case is unlike the last. That’s why victims of dog bites in Las Vegas have the right to justly reclaim compensation for all damages incurred from a bite. Our Las Vegas dog bite lawyer can generally go after payment for:
- Past and future medical expenses in treating a dog bite injury and related health complications
- Costs related to address mental health challenges common to dog bite injury cases, especially when a dog bites a young child
- Out-of-pocket costs for non-medical goods and services to assist in recovering from or living with a dog bite injuries
- Lost earnings from the victim or a caregiver missing work while the bite heals
- The value of vacation time or sick leave used while missing work
- Any loss of future earnings or earning opportunities caused by the bite
- Bite-related scarring and disfigurement
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Diminished quality of life
We understand how difficult it can be when someone has been injured due to the extreme or malicious behavior of another. In such cases, our team is able to pursue an award for punitive damages as well. If a dog bite leads to wrongful death proceedings that involve the loss of income, support, and companionship, our experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer is here to provide legal counsel on behalf of the victim’s surviving loved ones or estate.
Dog Bite Injury Statistics
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), an estimated 4.7 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with approximately 800,000 of those bites resulting in medical attention. Here are some additional statistics about dog bite injuries:
- Children are more likely than adults to be bitten by a dog, and are also more likely to be severely injured.
- About half of all dog bite injuries occur in children under the age of 12.
- Dog bites are more common among males than females.
- The most common breeds involved in fatal dog attacks are pit bulls and rottweilers, but it’s important to note that any dog can bite and cause injury.
- Dog bites can result in a range of injuries, from minor scratches and bruises to severe wounds and infections.
- Infections are a common complication of dog bites, and can be caused by bacteria in the dog’s saliva or on its skin.
- About 1 in 5 dog bites require medical attention.
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, it’s important to seek medical attention as soon as possible to prevent infection and ensure proper wound care.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Homeowners Or Renter’s Insurance Cover Dog Bite Injuries In Nevada?
Homeowners and renters who own a dog can rest assured that – as long as the pet is legally kept – their insurance policy will cover all associated costs should any attacks occur. In fact, according to 2016 statistics, close to one-third of all homeowner’s liability claim dollars across America were due to dog bites or related injuries! On average, every claim yielded a payout of more than $33,000. Nevertheless, some policies may impose restrictions on which dog breeds are covered while others might demand exclusive endorsements or have reduced policy limits for guard dogs or those classified as dangerous in city/county bylaws.
How Much Does Medical Treatment For A Dog Bite Cost?
The Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality conducted a research study that unveiled the shocking medical costs incurred by dog bite victims. The findings were particularly disconcerting, with some alarming statistics revealed.
- 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.
What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Dog Bite Injuries In Nevada?
In the unfortunate event of a dog bite, it’s imperative to act quickly in order to pursue appropriate compensation. Under Nevada law, there is a two-year statute of limitations for filing claims related to dog bites or attacks. If you fail to file your lawsuit within this period, you may lose out on monetary restitution rights altogether. Time matters when seeking justice!
This means you’ll have to cover lost wages, medical expenses, property damage, and any other losses yourself. If a court isn’t involved in the process due to an impending dog bite claim, it’s unlikely that the owner’s insurance company will offer a fair settlement. You may be thinking: “It’ll all be okay! I’ve got two years!” But don’t forget – time flies far too quickly when dealing with this kind of problem. It’s highly recommended that you reach out to a skilled Las Vegas dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to begin building your personal injury case.
Is “Dangerous” Dog Insurance Required In Nevada?
Even though it is legal to own a dangerous dog in Nevada, most cities and counties impose rigorous regulations upon their owners to protect others from harm. Additionally, those who keep these canines must have liability insurance coverage of at least $50,000 for any potential canine bite injuries. Our Las Vegas dog bite attorney is well-versed in the law and will help ensure that you receive compensation if you’ve been injured by one of these dogs—if there’s an insurance policy or other resources available to cover your claim.
Contact Our Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer Today
After experiencing an animal attack, victims are often overwhelmed by the consequences that come with it. Apart from worrying about medical bills and lost wages due to absence from work, they may find themselves struggling to pursue justice against negligent owners. Even if physical wounds inflicted by dog bites don’t cause permanent damage, emotional trauma can haunt a victim for years or even decades.
Don’t be fooled by Nevada’s one-bite laws—you could still be entitled to compensation if you have been harmed by a dog, even if the animal has never displayed violent behavior. It is essential to understand that the state takes damage of any form seriously and will not overlook it regardless of past history. If you’ve been injured in an animal attack in Nevada, contact our knowledgeable Las Vegas dog bite lawyer at the Spartacus Law Firm today for a consultation and to learn more about how we can help.