Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer

The last thing you should ever have to worry about is getting bitten or attacked by someone else’s dog. Unfortunately, these incidents happen more often than people realize. At Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers, we know that many dog attack injuries happen due to the careless or negligent actions of a dog’s owner. If you or a loved one have been injured by a dog, our Las Vegas dog bite attorneys are ready to help secure the compensation you deserve.

Las Vegas Dog Bite Attorney

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Why Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers is Your Choice After a Dog Bite

When you contact a Harris & Harris physical injury attorney in Las Vegas, you are gaining a trusted team that is dedicated to helping their clients.

  • As your dog bite injury attorneys, our law firm will never recommend you settle for less than we feel your dog bite case is worth.
  • We have a proven track record of success and have secured over $100 million in settlements and verdict for our clients.
  • You will owe us nothing until our personal injury attorneys are successful and have secured the compensation you need.

Why Do You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer?

A dog bite or attack case can come complicated. In Nevada, dog bite laws can be confusing, and recovering compensation often depends on proving the dog owner’s negligence. To do this, your Las Vegas dog bite lawyer will work to gather evidence, including:

  • Any business or home surveillance that shows the incident.
  • Records that can show a history of biting or attacking from the dog.
  • Your medical records to prove the extent of the dog bite injuries.

Your dog bite attorney will work with the dog owner (or their legal team and homeowner’s insurance company) to obtain a settlement that covers all of your injury-related expenses.

Dog Bite Liability in Nevada

Nevada has strict rules regarding dog bite liability.

Can the Dog’s Owner be Held Liable for a Bite?

Under Nevada law, a dog owner can face liability for a lawsuit if:

  • The dog has previously bitten someone
  • The dog has been classified as a dangerous or vicious animal
  • The owner’s negligence caused the incident (failure to secure, allowed out without a leash, etc.)
  • The owner was in violation of a municipal law regarding ownership of a dog

Nevada Dog Owner Laws

Nevada does not have a dog bite statute, which means it is a “one bite” rule state.

The “One Bite” Rule

This common-law rule is used to determine liability of a dog owner. It states that if a dog’s owner knew or had reason to believe that their dog may cause injury, they are liable for any injuries caused by their dog. Owners are not automatically responsible if their dog bites someone and has never done so before. Additionally, the injury from the dog does not have to be a bite, as it can be any type of injury caused by the animal. A dog owner may argue against this rule, if the injured victim can be shown to have provoked the dog or knowingly or voluntarily risked being bit.

Las Vegas Dog Leash Laws

It is a misdemeanor to willfully take a dog in public without a leash (Clark County Code 10.36.040). Additionally, there are state laws and local ordinances that specifically apply to the Strip. Dogs are completely prohibited between Sahara Avenue and Sunset Road between the hours of noon and 5 a.m.

Nevada Dangerous Dog Law

The state of Nevada also has laws against dogs that are dangerous or vicious. A dog is considered “dangerous” after one bite against a person. The exact definition of a “dangerous dog” according to the state statute N. R. S. 202.500, is one that has behaved menacingly toward people, “Without provocation, on two separate occasions within 18 months,” and “to a degree that would lead a reasonable person to defend himself or herself against substantial bodily harm, when the dog was:

(1) Off the premises of its owner or keeper; or
(2) Not confined in a cage, pen or vehicle.”

Law enforcement may also choose to declare a dog as “dangerous,” “if it is used in the commission of a crime by its owner or keeper.” Las Vegas dog owners can keep a “dangerous” animal, however, certain safety precautions must be taken to avoid a misdemeanor. A dog is deemed “vicious” if it either continues to behave menacingly after having been classified as “dangerous,” or causes a person substantial bodily harm or death. It is illegal for an owner to keep or give away a “vicious” dog in Nevada.

We Can Help You Get The Compensation You Need

If you or someone you care about has been injured by a dog bite or attack, you may need to seek legal assistance. The dog’s owners may be to blame, and you could be entitled to significant compensation, including:

  • Your medical bills
  • Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work
  • General household expenses
  • Pain and suffering damages
  • Possible punitive damages against the dog’s owner

Common Dog Attack Injuries

Dog bites and attacks can cause severe injuries to a victim, including:

  • Severe damage to soft tissue
  • Broken bones
  • Finger amputations
  • Severed ligaments, veins, arteries, and tendons

In many dog bite cases, dog bite victims in Las Vegas require extensive medical care to repair damage and restore appearance and functionality. These dog bite injuries can also lead to long-term emotional and psychological damage. In some cases, an animal attack can result in wrongful death and may allow families to pursue a wrongful death claim under Nevada law. Consider speaking with a wrongful death lawyer if you have lost a loved one due to an animal attack in Nevada.

Dog Bite Statistics

There are approximately 4.5 million dog bites each year in the US. While many of these bites cause only minor injuries, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that one in every five people bitten requires medical attention.

What Should I Do If I’m Bitten by a Dog?

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, there are a few very important steps you should take:

  • Wash the wound with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
  • Seek medical attention right away. It’s important, even if it is only a scratch.
  • If the dog’s owner is at the scene, ask for their name and contact information. Also ask for the dog’s vaccination and rabies records, and find out who the dog’s veterinarian is.
  • Contact the dog’s veterinarian to check that its vaccinations are up to date. If they aren’t, get tested for rabies and other infectious diseases.
  • File a dog bite report with the local health department and with your local animal control office. Out of concern for the dog, the owner may ask you not to do this. However, it is a vital step if you need to file an insurance claim or lawsuit. The report will serve as evidence for your case, and prompt an investigation into the dog’s behavior, possibly preventing a future injury.
  • Consult with a dog bite lawyer in Las Vegas, as the dog’s owner may be liable for your medical bills and other injury-related expenses.

Contact a Las Vegas Animal Attack Lawyer

At Harris & Harris Injury Lawyers, our Las Vegas dog bite attorneys are ready to help you with your dog bite claim in Clark County. You can contact our law firm for a free consultation of your case by clicking here or by calling us at (702) 384-1414 or toll-free at 1 (800) 393-2350. We provide legal help to those who have suffered from an animal attack.

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