The American Pet Products Association (APPA) reported that in 2015-2016 there were about 78 million dogs owned in America and that they could be found in about 50% of all households in the nation. This number represents about 25% of the total population of the United States. As can be seen by these numbers, it is only a matter of time before you or someone you know comes in contact with a dog. Generally speaking, most people’s interactions with dogs are positive ones. This is because often dog owners act responsibly, and many dogs are well-behaved. Unfortunately, these animals can also be responsible for unpredictable and sometimes violent confrontations with humans or other animals that result in injuries.
Dog Bites are a Problem
The following statistics illustrate how confrontations with dogs affect the lives of Americans each year:
- There are approximately 4.5 million dog bite injuries each year;
- Dog bites occur every 75 seconds;
- Victims of dog attacks suffer more than $1 billion in annual losses;
- Every day, more than 1,000 people are forced to seek emergency medical care due to injuries suffered from a dog bite;
- Approximately 40% of all fatal dog attacks involved a loose dog that was off of the owner’s property.
When someone is a victim of a violent dog attack, his or her rights are governed by state law. It is a widely accepted misunderstanding that the owner of a dog who injures another will be held strictly liable for injuries suffered. There is a rule specific to dog attacks, however, followed by many states known as the “one bite rule.” Under this legal doctrine, an owner will be held strictly liable for injuries caused by his or her animal only if the owner knew, or should have known, the animal’s vicious or dangerous propensities.
Nevada Law on Dog Bites
The highest court in Nevada rejected the one bite rule in the 1970s. As a result, when Nevada courts are deciding a dog bite case, the judge must look at whether or not the dog owner (or the person who had custody of the animal) was negligent. There are several factors that must be considered in a Nevada dog bite case. These include:
- Where the attack occurred
- Whether or not the dog was provoked
- Whether or not the dog was on a leash
- Whether or not the dog had a history of violent or nervous behavior
- How the dog was cared for
- How the dog was trained
- Whether any laws or ordinances were violated by the owner
If the court finds the owner was negligent, he or she will be held financially responsible for injuries suffered by the victim as a result of the dog attack.
Nevada Personal Injury Lawyers
If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a dog attack or bite, contact the Nevada attorneys at H & P to discuss your case at no obligation. Because evidence can be destroyed and wounds heal, it is important to speak to a lawyer right away to preserve any evidence that may support your case.
