Unlike other states, many of which have a one-bite rule when it comes to harm caused by dogs, Nevada does not have any specific statewide dog bite statute.
Specific counties and cities could have specific dog bite laws or ordinances, however. If you have been bitten by a dog and you were seriously hurt, you should consult with a Las Vegas dog bite lawyer to determine if there are any dog bite ordinances that are applicable to your case. H&P Law can help with your case.
Can You Recover Compensation From a Dog’s Owner After a Bite?
Yes, you may be able to recover compensation from a dog’s owner after a bite. If the dog’s owner has not violated any local ordinances or laws because the county or city where the incident occurred does not have any dog bite rules or ordinances, victims can still seek damages in a personal injury lawsuit based on the legal premise of negligence.
When a dog’s owner violates a local dog-related ordinance, the dog’s owner could be found to be negligent per se, which means that the first half of a negligence case, proving duty and breach, is proven by virtue of a violation of the ordinance.
A Las Vegas personal injury lawyer from H&P Law can help with your case.
When Dog Bites are Caused by Owner’s Deviation from Ordinary Level of Care
Negligence-based personal injury claims are rooted in whether someone owed a duty of care to the victim, but due to a breach of that duty of care, the victim suffered an injury. In the case of a dog bite, if the dog bite is a result of the owner’s negligence, then the victim might be entitled to compensation for their injuries.
The court will evaluate a dog bite personal injury claim by examining the dog owner’s conduct and will determine whether the dog’s owner took reasonable care given the circumstances involved in the situation.
For instance, if the dog was leashed and the owner warned the victim not to approach the dog and even tried to pull the dog away, the court might find that the dog’s owner was not negligent because, given the circumstances, the dog’s owner did a lot to prevent the bite from happening. The dog was leashed, the victim was warned, and the owner even tried to pull the dog away from the victim.
On the other hand, if the owner took no steps to prevent the risk of the dog biting someone by letting it roam around the neighborhood freely, the court would likely find the dog’s owner to have been negligent in light of the circumstances.
How is Negligence Proven in Nevada Dog Bite Cases?
Your personal injury lawyer will carefully investigate the circumstances of the bite. They will gather evidence that can prove an owner was negligent. The type of dog does not play a role in whether an owner was negligent. While it may be tempting to assume dangerous dogs are large breeds, that is not always the case. Even a bite from a small dog can cause lasting harm.
Helpful evidence for proving negligence may include:
- Previous animal control calls involving the owner.
- Veterinary records that state an animal was aggressive. This could prove that the owner knew the animal would attack.
- Witness statements.
- Video footage.
- Medical records.
- Animal control reports from the incident.
- Police reports.
- Statements from the animal control officer.
Are There Las Vegas Laws for Dogs?
Las Vegas has a few laws that could be helpful for your case. These include:
- A leash ordinance: In public places, with the exception of designated dog parks, dogs are required to be on a leash. If you were bitten by an off-leash dog, that alone may be enough to prove negligence.
- Specified walking times: Dogs can only be walked on The Strip between the hours of five AM and 12 p.m.
- Bite reporting: Dog bites must be reported to animal control as soon as possible. The dog may be required to be in quarantine for up to ten days.
Dog Bite Claims Must Be Filed Within Two Years
Despite not having a specific law regarding liability for dog-bite injuries, Nevada does have a specific statute of limitations on dog bite-based personal injury claims. A dog bite claim must be filed in court within two years of when the bite occurred under NRS 11.190.
An incident involving a dog could leave a victim with serious injuries and substantial medical expenses. Dog bite victims need to take action as soon as possible to ensure that their personal injury claim is filed within the statute of limitations. The team at H & P Law can help with your dog bite personal injury claim.
What Compensation Can Be Recovered After a Dog Bite in Nevada?
A bite from a vicious dog can have long-lasting impacts on your life. For example, a puncture wound may become infected or cause nerve damage. You may also be traumatized after the attack. Your Las Vegas dog bite attorney will seek fair compensation for the losses you’ve suffered due to the bite.
You may be able to recover compensation in a dog bite lawsuit for:
- Medical expenses like ER visits, rabies vaccinations, diagnostic testing, surgeries, hospital stays, and physical therapy.
- Lost wages.
- Reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering.
- Emotional distress.
- Scarring and disfigurement.
- PTSD.
- Loss of enjoyment.
Your Las Vegas attorney will seek the maximum compensation you are entitled to after a dog bite.
What Should You Do If a Dog Bites You?
If you are bitten by a dog, there are a few important steps to take to protect your health and your legal claim. You should:
- Wash the bite with mild soap and warm, running water for several minutes. Do not use peroxide on the bite.
- Seek medical attention as soon as possible. Because of the high risk of infection, it’s essential for a medical professional to properly clean the wound and assess the injury.
- Report the dog attack to animal control.
- Report the dog attack to the police.
- Take photos of the bite wound and any other important details from the accident scene. For example, if the dog is unleashed and it is safe to take a photo, try to get a picture of the animal.
- Get contact information from the witness.
- Call a Las Vegas dog bite lawyer.
Contact a Las Vegas Dog Bite Attorney Today
If a dog bit you or a loved one, and the owner was negligent, you may be able to recover fair compensation for medical bills and other losses.
The legal team at H&P Law is here to help. We work on contingency fees so that you won’t have any upfront costs.
Reach out today to schedule a free consultation.
