So, you were attacked by a dog in Las Vegas and no one else witnessed the incident but you. Does that mean that your case is doomed? Not necessarily. There are more ways to prove that a dog bit you than through eyewitnesses. Below is some general information on the other types of evidence that can be put forth to prove someone was hurt by a dog attack in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Dog Bite Statistics
During the 13-year period between 2005 and 2017, as many as 433 Americans were attacked and killed by dogs according to research conducted by DogsBite.org. 48% of the victims were 9 years of age or younger. The data shows that bull breeds, fighting, and guardian breeds—pit bulls, rottweilers, American bulldogs, cane corsos, Presa canarios, mastiffs, and bullmastiffs—accounted for more than 80% of all dog bite deaths. 25% of dog attack deaths happened off of the dog owner’s property, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). More than 75% of attacks that occurred off-property involved at least two dogs. Family dogs inflicted 54% of all fatal dog attacks during the 13-year period.
Providing Proof
While an eyewitness to a dog attack is important credible direct evidence, many times there is none. It is important to understand that circumstantial evidence can be used and is just as valuable as direct evidence. This can include:
- Prior Complaints—This can include prior complaints about the animal, prior similar incidents, and even dug holes under backyard fences, police observations, teeth marks, video footage, and statements to law enforcement after the attack.
- Animal Control — when someone is bitten by a dog, it is important to immediately involve animal control, who will conduct an investigation and write an incident report, and seek out medical care. Often times animal control will have records showing whether the dog previously attacked someone and can determine if the animal was vaccinated against rabies.
- Document All You Can— perhaps the most important thing to do if involved in an accident is to document the injury. This should include taking many clear pictures of the bite and keeping any receipts from any treatment costs or hospital care expenses.
- Prior Attacks—evidence of prior attacks by the same dog on others, including victims’ names, can further an allegation of owner-negligence. This not only shows that the owner failed to be cautious of the harm the animal could cause, but also that necessary measures to prevent future attacks were also not taken.
The above can all be useful evidence that a Las Vegas dog-attack victim can gather to establish his or her personal injury claim. These are especially helpful if there are no eyewitnesses to the dog attack.
Dog Bite Attack Lawyers
The attorneys at H&P Law have successfully fought to recover monetary compensation on behalf of the injured in Las Vegas and throughout the state of Nevada. Our lawyers know the tactics the insurance companies and their defense counsel use to try to avoid liability for personal injury claims. We can gather evidence to make your case the strongest possible and seek the best possible outcome under Nevada law. Contact us today.
