Nevada state law follows what is known as the “one bite rule” when determining an owner’s liability for their dog’s actions. This rule states that when a person falls victim to a dog bite injury, the owner is usually only liable if the dog was reasonably expected to be dangerous. “Dangerous” in this context typically means the dog had previously been known to act in a manner that caused personal injury or threat of harm to another individual.
When an individual is subjected to a dog bite and incurs personal injury, consultation with an experienced dog bite attorney should always be their primary course of action. While any breed of dog can be friendly if raised in a nurturing environment, some breeds are more prone to unpredictable and violent behavior. Read on for more information on some of the most dangerous dog breeds in America.
Pit Bulls
The American pit bull has developed a reputation in recent years as the emblem of dog bite threats, and for good reason. Reports indicate that the probability of a severe bite wound was 4.4 times higher for pit bulls than any other top-biting breed of dog. Additionally, the odds of an off-property attack that results in a dog bite injury were 2.7 times greater for this breed.
The pit bull’s intelligence and work style make it a very good dog for performance events. These dogs can be great work animals because of their strength and confidence in tackling many different kinds of obstacles. However, far too often these breeds of dog are not properly trained, or even worse they are trained to attack for dog-fighting or property protection purposes. When this training goes awry, victims often find themselves looking for an experienced dog bite attorney.
Rottweilers
The rottweiler breed is known for its immense strength and strong temper. Because of their often stubborn personality, these breeds need to be consistently trained to avoid the risk of a dog bite injury. Amateur owners and families with children are especially advised not to have rottweilers as pets. Data indicates that between rottweilers and pit bulls, these two breeds account for approximately 75% of all dog bite attacks in the United States.
German Shepherds
German Shepherds are one of the most popular breeds of dog, due to their versatility, loyalty, and protective spirit. While these traits are desirable to some experienced owners, for the amateur or family it can spell disaster.
German Shepherds are trained by police units all across the world, due in large part to the breed’s intelligence and forceful bite. With constant rigorous training, this breed can be a loyal companion willing to take on any task. However, in the wrong hands, the dangerous bite and unpredictably defensive demeanor can spell disaster for the average person.
When to Contact an Attorney
When dog bites cause personal injury, victims often want to know how to pursue civil litigation to recover compensation for the damages they have incurred. For years, the attorneys at H&P Law have been helping dog bite victims in Las Vegas and Nevada as they navigate this legal process. Contact H&P Law today to schedule your initial consultation.
