If a dog attacks and bites you in Las Vegas, NV, the consequences can be severe. Your dog bite injury can affect you long into the future. With help from a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer, you can hold the owner of the dog that attacked you responsible for your injury.
H&P Law has plenty of experience with dog bite accident claims in Las Vegas. Our Las Vegas dog bite lawyer can help you file your claim against a negligent pet owner right away. To learn more, please reach out to us.
Why Dog Bites Happen in Las Vegas
There are approximately 90 million dogs in the United States, according to the World Animal Foundation (WAF). If you approach a dog, you probably do not expect the animal to bite you. However, dog bites are reported every day, and they can cause major problems for all involved.
In the United States, more than 4.5 million people suffer dog bites in a given year, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) notes. Dogs will bite if they are hungry, scared, or unsure about how to deal with a person or situation. If a dog bites someone, it is unlikely that the animal will have to be put down.
Each dog bite accident is treated as its own entity. In many instances, a negligent dog owner — and not the animal itself — is held responsible for this type of accident. By hiring a Las Vegas dog bite attorney, you can seek damages from a neglectful pet owner.
How Premises Liability Applies to a Las Vegas Dog Bite Accident Case
Nevada does not have a specific dog bite statute in place. Instead, dog bite accident cases are built around premises liability. A dog bite attorney in Las Vegas can explain premises liability in dog bite cases and how it relates to your claim.
Dog owners are negligent when they breach their duty of care. They are expected to watch their pets and make sure that these animals do not harm others. Therefore, if a dog bites someone, the owner can be held responsible.
At H&P Law, our legal team removes the guesswork from animal bite lawsuits. With help from our dog bite lawyer in Las Vegas, you can request compensation from a negligent pet owner. For more information, please get in touch with us.
When to Hire a Pet Bite Accident Lawyer in Las Vegas
For personal injury claims in Nevada, there is a two-year statute of limitations. This means you have up to two years from the date a dog bites and injures you to sue the pet’s owner. If you choose not to submit a claim during this window, you cannot ask for damages at a later time.
It is in your best interests to meet up with an attorney as soon as you can after your animal attack. Your lawyer can discuss dog bite complications to watch out for and similar topics. If you have a valid claim, your attorney can help you file your request for compensation.
Do not expect an immediate resolution to your pet bite case. It can take weeks or months to get money from a negligent pet owner. Regardless, your attorney is accessible, and they will do everything they can to help you get a fair amount of compensation.
How Much Money You Can Secure in a Pet Bite Lawsuit in Las Vegas
Your Las Vegas pet bite lawsuit may be worth thousands of dollars. How much money you receive depends on the severity of your injury and other factors. Your lawyer will urge you to pursue economic and non-economic compensation from the pet owner who let your injury happen.
You can ask for economic compensation relating to your medical bills and other losses that you can quantify. Comparatively, you can seek non-economic compensation for psychological damage and other subjective harm. Your lawyer will encourage you to request as much money as you can.
Of course, even if you submit a claim for compensation, you are still responsible for showing that a pet owner was negligent, which led to your injury. You and your lawyer will work together to develop a compelling argument. If you succeed, you can present an argument that convinces a judge or jury to award you the damages you want.
What to Do If You Get a Pet Bite Accident Settlement Offer
If you have a strong case, the defendant may have concerns that they will have to pay out a large settlement. This can lead the defendant to offer a settlement that is less than what you originally requested in damages. If you accept this proposal, you can resolve your case without a trial but will only receive a portion of the compensation you initially requested.
For those who receive a settlement offer, consult with your attorney. Then, you and your lawyer can discuss the proposal and all that it entails. If you and your lawyer find that the offer is well short of what you deserve, you can reject the proposal.
The defendant may offer multiple settlement offers over the course of your litigation. You and your attorney can review each one, weigh its pros and cons, and decide on it. By evaluating each settlement offer that comes your way, you can determine if it gives you an adequate amount of compensation based on the losses that you have suffered.
What to Look for in a Las Vegas Dog Bite Accident Lawyer
Choose an attorney who has experience with pet bite accident cases. This lawyer can apply their legal knowledge and insights to your lawsuit. They can help you avoid issues as you move through the legal process.
Share your questions about dog bite and premises liability claims with an attorney. Ideally, your lawyer can give you insights into personal injuries associated with dog bites and other legal topics. They can help you make informed decisions at each stage of your litigation.
H&P Law makes it simple to partner with a Las Vegas dog bite accident attorney. We are available to discuss your case. To get started, contact us today.
