Dogs are considered man’s best friend, but dogs that can be friendly to their owners may lash out at others. Dog bites can inflict severe physical wounds, requiring expensive medical treatment, and can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and long-term psychological distress. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a dog attack, seeking legal counsel with a Pahrump dog bite lawyer is crucial to protect your rights and recover compensation for your injuries.
At H&P Law, we pride ourselves on helping victims of personal injury accidents get the compensation they deserve. With over 60+ years of combined experience, our attorneys bring knowledge, experience, and compassion to every case we work on. Contact a Pahrump personal injury lawyer to help you file your claim against a negligent dog owner.
Why Dog Bites Occur
Dog bites are a serious and often traumatic experience. While many dogs are beloved companions, incidents of dog attacks occur more frequently than one might think. Several factors contribute to dog bites, with a common cause being negligent dog ownership.
Someone could show negligence through a lack of dog training, inadequate supervision, and failure to obey proper leash laws. In Nye County, leash laws are strictly enforced under Nye County Code §6.06.080, which mandates that dogs must be leashed at all times when outside the owner’s property. Violating this ordinance is considered a misdemeanor, further emphasizing the importance of responsible dog ownership.
Other factors can include a dog’s protective instincts being engaged, inciting behavior from the victim, and underlying medical conditions that may affect a dog’s behavior. It’s essential to remember that dog bite victims should not bear the burden of these injuries alone. Seeking legal counsel from a Pahrump dog bite attorney can explain your legal rights as a victim and how to best pursue compensation for your damages.
Common Injuries Associated with Dog Bites
Dog attacks and bites can result in severe physical injuries, including puncture wounds, lacerations, and broken bones. Beyond the physical toll, dog bite victims often endure emotional distress, such as fear, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims commonly incur personal injuries from dog bites on the hands, face, and legs.
No matter what the breed or size of the dog, bites can be particularly severe. According to the American Academy of Family Physicians, treatment of dog bites is particularly important due to the risk of infection. Common personal injuries associated with dog bites can include:
- Lacerations
- Blood loss
- Puncture wounds
- Infections such as rabies or tetanus
- Broken bones and fractures
- Nerve damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
Establishing Negligence in Dog Bite Claims
Establishing the dog owner’s negligence is crucial to increase your chances of successfully recovering damages from a dog bite injury. This means that you must demonstrate that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling their animal. Evidence of the owner’s negligence can include factors such as allowing the dog off of their leash to roam freely, failing to secure the dog properly, or neglecting to address known aggressive behavior.
If it was common knowledge or the dog owner was aware of the animal’s penchant for aggression or past behavior, you may be able to prove negligence. The owner’s past knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior and failure to take appropriate precautions can strengthen your claim of owner liability. You may be able to establish this through witness testimony, prior bite incidents, or animal control records.
Ultimately, a successful dog bite claim hinges on demonstrating a clear connection between the dog owner’s negligence and the victim’s injuries. If the dog bite occurred on the owner’s property, you may also want to seek help in understanding premises liability in dog bite cases from a dog bite lawyer in Pahrump. At H&P Law, we will work diligently to increase your chances of obtaining fair compensation by helping you gather evidence and build a solid case to establish negligence.
Dog Bite Laws in Pahrump, Nevada
There are a few specific laws that are vital to understanding when it comes to filing a claim subsequent to your dog bite injury. Under NRS §202.500, owners of dangerous or vicious dogs can be held liable and may be guilty of a misdemeanor or even a category D felony. However, this requires proof of past aggressive behavior that lead to significant bodily harm.
Under this law, a dog may not be found dangerous or vicious based solely on its breed. It also protects dogs that are acting in defense against a person who is committing a crime, such as trespassing, or who provokes the dog, subjecting the animal to pain or torment. However, it’s important to note that these are specific exceptions, and proving that a dog falls under one of these categories often requires substantial evidence.
Because Nevada has no specific dog bite statutes, it is helpful to work with a Pahrump dog bite attorney who can explain the personal injury laws and local laws that could help you increase your chance of recovering damages. Be sure to get started on your case. Nevada has a two-year statute of limitation under NRS: Chapter 11 – Limitation of Actions in which victims can file claims or pursue a personal injury lawsuit.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney at H&P Law Today
H&P Law has a proven track record of successfully representing victims of dog bites in Pahrump and throughout Nevada. Our experienced attorneys understand the physical and emotional trauma caused by these attacks and are dedicated to seeking justice on behalf of our clients. We have a deep knowledge of the laws regarding Nevada’s dog bite cases and will aggressively pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Get in touch with our team to get started on your claim with a dog bite attorney in Pahrump. We will work to answer your questions and advise you on your next steps forward in recovering the compensation you rightfully deserve. Contact us to set up a free consultation today.
