Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyers

FAQs dog bite cases and animal attacks

What are the Nevada dog bite laws?

According to the law, dog owners are responsible for their dog’s actions, and homeowner’s insurance will pay for the damages. Dog bites account for about a third of homeowners’ insurance claims.

Nevada does not have specific dog bite laws in place like many other states. The “one bite free” rule many states have also does not apply. If a dog attacks a person, the victim can sue the owner for personal injury. Since most dog bites occur on the property where the dog resides, these cases fall under premise liability.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) has stated that at least 16 people die yearly from dog bites. The CDC reports that almost 5,000,000 people are attacked each year by a dog and that nearly one-fifth of those bites are severe enough to require intensive medical care. With such staggering facts, it is easy to see why dog bites are taken so seriously.

What happens if my dog bites someone on the property I own?

If your dog bites someone on your own property, you may owe the person financial compensation.

You may also be required to report the bite to the Clark County Animal Control authorities. Even if your dog bites someone on your property, that fact may not be a defense.

What happens if my dog bites someone in a home I rent?

You may have legal liability if a dog bites someone in a home you rent. Trespassing and provocation are recognized defenses to a dog bite in a rental home.

Physical injuries, property damage, and pain and suffering are all types of compensation available for a dog bite in a rental home. Insurance may cover your legal liability.

How does strict liability affect dog bite cases?

Strict liability affects dog bite cases by making a dog owner legally liable for a bite any time the dog owner violates dog laws. Even if a dog has no history of being aggressive, breaking a dog law is enough to create negligence per se for an owner. Negligence per se is a very high legal standard similar to strict liability but allows the dog owner to rebut the presumption of liability.

How long does it take for a dog bite settlement?

It takes approximately 30-90 days for a dog bite settlement. A complex case may take several months. The exact details in the case determine how long it takes for a dog bite settlement.

However, a dog bite settlement usually takes between 30 days and several months, depending on the case’s specific facts. Please consult with an attorney to evaluate your particular case and settlement to give you an exact timeframe.

What is the average settlement for a dog bite injury?

The national average settlement for a dog bite injury is between $3,000 and $90,000.

An average dog bite settlement includes compensation for medical bills, damaged property, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. The more severe your injuries and the longer your recovery time, the higher you can expect your compensation to be.

The value of your case may be more or less than the average settlement for a dog bite injury. Please consult an attorney to evaluate your specific circumstance to give you a fair estimate.

How can I remain safe when a strange animal approaches me?

It is very important everyone understands that all dogs can be dangerous. This is especially important to instill in small children, the most common dog attack victims. Everyone should obey the following guidelines when they are around a strange dog:

• Do not quickly approach a dog you do not know. This may seem like you are attacking the dog, and they will react.
• Do not bother a dog that is eating or engaged in another activity. Dogs may feel threatened and will “protect” their food or toys.
• Avoid making direct eye contact with an aggressive dog. Dogs can find this as a challenge and are more apt to attack.
• Never approach a stray dog
• Do not try to calm a barking dog that you do not know

A dog’s aggression is not restricted to any single breed or size of the dog. While some breeds of dogs can be more aggressive by nature, all breeds of dogs can attack if they feel threatened, are injured, or have been abused to the point of aggression.

You should consult a professional dog bite attorney if you have suffered a dog bite. The injuries you receive can often quickly add up to large medical bills, and you may suffer other financial issues as a result. If your child was injured, there may also be additional emotional harm connected to the attack.

Many insurance companies try to overlook the seriousness of a dog bite. This lack of compassion can further injure the victim. It is important to protect your rights with legal representation.

Additional dog bite related resources

• Picking Your New Family Dog: Considerations & Safety Tips
• When To Call Nevada Animal Control
• Bite Statistics According to Dog Breed
• Homeowner & Landlord Liability for Dog Bites
• Las Vegas Stats for Dog Bites
• How to Treat Dog Bites and What to Look For
• How to Protect Yourself Against a Dog Bite