When aggressive dogs aren’t trained or strictly controlled, they can attack and leave victims with serious puncture wounds and infections. If a neighbor or friend’s dog has bitten you, you may have the right to pursue compensation via an insurance claim.
Our dog bite attorneys in Boulder City are closely familiar with Nevada’s laws regarding animal attacks. They’ll be able to advise you on your legal options after a dog bite and help you pursue financial compensation. Speak to a lawyer from Pacific West Injury Law to get started on your claim.
Dog Bite Laws in Boulder City
If a neighbor’s dog has injured you or your child in Boulder City, familiarizing yourself with your local dog bite laws can help you make informed legal decisions. According to dog bite laws in Nevada, you may pursue legal action for injuries sustained in a dog attack if at least one of the following statements are true:
- The dog has bitten someone before
- The dog has, without provocation, behaved menacingly while off-leash towards family or strangers over the last 18 months
- The owner was negligent or violating a local law at the time of the attack
If one of the above statements applies to your dog bite incident, you will be well within your right to file an insurance claim against the dog’s owner. Our dog bite attorneys will help you investigate the attack and find evidence that shows the owner should be held liable for your injuries and losses.
Our Attorneys Will Investigate Your Boulder City Dog Bite Incident
To get the insurance payout you need to cover medical expenses and cope with your injury, your Boulder City dog bite attorney must investigate the animal attack you were injured in. They will
- Review accident reports
- Conduct interviews
- Analyze witness statements
- Collect any other relevant evidence to prove that the dog owner was responsible for the event
- Examine relevant Boulder City municipal codes
If an unknown dog bit you, our team can work with your local Animal Control officer to find the dog’s owner. Once the owner of the dog is identified, and evidence has been obtained that proves their liability, your attorney will be able to file a claim with their home or renter’s insurance provider.
Average Dog Bite Settlement in Boulder City, NV
Since every dog bite victim has slightly different losses, there isn’t a standard settlement amount you can expect to receive. Your attorney will base your estimated settlement value on the medical bills, lost wages, and suffering you’ve been burdened with.
They’ll make sure you get the maximum amount of compensation for the following losses:
- Medical bills: A dog bite lawyer from our office will obtain compensation for any medical care you need to treat and manage your injury effectively.
- Lost wages: If you miss work because of your dog bite, your attorney can get you compensated for the wages you miss.
- Decreased earning capacity: Serious dog bites can leave victims unable to perform essential workplace duties. If your injury has limited your ability to earn money, these damages can offer the financial support you need to live comfortably.
- Pain and suffering: Dealing with a painful dog bite injury can be a major nuisance. If your bite is causing you to experience a considerable amount of pain, your lawyer can add these damages to your claim.
- Mental distress: Dog bite victims often report feelings of anxiety when they spend time with pets and animals. If your dog bite incident has had a negative psychological impact on you, an attorney can request these damages.
What to Do if You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog
If a dog in Boulder City has bitten you, there are a few steps you can take to improve your chances of receiving a prompt and fair settlement offer. Here’s what you can do to help strengthen your case:
- Take photos of your injuries and the dog that bit you
- Exchange contact information with the dog owner
- File a report with your local animal control department
- Keep a record of the time you take off work and your lost wages
- Save your medical bills
- Contact an dog bite attorney in Boulder City
If your dog bite injury is severe, you should skip the initial steps and seek medical attention from a nearby urgent care or hospital. Once you’ve been treated for your dog bite, you can complete the recommended steps and hire a lawyer.
Hire a Dog Bite Attorney As Soon as Possible
Acting fast after a dog bite will ensure that you get your settlement quickly, but it will also help your attorney get your lawsuit submitted before Nevada’s filing deadline. According to Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190, you have two years to file a lawsuit after an animal attack.
If you fail to submit a civil suit within the filing timeframe, you will likely be barred from pursuing compensation for your injuries. That being said, there are a few exceptions to Nevada’s statute of limitations that may apply to your case. If you think it’s too late for you to take legal action, contact an attorney anyway to see if you still have time to file.
Our Dog Bite Attorneys Represent Clients on a Contingency Fee Basis
One of the major benefits of working with one of the dog bite attorneys from our firm is our contingency-fee policy. Our lawyers operate on a contingency fee basis, which means they represent clients in exchange for a portion of their insurance settlement.
If your case doesn’t yield financial remedies, you won’t have to pay any out-of-pocket legal fees. If you’re awarded compensation via an insurance settlement or jury verdict, your lawyer will take approximately one-third of the total amount.
Talk to a Dog Bite Attorney From Our Firm Today
Don’t wait to take action against a negligent dog owner. Delaying your claim will only lower your chances of receiving the compensation you need to pay your bills and replenish your lost wages. Contact an attorney from Pacific West Injury today to take the first step towards your compensation.
A Boulder City dog bite lawyer will meet with you in a free case consultation. They’ll discuss the details of your dog bite incident, the losses you’ve taken on, and your legal options moving forward. If they agree to take on your case, it will only be a short matter of time until you have the money you need to put this ordeal behind you.
