It is a frightening experience to be bitten by a dog. Dog bites are often unexpected and happen without warning, resulting in injuries, infections, scars, and even death for some victims. According to the CDC, more than 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs every year.
Around 800,000 dog bite victims seek professional medical care to treat their injuries. These injury victims can require months of treatment, and the scars left behind are often emotional as well as physical.
Depending on the circumstances of your case, pursuing compensation for your dog bite can be a difficult decision to make. However, the Enterprise dog bite attorneys of Pacific West Injury Law can help you through every step of your claim.
Do I Have a Case in Nevada if the Dog Has Only Bitten Once?
The One Bite Rule followed by Nevada and many other states may protect the dog owner from liability on the first occurrence of a dog bite in some cases, but there are exceptions. A dog bite lawyer in Enterprise can help you to determine if you have legal grounds to pursue a lawsuit against the owner.
Here are a few of the circumstances a dog owner can be held liable for dog bites in Clark County:
- If a dog can be classified as dangerous or vicious under the law, an owner may be held responsible for the victim’s injuries, even if the dog has never bitten anyone before.
- If a dog has bitten before and there is a record of the bite, subsequent bite injuries are the owner’s responsibility.
- A dog owner must obey animal control laws. If they violate these laws when the dog attacks someone, they are considered automatically negligent. For example, when the dog is unleashed on a public street.
- If the dog owner behaved negligently, they can be held liable for injuries. Failing to take reasonable precautions in the given circumstance is negligence. For example, allowing a rottweiler to play with an infant unsupervised would likely be considered negligent behavior.
When these circumstances apply, you may be entitled to pursue financial compensation from the dog owner. If you are unsure how the law will view the elements of your particular claim, a lawyer experienced with dog bites in Enterprise can review your case.
What Is a Dog Bite Claim Worth in Nevada?
While every case is unique, the average claim for dog bites is roughly $40,000- $50,000. The evidence and details surrounding your dog bite will have a large impact on the compensatory damages you can receive.
For example, someone suffering from minor to moderate injuries could generally recover around $10,000. Some claims involving extreme injuries, or special circumstances have resulted in compensatory damage recovery of over $500,000.
The limitations of the insurance policy premium and the financial resources of the dog owner can also be major factors in what a dog bite claim is worth. A dog bite lawyer in Enterprise can conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your case to determine the value of your claim.
Some of the factors that will be considered in determining the worth of a dog attack claim include:
- The size, location, and nature of your scarring
- The number of times the dog attack victim was bitten
- If limb loss or facial deformities were a result
- The size or breed of the dog
- How long the attack lasted
- How old the victim was at the time of the dog attack
What Are the Recoverable Damages in a Dog Bite Claim in Enterprise?
You may be able to pursue compensatory damages, including some or all of the following:
- Scarring
- Lost wages
- Emotional trauma
- Pain and suffering
- Medical expenses
- Punitive damages – may apply if the owner ordered the attack or didn’t try to divert it
- Reconstructive surgery
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Loss of use of a limb
- Physical or occupational therapy
- Funeral and burial costs if a wrongful death claim is filed
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Nevada?
In general, the owner or keeper of the dog can be held responsible for dog bites or attacks in Nevada, however, liability can be shared under the doctrine of comparative liability. This means that if the court has found you more than 51% responsible for your injuries, you will be barred from collecting compensation.
In comparative liability, the injury victim can be held responsible for a portion of the injuries, for instance, if you were somewhere you weren’t supposed to be. If there are other extenuating circumstances behind the dog bite, the defendant’s attorney or insurer may attempt to blame you.
This is why it’s essential to secure legal counsel immediately after an incident. An Enterprise dog bite lawyer can help to protect your rights and ensure that you are treated fairly.
How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Take to Settle?
Some claims can be resolved in as little as a month. Other claims that involve more serious injuries can take much longer. Every case is different, but most claims will settle before court action is necessary.
An Enterprise personal injury attorney with experience in dog bite claims will work to ensure that your claim is resolved in the most efficient manner and with the best possible outcome.
Contact an Enterprise Dog Bite Law Firm Today
Proving liability in a dog bite claim in Nevada can be tricky, and it isn’t always easy to secure fair and just compensation for your injuries. The opposing counsel or the insurance companies involved may try to invalidate the severity of your injuries or try to deny your claim outright.
The Enterprise dog bite attorneys of Pacific West Injury Law will work to defend you against these allegations and preserve your right to collect compensation. Contact us today to learn more about the legal options available after a dog bite and how we can help you.
