Unfortunately, dog bites are not an unusual occurrence in Nevada, or across the U.S. While most dog bite injuries are not life-threatening or require hospitalization, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you should still be concerned.
Some breeds are more apt to be perpetrators than others. Some dog owners are less conscientious than others. One should exercise caution around any dog they do not know, or more importantly, one that does not know them. If you receive a dog bite get medical care and consider your options for compensation.
How Much Is My Dog Bite Case Worth?
Just how much you request in compensation for a dog bite injury depends upon a variety of factors. These include any medical bills, necessary recovery time from work, and the trauma from the experience.
Nevada Dog Bite Statutes of Limitations
The amount of time to file after suffering from a bite injury can vary from state to state. In Nevada, you have two years from the day of the actual incident. However, it is best to file as soon as possible following physical recovery.
Damages You Can Collect
Damages to file for attributed to a dog bite include:
- Medical bills, including doctor visits, x-rays, surgery, in-office stitches, lab tests, and anything else necessary as deemed by a medical professional
- Wage loss, which includes all-time taken away from work for medical care related to the injury, and physical and mental recovery
Pain and Suffering
Emotional trauma is not always easy to equate into dollars. Dog bite victims often do suffer mentally from the experience. This can vary from individual to individual. A medical evaluation can be helpful not only to the patient emotionally but also in determining a possible value from the experience. Some individuals may need extensive counseling following a dog attack.
The therapy costs, themselves, should be included in medical bills. Pain and suffering though go beyond that, interpreting the toll the incident has taken on your life. Pacific West Injury Law can help determine that cost.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Henderson, call 702-602-HURT
What Does a Dog Bite Lawyer Do?
Following a dog attack, a good, experienced dog bite lawyer will know how to proceed and handle your case.
Filing Your Claim
Just as the statute of limitations may vary from state to state, so may the methods to file a claim following a dog attack. You will need to meet with the attorney and be prepared to relive the experience including what led up to the attack, what happened immediately after, and how you obtained medical care.
Filing the paperwork alone can be complicated. An attorney with expertise in the field will not only fill out paperwork properly but promptly while taking that burden off your mind.
Collecting Evidence
Besides the information you provide, there is a lot more evidence to obtain. Your attorney’s team will find out:
- If the owner was aware of the incident
- Whether the dog’s accessibility to you was due to neglect
- Whether there have been any prior police reports filed against the dog’s owner
- If the dog has a previous history of attacking and/or biting others
The “one-bite” rule is applicable in Nevada. This does not excuse dog owners for being responsible for their dog in a first bite situation, but rather holds the owner responsible for any subsequent bites.
In theory, the owner of a dog in a first bite altercation is unaware of the potential for his dog to bite and has proper licensing of his dog. He may be held to a lesser standard than an owner who is fully aware of the potential biting actions of his dog. That owner is subject to a higher level of liability.
Dog Bite Settlement
When working with Pacific West Injury Law, your attorney will help you obtain the best possible settlement in your case after receiving a dog bite. Often a settlement can be reached between the parties without going to court. A good attorney knows how much you should request in compensation and what you can expect.
Henderson Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 702-602-HURT
What to Do if a Dog Bites You
Getting attacked by a dog can put you in shock. If you, or someone you are with, is bitten, call 9-1-1. Not only will the paramedics treat you and, if warranted, take you to a hospital, calling for help documents the incident.
When a dog bite occurs, the dog may be taken in by animal control. If the owner, however, has proof of rabies vaccination, proper licensing from the city of Henderson, and this is a first-time incident for the dog, it may be able to stay in its owner’s possession.
Getting Medical Treatment
Do not take a dog bite lightly. If paramedics are not called, or if you do not go to the hospital immediately, be sure to consult a physician as soon as possible. Consider going to urgent care if your physician is not readily available.
Animal bites may be worse than they initially seem. Going untreated can result in further injury or illness. Any puncture wound could become infected. The possibility of rabies is also of concern. So is the possibility of a fracture.
Contacting a Personal Injury Lawyer
Once you are cared for medically, it is important to contact the Pacific West Injury Law firm quickly. While you may not be completely healed yet, it is important to establish a relationship with your attorney. He can move forward with collecting evidence. Witness statements may become foggy with time. Prompt follow-up is important.
While you may not be ready to file a claim yet, and all damages may not yet be known, it is important to get your lawyer involved quickly.
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A Henderson Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Can Help You
If you, or a loved one, has suffered from a dog bite, a knowledgeable attorney can help you obtain your rights. The experienced staff of Pacific West Injury Law is ready to help you file a claim and receive your deserved compensation. Contact us at (702) 602-4878 today.
Call or text 702-602-HURT or complete a Free Case Evaluation form