Dog bites are a far more common mishap than most people believe, and thousands of dog bites are reported every year in Las Vegas. While responsible owners may be extra cautious in ensuring their pets stay obedient and peaceful around others, others still let their dogs become vicious, and the results are mostly tragic.
If you’ve recently experienced a dog bite or someone you know has gone through the same, you can file a claim against the less conscientious pet owner. So speak with the experienced Las Vegas dog bite injury attorneys at Pacific West Injury for apt guidance.
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What Does Nevada Law Say About Dog Bite Cases?
Contrary to other states’ “one bite” laws, Las Vegas dog owners aren’t liable if their pet has never acted the same way before. But there are several scenarios where an owner can be responsible for an injured victim’s compensation.
According to Nevada laws define a dangerous dog as one that has acted menacingly towards people or threatened them twice in the last 18 months while unleashed or at large. Tormented or provoked animals don’t fall in this category.
The laws allow people to own dangerous dogs, but one must comply with the local and state laws. For instance, you must obtain a neuter or spay, permit, secure your pet, and post warnings about your dog on your property. Failing to comply could be a misdemeanor, and the owner can face a dog bite lawsuit based on negligence.
How Negligence Works in Dog Bite Cases
A dog is considered “vicious” when it has acted threateningly and menacingly toward people or caused substantial bodily harm. At this level, it’s no longer legal to keep or give the dog away.
One may be considered negligent if they:
- Allowed children to play with an aggressive canine without adult supervision
- Knew about the dog’s menacing and threatening activity in recent months
- Their dog was threatening even on a leash.
Who’s Liable When I’m Bitten By a Dog?
Las Vegas dog owners must ensure their pets don’t present a substantial threat. If the dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner must secure it based on local ordinances and leash laws. Dogs with a biting history have more significant warnings and restraints. Owners must keep proper licenses and vaccinate their pets.
If a canine bit you, the owner can be liable for your injuries and resulting medical costs. The pet must have shown viciousness or danger, and the owner must be negligent. Notably, Las Vegas is governed by comparative fault regulation.
If the injured party contributed to their damages, the court could reduce the damages awarded based on their degree of fault. For instance, if the victim poked the dog repeatedly before being bitten, the court may rule that they were partially at fault and can’t recover the total compensation amount. If your degree of fault goes beyond 50%, you cannot receive anything from the claim.
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Proving Your Case with a Las Vegas Dog Bite Attorney
Generally, Nevada’s “one bite” rule allows relatively few consequences for dog owners whose pets harm someone for the first time. Before this point, the owner is assumed to be unknowledgeable of the dog’s violent behavior.
But after the first bite, the owner must assume that their pet poses a danger to other people and may bear significant liability in a dog bite claim. You must prove the following to establish that there’re grounds for your injury claim:
- The dog has shown aggressive behavior before, and there’s reason to assume that it could behave the same way in the future.
- You were at a rightful location during the attack.
- The bite caused severe injuries.
- A specific dog bit you.
What’s the Deadline for Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Nevada?
When filing a simple negligence claim after being bitten by a dog, you can only recover damages if you do so within limits defined by Nevada’s statute of limitations. According to these laws, you have only two years to make the personal injury claim, and the time begins on the date of the incident.
If you don’t adhere, your case could be dismissed unless several extenuating circumstances exist. So makes sure you speak with your Las Vegas dog bite injury attorney as soon as possible.
How Should I Respond If a Dog Bites Me In Las Vegas?
The moves you make after the dog bite incident can determine the direction and outcome of your case. Generally, make sure you handle the case in the following ways:
- Contact the police so that authorities develop an official record of the attack. This will aid your search for compensation.
- Write down the dog owner’s full name and contact details. Also, obtain the details of witnesses so that you can reach out to them to assist your case with their testimony.
- Take photos of the scene and dog, and capture the actual harm inflicted by the dog. Your case becomes stronger if you provide more evidence.
- Make sure you seek medical attention and have a professional review your injuries and ascertain the level of harm. Keep all the documentation and receipts as they will be important when seeking compensation.
- Note down everything. Non-economic damages have a massive role in your dog bite case, so be sure to provide any information detailing your experience. Even if it takes years to resolve, your journal will refresh your memory of the events.
- With too much at stake, the final step would be to reach out to an experienced dog bite Injury lawyer in Las Vegas with comprehensive knowledge of dog bite claims. This will increase your chances of getting a favorable case outcome.
Let an Experienced Dog Bite Attorney in Las Vegas Help Your Case
Dog bite claims can be complicated due to the lack of specific statutes. Several challenges could make it hard for you to obtain sufficient compensation, so it would be in your best interest to let a Pacific West Injury seasoned attorney handle your case. A Las Vegas dog bite injury lawyer will help your case in the following ways:
- Protecting your rights throughout the claims process
- Establishing your claim
- Negotiating and collecting damages
- Setting your lawsuit
- Representing you in court as you recover
So speak with us today to schedule your free case evaluation.
