Dogs are often referred to as a “man’s best friend.” Providing individuals and families the companionship and loyalty they need. Unfortunately, what many people may not realize is even the kindest of dogs can cause the most devastating injuries. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), almost 4.7 million dog bites occur every year in the United States.
If you or a loved one has suffered an injury because of a dog bite, you should not go through this devastating ordeal on your own. Instead, you need to contact a North Las Vegas dog bite lawyer who can fight for your rights and the justice you deserve.
Evaluating Your Dog Bite Claim
Victims rarely get their dog bite accidents evaluated. As a result, they are left to pay the costs they incur. However, when you work with Pacific West Injury Law, we can take care of this evaluation for you and determine if you have a viable dog bite injury claim.
Liable Parties
Typically, in Nevada, if a dog has a previous record of aggression, the owner may be held at fault for any further injuries. Nevada courts generally establish strict liability for dog owners, which means they are responsible for the actions of their pets. If you were on public property or legally on private property when the dog bit you, this can strengthen your case and further establish the owner’s liability.
Dogs can bite for any reason, ranging from stress and fear to being overwhelmed in public areas. Owners have a responsibility to follow local leash laws and train their dogs. Don’t let an owner convince you that you shouldn’t report the incident or that the bite was caused by your actions.
Additionally, once a dog has bitten another person, the owner is expected to assume that the dog may behave violently towards others.
Consequently, if the owner neglects to take precautionary measures to prevent future attacks or ignores their dog’s behavior, they can be held liable for future dog bites. A dog bite injury lawyer in North Las Vegas can help investigate the dog’s history and gather evidence to establish the owner’s full liability.
Damages You Can Collect
In North Las Vegas, if you suffered an injury because of a dog bite, you may be entitled to certain types of compensation:
- Medical expenses including past, present, and future medical costs (like surgeries, hospital stays, and doctor visits)
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of companionship
- Loss of a limb
At Pacific West Injury Law, we cannot guarantee that you will receive compensation for your injuries. However, we can make sure that our North Las Vegas dog bite lawyer and legal team fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
The Statute of Limitations
The statute of limitations is a law that dictates the maximum amount of time you have to file a claim after an alleged offense. If you do not file the claim within this allotted time, you will be barred from collecting compensation for your injuries.
In Nevada, the statute of limitations for taking action following a dog bite injury is two years from the injury date. However, there are several exceptions to this rule that can shorten or lengthen the amount of time you have to file.
To make sure you receive the compensation you have a right to, we encourage you to speak with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer in North Las Vegas as soon as possible. At Pacific West Injury Law, we can figure out not only how much time you have to file your case but ensure that all your legal documents are filed correctly and before the statute of limitations expires.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving North Las Vegas, call 702-268-2933.
What a North Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer Can Do for Your Case
At Pacific West Injury Law, we represent North Las Vegas dog bite victims looking for financial compensation for the harm they endured. Our experienced dog bite injury attorneys in North Las Vegas can go over your dog bite case, figure out what happened, and seek maximum compensation.
File Your Dog Bite Claim
If you suffered an injury because of a dog bite, you may be able to pursue a legal claim for financial recovery. However, the laws surrounding dog bites are often complex and confusing. That is why it is in your best interest to speak with a skilled dog bite lawyer that can help you with this complicated process.
When you talk to the legal team at Pacific West Injury Law, it does not mean you must pursue legal action. However, if you want to fight for the damages you are entitled to, our lawyers can quickly take action on your claim before time runs out.
Settle Your Dog Bite Case and Collect Damages
If the dog owner has liability insurance that covers dog bites, our lawyers can negotiate with the insurance company for a settlement amount to cover your injuries. This money is often paid by the insurance company, the dog owner, or both the insurance company and the dog owner. In the event we can’t reach a suitable settlement, our team can represent you in court.
North Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me 702-268-2933.
What to Do If You or a Loved One Has Been Attacked by a Dog
If a dog has attacked you or a loved one, you must remember that the actions you take following this horrific incident are not only important to protecting your safety and health but preserving your legal rights as well.
Seek Medical Attention
Depending on the severity of the dog bite, you may want to seek medical help right away. If the situation warrants it, you need to contact 9-1-1 immediately. Along with EMS, the police will show up to further investigate the accident.
However, if your case does not require emergency medical assistance, you still need to get examined by a medical professional as quickly as possible. This is because dog bites can cause damage to the bones or nerves or result in an infection that spreads through the body.
Some of the short-term and long-term injuries caused by dog bites and dog attacks include:
- Lacerations and contusions
- Disfigurement
- Painful scarring and residual pain
- Head trauma
People also need to seek medical attention if they are unsure whether the dog that bit them has received a vaccine against rabies.
Gather evidence of your injuries, the treatments medical professionals prescribe, and bills documenting the costs of treatment. This evidence can help establish the amount of compensation you may be due.
Contact a North Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyer
The regulations involving dog bites are relatively complex. As a dog bite victim, you are already going through a lot. You should not have to deal with the complicated legal nuances that are involved with these claims.
Fortunately, when you contact a North Las Vegas dog bite injury attorney, you do not have to. These lawyers can:
- Go over your case in detail
- Answer any questions you have
- Help you determine the best legal options you can pursue.
- Gather the critical evidence needed to show liability and damages.
- Handle the negotiations with the insurance company and go after a fair settlement amount on your behalf.
- Take your case to trial and fight for maximum damages.
Click to contact our North Las Vegas Personal Injury Lawyers today.
Contact a Dog Bite Injury Attorney in North Las Vegas for Help Today
Do not wait to seek legal help following a North Las Vegas dog bite accident. At Pacific West Injury Law, we want to help you build a case that can lead you to the financial recovery you deserve. That is why contact us online today, or call our office to get a free case review.
