Dog bites are widespread occurrences in Las Vegas
According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), dog bites occur roughly every 75 seconds in the United States. It is estimated that 51% of dog bite victims are children. Dog bites can be terrifying and often lead to long-lasting mental trauma, anguish, and severe physical injuries.
A seemingly gentle dog can turn aggressive in an instant. Usually, dogs will become violent if they feel cornered, threatened, or see sudden aggressive movements. But it is not uncommon for a dog with no history of aggression to attack without any reason.
Types of injuries sustained by victims of dog bites in Las Vegas include:
- Broken bones and Fractures
- Scarring
- Infections
- Puncture wounds
- Rabies
- Soft tissue injuries
- Psychological trauma (PTSD)
- Wrongful death
Most victims of dog bite injuries may require numerous doctor visits and also face mounting medical bills.
Nevada Dog Bite Laws
Nevada does not have a state-wide dog bite statute. Dog bite laws in Las Vegas and Henderson are slightly different than in the rest of Nevada. If a dog attacks a person within Las Vegas city limits, the owner must report the incident to City or County Health Officer or Animal Control Officer. The dog will be placed in isolation to ensure it does not have rabies or other diseases. The dog will then be deemed “dangerous,” and its owner will be put on notice.
If a subsequent attack occurs, and the dog had been deemed “dangerous”, then the dog will be now classified as “vicious,” and its owner could be subject to civil and criminal litigation. The City could even euthanize the dog. Las Vegas does not allow a “vicious” dog within city limits.
Dog regulations within the City of North Las Vegas are slightly less restrictive and stringent compared to Las Vegas and Henderson.
Regardless of where you live in Nevada, it is highly recommended to consult an experienced Nevada dog bite lawyer who will review dog regulations for your City or county.
When Can An Owner Be Sued For Violation Of Dog Bite Laws In Nevada?
In Nevada, an owner is not responsible for paying damages to a bite victim unless the dog is considered “dangerous” or “vicious” or the owner is negligent.
Nevada owners are not automatically liable if their dog bites someone and has never bitten before. However, once a dog has bitten someone in Las Vegas even a single time, then the dog is considered either “dangerous” or “vicious”.
The dog’s classification determines the owner’s liability for future bites and even possible criminal prosecution.
Once a dog has been classified as a vicious animal, it is no longer legal in Nevada for its owner to keep or even give it away. Keeping or selling a vicious dog could subject the owner to a lawsuit for damages and severe penalties.
Owners of vicious dogs also face fines and possible jail time under Nevada’s criminal dog bite laws (NRS 202.500).
Clark County has strict limits on dogs on the Las Vegas strip.
When Can a Dog Owner Be Held Liable For Negligence?
If a dog bites or hurts someone because its owner didn’t take reasonable care to control the animal, the owner could be legally liable for the injury.
To succeed in a dog bite lawsuit based on negligence, the injured person must prove that:
- the owner had a duty to take reasonable care to control the dog’s behavior
- the owner was negligent by failing to meet that duty
- that negligence caused the injured person harm
In Las Vegas and Henderson, dogs must be kept securely on the owner’s property by a fence, cage, coop, chain, leash, or other adequate means.
This means that if an off-leash dog bit you on a public street or sidewalk, the owner may be responsible even if the animal has never bitten anyone before.
Why Do You Need An Experienced Dog Bite Attorney?
Dog bite injuries can leave a victim with substantial medical bills, resulting in significant time away from work. Dog bite injuries are physically painful and can cause deep emotional pain and suffering.
Dog bite claims require detailed knowledge of Nevada laws and statutes. An attorney at Pacific West Injury law will review the facts in your case and determine if the animal’s owner is liable for your injuries and if you can receive fair and just compensation for all of your injuries.
If you or a loved one in your family has been bitten by a dog in Las Vegas, Henderson, or North Las Vegas, Contact Pacific West Injury Law for a free case consultation with a compassionate dog bite lawyer in Las Vegas immediately.
