Dog bites can be traumatic experiences, often resulting in physical injuries and emotional distress. If you’ve been a victim of a dog attack in Nevada, understanding your legal rights and the claims process is crucial. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the steps to take after a dog bite incident, how to prove liability, and what compensation you may be entitled to receive.
Most dog bite cases settle before going to trial. However, filing a lawsuit may be necessary to secure fair compensation. If the insurance company or the dog owner’s lawyer refuses to offer a reasonable settlement, your attorney might advise proceeding to trial.
Dealing with a dog bite claim requires expertise in personal injury law and specific knowledge of dog bite cases. In Las Vegas and Henderson, attorneys like Kris Helmick of Pacific West Injury Law possess valuable experience in handling such cases effectively.
To build a strong case, your lawyer will need:
In Nevada, you have two years from the date of the incident to file a dog bite claim. It’s crucial to act promptly and provide all necessary information to your attorney as soon as possible.
Nevada follows a “one-bite rule,” which means that if there’s no prior record of the dog biting someone, the owner may not be held responsible. However, liability can still be established if:
As a dog bite victim, you may be entitled to compensation for:
In Las Vegas and Henderson, owners of dogs deemed dangerous must:
The decision to settle or go to trial depends on various factors:
If your case goes to trial, you’ll have the option of a jury trial or a bench trial. While many choose jury trials, statistics from the Bureau of Justice Statistics (BJS) show that plaintiffs often fare better in bench trials (66% success rate) compared to jury trials (53% success rate).
If you’ve been the victim of a dog attack in Nevada, don’t navigate the legal process alone. Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer like Kris Helmick at Pacific West Injury Law for a free consultation. With expert guidance, you can ensure you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and suffering.
In Nevada, you have two years from the day of the incident to file a dog bite claim. It’s best to provide all information to your attorney as soon as possible so they can start working on your case promptly.
After receiving medical care for your dog bite, consider hiring a lawyer who specializes in personal injury law and has experience with dog bite cases. You should also file a report with the local police department and notify animal control.
Your attorney will need the police report, your testimony, the dog owner’s contact information, witness contact information, photographs of the dog and your injuries, your medical records following the attack, and copies of any bills you’ve incurred.
Nevada follows a “one-bite rule.” If there’s no record of the dog biting anyone previously, the owner may not be held responsible. However, if it can be proven that the owner didn’t properly supervise or control their dog, or if the dog has bitten someone before, the owner may be held accountable.
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, follow-up doctor visits, surgery, physical therapy, emotional trauma, post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, lost wages, and loss of enjoyment in life.
Yes, if a dog is deemed dangerous, the owner must have a minimum of $50,000 in liability insurance, obtain a permit through local animal control, have the dog neutered and microchipped, and post warning signs on their property.
The decision to settle or go to trial depends on your specific case. Consider factors such as your recovery status, estimated future medical costs, and the reasonableness of settlement offers. Your attorney can offer advice, but the final decision is yours.
Dog bite cases are considered personal injury cases and can be tried before a jury or a judge (bench trial) in Nevada. While many choose a jury trial, some studies suggest that plaintiffs may fare slightly better in bench trials.
An experienced dog bite lawyer can help navigate local and state laws, gather necessary evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if needed to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries.
Disclaimer: The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as legal advice for any individual case or situation. This information is not intended to create, and receipt or viewing does not constitute an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee, warrant, or predict future cases. You may have to pay the other side’s attorney’s fees and costs in the event of a loss.
Pacific West Injury Law • Greater Las Vegas’ Award-Winning Injury Attorneys • #bluebearcares
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
