Dog Bite

Victims of Nevada dog bite attacks often suffer devastating injuries. Bite marks, nerve damage, lacerations and broken bones caused by a brutal dog attack may require extensive medical treatment, medication, surgery and time away from work. Victims of Las Vegas dog attacks may wonder where the money is going to come from to help cover these types of financial losses. A skilled Nevada dog bite injury attorney can help victims understand the legal options available to them.

Depending upon the circumstances of the attack, a dog owner could face criminal negligence charges. Negligent dog owners can also be held financially responsible for the injuries, damages and losses sustained by the victim. Section 202.500 of the Nevada Code, for example, makes it possible for dog owners to face criminal charges if their dog causes substantial bodily harm.

Dog owners may not face criminal charges if the injured victim provoked the animal before the attack. If, however, the dog is involved in two separate attacks within 18 months, and those attacks were unprovoked, the pet owner may face criminal charges. It is important to remember that an injured victim will not receive compensation as a result of a criminal proceeding.

Injured victims of Las Vegas dog bites may seek financial compensation for their losses by filing a Nevada personal injury claim against the dog owner. Damages that may be covered include medical bills, time away from work, emotional distress, pain and suffering. Damages may also include cost of cosmetic surgery, which is often required after a dog attack in order to repair scars and bite marks.

The experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at the law offices of Shook & Stone know how to get dog bite victims the compensation they need. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a dog attack, call our offices today at 1-877-910-2220 for a free consultation and comprehensive claim evaluation.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), more than 4.7 million people are bitten by a dog annually and approximately 800,000 suffer dog bite injuries in the United States. Half of these injuries are sustained by children between 5 and 9 years of age.

Dog bites and dog attacks in Nevada can happen in a variety of circumstances and may involve a dog you know or one that you don’t. As Las Vegas dog bite lawyers, we wanted to share these safety tips provided by the CDC to help protect children and adults alike from dog bite injuries:

1. Never play aggressively with a dog, even one that knows you and especially one that does not know you;
2. Never approach a strange dog, especially if it is being aggressive;
3. Do not run and scream from a dog, as it will chase you and be more likely to bite;
4. Never disturb a dog who is sleeping, eating, or caring for puppies;
5. When being introduced to a new dog, hold your ground, do not make eye contact, and allow the dog to sniff you before attempting to touch it;
6. Dogs with histories of aggression should not be rescued or adopted unless they have been rehabilitated, and even then it may still be inappropriate for a household with children;
7. Get to know a dog before buying, rescuing, or spending long periods of time with it alone;
8. Train and socialize any dog before bringing it into the household;
9. Seek professional advice immediately if the dog displays behaviors that seem aggressive or that are undesirable;
10. Maintain proper security or fencing on your property so that the dog cannot run away; and
11. Feed, treat and socialize the dog appropriately as a neglected dog can become aggressive.

If dog owner in Nevada does not take the proper safety precautions and the dog escapes their property and bites someone without provocation, the owner can be held liable for any injuries, especially if the dog was known to be aggressive. If you or a loved one has suffered an injury as the result of a dog bite in Nevada, the skilled Las Vegas personal injury attorneys at Shook & Stone can advise you on your legal rights and options. Contact us today at 1-877-910-2220 for a free consultation.