Dangerous Pets & Owner Liability

Beware of the Dog

Unfortunately, there are too many cases that pop up in the news about dangerous dog attacks that result in serious injury or death. Sadly, many of them are young, and vulnerable children. Recently, a four-year-old Detroit boy was mauled to death after being ripped from his mother’s arms by four vicious pit bulls. Another pit bull attack case out of Elmont, NY resulted in the death of another child, a 9-year-old girl. These are just two of many dog bite-related deaths that occur in the United States each year. In 2014 alone, there were 42 fatalities caused by dangerous, unrestrained animals. Pit bulls and rottweilers in particular accounted for approximately 74 percent of these fatalities.

Owners who knowingly keep or give away vicious animals can be held liable for violating Nevada law. NRS 202.500 distinguishes between a “dangerous dog,” which it is not a crime to keep, and a “vicious dog,” which is an animal that either:

Kills or inflicts substantial bodily harm upon a human being without having been provoked by pain or torment, or
Was previously declared a “dangerous dog” by law enforcement and continues to display menacing behavior.

The exception to this rule is when a dog displays menacing behavior defensively against a person who committed or attempted to commit a crime. While it is not a crime to possess a dog that has been deemed dangerous, if the dog injures another person, the owner can be held liable in a civil suit. If a vicious dog, on the other hand, causes injury, the owner can be charged with a felony offense and face time in prison.

Personal Injury Representation for Dog Bite Injuries

If you or a loved one have been harmed in an attack by a dangerous, unrestrained dog, contact Shook & Stone as soon as possible. There is a two year statute of limitations on personal injury claims, so it is important to act now to preserve your right to pursue just compensation for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your case, you may be able to collect compensation to cover the costs of medical care, reconstructive surgery, and lost wages, for example.

Request a free consultation with a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer at Shook & Stone today!