A 1-year-old boy was killed in a brutal dog attack during his first birthday celebration in Henderson, Nevada. According to an Associated Press news report, the tragic incident occurred when the boy was on the floor with his grandmother in her house. The child crawled over to the family’s dog, a Mastiff/Rhodesian ridgeback mix, and started to pet it. At the time, the dog latched its jaws around the boy’s head and began to shake him back and forth. Family members eventually freed the child and he was transported to an area hospital where he died. The dog was declared vicious and will be euthanized, officials said. Family members said the dog had no history of violence. An investigation continues into this incident.
This heartbreaking incident shows that any dog can attack suddenly. Although statistics show that certain breeds of dogs, such as pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, tend to attack more, any type of dog can be a danger, especially to young children. It is important that young children and infants are kept away from dogs to prevent a dog attack, even if the animals are known and familiar.
Under Nevada law, there is no strict liability when it comes to dog bites. In order to be held liable in Nevada, the dog’s owner must know that the dog had a tendency to bite. Victims must also prove that the dog’s owner, despite the knowledge of the dog’s prior viciousness, failed to control or restrain the dog.
The amount of compensation available to dog bite victims in Nevada depends on the circumstances and severity of the case. The experienced attorneys at Shook & Stone have helped dog attack victims obtain compensation for damages such as medical expenses, loss of wages, hospitalization, cost of cosmetic surgery, pain and suffering, and emotional distress. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, please contact us at 702-570-0000 for a free consultation and comprehensive case evaluation.
