Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer
Shook & Stone - Las Vegas Animal & Dog Bite Attorneys
Personal Injury
Dog Bite Injury in Las Vegas
The rate of dog attacks and pet bites are alarmingly high in the United States. In fact, there is a 1 in 5 chance that someone will be bitten by a dog at some point. Many people do not know what to do when they or their loved ones are attacked by an animal. If you have been attacked by someone else’s pet then you are entitled to financial compensation for your personal injuries and to recover damages for:
- Medical Bills
- Lost Wages
- Pain & Suffering
- Wrongful Death
Dog Bite Statistics
First, while Pit Bull owners will swear up and down that there dog is kind, gentle, and that they get a bad rap. Pit Bulls actually account for the highest amount of fatal attacks in the United States. Just in 2019 they accounted for 63% of all fatal dog attacks.
- Pit Bull 63%
- Mixed Breed 13%
- Rottweiler 4%
- Boxer 4%
- Australian Cattle Dog 4%
- German Shepard 4%
Second, it is important to know that dogs can cause serious injuries. In fact, one out of four people bitten by a dog are left with scars for life. A dog bite case is very different from other forms of personal injury.
Whether you have been a dog bite victim or animal attack victim due to someone else’s pet, then injury victims should immediately seek medical attention then start looking for dog bite lawyers.
A dog bite lawyer can handle dog bite cases, including working with insurance companies to reach a settlement for your dog bite case.
Dog and Animal Bite Severity Levels
Animal attacks can range on the injured victim from minor to substantial bodily harm and even lead to a wrongful death claim.
We have all seen a snippy dog or animal, but a dog’s behavior can change rapidly and can lead to severe injuries.
If the dog owner’s negligence caused a dog bite injury and it happened on the owner’s property, even with post warning signs, or an animal leashed or off leash, the property owner can be held liable.
Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bite injuries range from the minor to the very serious.
Common injuries from dog bites include:
- Bruises and scratches
- Broken Bones
- Nips, cuts, punctures and tears in tissues; wounds to muscles or bone (even loss of an eye)
- Permanent scarring on face or body
- Infections that can lead to death if untreated and even rabies - a rabies treatment can cost up to $30,000
Injuries can be prevented by following these simple steps:
- Wear gloves when gardening or cleaning up after a dog. This will prevent you from being bitten if the dog is not familiar with your presence and therefore more likely to bite
- Do not offer any food (especially sweets) that may distract the dog and cause it to become aggressive
- Do not approach or pat a dog who is eating, sleeping or caring for puppies. If you are approached by an unfamiliar dog that does not appear friendly and wants to sniff you, go into your house. If the aggressiveness continues the homeowner should contact animal control immediately.
- Common Bites in Pets Dogs can be extremely protective of their property and when you invade that territory by walking onto the lawn, they may feel threatened or challenged. This is especially true for pets who are provoked into barking excessively or chasing after people to attack them if they get too close to an outdoor bone pile. In this situation a dog may be especially likely to bite.
- In a study conducted by the U.S Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, it was found that more than 800 children were hospitalized due to an animal attack from 2006-2010 which is nearly one child per day across the country. The majority of these attacks happened because they came in contact with either their own pet or a neighbors pet.
- The CDC study found that the majority of these attacks occurred while children were playing with their pet in its yard.
- The cost to treat such injuries ranges anywhere from $500 up to $30,000 depending on the severity, treatment, and the medical attention needed to make a full recovery.
- Pet Bite Injuries Pet bites can be more damaging than you would think. When a dog bites you, he could easily puncture your skin and muscle tissues with his mouthful of sharp teeth. In some cases, bones can be fractured or broken by the powerful jaw pressure from an animal attack.
What if You Have Been Bitten?
If you have been bitten by a dangerous dog as defined by Nevada law N. R. S. 202.500, then you may be entitled to receive compensation for medical bills and lost wages because the attack was not your fault.
If someone else’s dog has bitten you then then you need an attorney who understands Nevada law and how it pertains to dog bite liability and the dog’s owner.
Dog owners are subject to punitive damages to dog bite victims if the owner actually showed malice in which the dog owner’s behavior was willful and wanton or with such recklessness or that the dog owners’ negligence showed a conscious disregard of the rights of others.
The Liability of a Dog Owner in Nevada
Nevada Law on Dog Bites - Dog Bite Statute
Nevada law is known as the “one bite rule”” and states that a dog owner will be liable if it is proven they knew their animal was dangerous or likely to bite.
However, there are exceptions in Nevada law where an owner can potentially escape liability for the behavior of his or her pet. Under these circumstances, the person who has been bitten must prove negligence on behalf of the other party.
Dog Bites, Animal Bites and Medical Treatment
If you have been bitten by an animal then it is important that you get medical attention as quickly as possible.
What You Should Do After a Dog Bite Incident or Animal Bite Accident
- Stop the bleeding and clean the wound to reduce infection risk
- Avoiding movement of affected body part if possible in order to minimize any more damage to the injured area
- Keep the injured part elevated to reduce swelling and pain
- Applying ice or cold compress on wound if available in order to help with inflammation, limit blood flow from the injury and numb any potential nerve endings
What to Do if a Dog Bites You
- Get medical attention as quickly as possible. This is especially important due to the risk of infection from animal saliva and other bodily fluids which may be present in the bite wound.
- If there are open wounds , file a police report, and go to the hospital.
- Injuries can be very serious and may include fractures, nerve damage, or even death in some extreme cases. Any pet owner will know that a dog bite to the face has more potential for serious injury than a similar bite on other parts of the body because there is no muscle protecting important areas of your skull from harm.
Las Vegas Dog Bite Injury Attorney
If you have been bitten by a dog, then you will need to search for a dog bite lawyer near you. Dog bite lawyers and animal bite attorneys can help you.
A dog bite attorney can help you get compensation for your injuries. Take advantage of the attorney client relationship and get a free consultation.
It is your best best to recover compensation by hiring an experienced dog bite attorney.
Statute of Limitations on Dog Bites in Nevada
The Statute of Limitations on Dog Bites or Animal Bites in Nevada is 2 years. If you miss the deadline, you may not be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
Dog Bite Injury Attorneys Nevada
At Shook & Stone we are known for our sound legal advice and we take dog bite injuries seriously.
Our aggressive personal injury legal team can help you recover compensation for your medical expenses, loss of wages, and other losses due to the dog bite from a dangerous dog.
If you have been bitten by an aggressive dog or are the victim of a dog attack, you need an experienced dog bite lawyer who can guide you in your dog bite claim.
Call our law firm at (702) 570-0000 or contact us for a free consultation.
Dog Bite Frequently Asked Questions
A dog bite attorney will typically charge contingency fees, which means that they will receive a percentage of any settlement or jury verdict that you are awarded. The average contingency fee is 33%, but it can range anywhere from 20-40%.
If you are bitten by a dog, you should immediately wash the wound with soap and water. You should also seek medical attention as soon as possible. If the dog that bit you is not up-to-date on its vaccinations, you may need to get a series of rabies shots.
If you are bitten by a dog, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner. In order to win your case, you will need to prove that the dog’s owner was negligent in some way and that their negligence led to your injuries.
If you are attacked by a dog, you should try to put something between you and the dog, such as a backpack or purse. You should also try to stay calm and avoid making any sudden movements. If the dog does not cease its attack, you may need to fight back and defend yourself.
The most common type of dog bite is a puncture wound. This occurs when the dog’s teeth sink into the flesh and break the skin. Puncture wounds are often deep and can cause serious damage to muscles, tendons, and bones.
The consequences of a dog bite will depend on the severity of the wound. Minor wounds may only require cleaning and bandaging, but more serious wounds may require stitches or even surgery. In some cases, dog bites can lead to infections, rabies, or even death.
Since 1997, Shook & Stone has represented hundreds of clients in dog bite related injuries. We have recovered over $750 million for our clients making us one of the best Las Vegas dog bite lawyers to handle your personal injury case.
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710 S 4th St.
Las Vegas, NV 89101
(702) 570-0000
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9455 W Russell Rd Suite 100
Las Vegas, NV 89148
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