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Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer

While we consider dogs to be “man’s best friend,” some are vicious, untrained, and dangerous to others. A dog owner has the responsibility to ensure a pet does not inflict harm on others. While the state of Nevada does not have a specific law regarding dog attacks and owner liability, the City of Las Vegas does, under Las Vegas municipal code 7.24.010. This ordinance allows for the impoundment of dogs that have a history of biting or are vicious. If you or a member of your family has suffered serious injuries from a vicious dog attack, it is imperative that you reach out to a knowledgeable and experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer to help you seek justice and full compensation.

 

What Happens If A Dog Bites Me? 

If you or a member of your family has suffered serious injuries from a vicious dog attack, it is imperative that you reach out to a knowledgeable and experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer to help you seek justice and full compensation. 

What Can I Do if I’m Injured by a Dog?

If you’ve just got attacked by a dog, you must report it to Las Vegas Animal Control. Then, the dog will be placed in quarantine for 10 days to make sure he was not rabid or diseased.

Any dog that attacks a person or bites them, it is considered dangerous and will be labeled as “vicious”. It is likely that the owner of the dog will face civil and criminal charges, and potentially a civil lawsuit. And, unfortunately, the dog may be euthanized. The city of Las Vegas doesn’t allow vicious dogs within its limits.

Can I Sue If I Get Bitten By A Dog?

If the bite is the dog’s first known incident and it doesn’t have any history of attacks or aggression towards humans, legal action is not usually taken. On the other hand, the dog’s owner could be subject to civil action from the victim of the bite if they suffered serious injuries from the attack.

Who Is Liable If I Get Bitten By A Dog?

In the State of Nevada, there are no laws established that state when a dog owner is responsible for their dog biting someone. Since it’s not clear who is liable, dog bite liability is to be determined by common law.

On many occasions, dog bite responsibility has been decided by the dog’s record of aggression. If the dog has attacked and bitten someone before, then the owner is typically held liable for any incidents after that one. Why? Because if the dog has bitten someone before, the owner is expected to be aware that his dog has the potential to be aggressive and violent towards other people.

In dog bite cases, liability is determined by that factor. If the dog has a history of aggression and his owner ignores it, or doesn’t take precautionary measures to prevent any further attacks, they can be held liable for a dog bite.

The state of Nevada follows the rule of comparative liability when it comes to determining negligence. Meaning that a court has to find you less than 51% responsible for your injuries. If the court finds that you were more than 51% liable for your actions causing your attack, you will not be able to take legal action.

How Do I Prove Liability In A Dog Bite Case?

As mentioned before, Nevada doesn’t have its own specific dog bite statutes. However, local ordinances can be used to prove negligence per se. This means strict liability and it makes the case easier to prove.

Clark County has a leash law that can be used to establish negligence per se in dog bite cases. An experienced personal injury lawyer can plead a violation of the stature in a formal civil complaint to prove the dog owner’s negligence.

Learning how to prove the dog owner’s liability is important for the victims in order to recover damages that are enough to pay for their losses.

What If My Child Is Attacked By A Dog?

One of the most tragic situations that can occur is when a child is attacked by a dog. Children are naturally attracted to animals. A dog that has had bad experiences with children, even when leashed, can lunge at a child, inflicting bites on the head and neck. Certain breeds have extremely powerful jaws, and once clamped onto the body, are almost impossible to release.

The smaller stature of a child makes the head, neck, face, and upper body a natural target for an out-of-control dog. The World Health Organization reports that about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year, with about 30,000 requiring reconstructive surgery, between 3 to 18 percent developing infections, and in the range of 10 to 20 fatalities every year. Of these tragic situations, children make up the largest numbers.

Are Dog Bite Cases Covered by Homeowners Insurance?

If the dog’s owner has homeowner’s insurance there is a high possibility that their policy covers dog bites. This depends on whether the dog was legally kept.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites and other related injuries accounted for one-third of all homeowners insurance liability claim dollars paid out in the US. Over $33,000 was the average payout per claim.

On the other hand, it is important to read the small print on these policies. Some of them have restrictions on what breeds they cover. Other policies have lower policy limits for dogs that are kept as guard dogs or that have been labeled as dangerous by the City of Las Vegas.

How Often Do Dogs Bite People?

Reported on Las Vegas CBS 2, the number of dog bite cases are at an all-time high, with 412 dog bite cases in a recent year. Nationally, 4.5 million dog bites occur every year, with one out of five becoming infected – a great risk with canine bites. If you or a member of your family has suffered serious injuries from a vicious dog attack, it is imperative that you reach out to a knowledgeable and experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer to help you seek justice and full compensation.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims?

The statute of limitations for a victim of a dog bite to file their claim in the state of Nevada is of two years. Time starts running on the day in which the dog attacked the victim. If the person attacked misses this deadline, they can’t pursue damages or a lawsuit against the dog’s owner.

What Are The Common Injuries Sustained By A Dog Bite?

A dog attack can lead to serious injuries or death, particularly for children. Dogs are not allowed to run free in Las Vegas, but if a vicious dog breaks free from an enclosure and wanders the neighborhood, innocent people can suffer irreparable harm. The types of injuries that can be inflicted by a dangerous dog include:

  • Head, neck and body lacerations (deep open cuts)
  • Puncture wounds
  • Crush wounds (bones, tissue, muscle)
  • Torn ripped flesh (avulsions)
  • Emotional damage
  • Rabies
  • Brain injuries
  • Death

These injuries carry a high risk of infection at the wound site or invading bacteria entering the bloodstream causing more serious medical complications. A dog attack often leads to ripped skin and flesh leaving permanent, disfiguring scars. The most tragic cases are those in which the dog attack was so extensive that the victim is unable to survive the physical damage – often young children.

What Damages Can I Recover if I Am a Victim of a Dog Bite?

If you are a dog bite victim in Nevada, our experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyers can help you secure compensation for:

  • Lost wages
  • Medical bills 
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of life enjoyment
  • Loss of use of a limb
  • Scarring
  • Physical or occupational therapy
  • Damages and funeral expenses under Nevada’s wrongful death law.

How Can A Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer Help Me?

At J. Cogburn Law Offices, a dedicated Las Vegas dog bite attorney will work closely with you to help you pursue justice. A negligent dog owner must be held accountable in court. Dogs require training, but some dog owners want a dog that exhibits aggressive behavior as protection – a dangerous situation. If such an animal breaks free from a home or yard, these animals may attack children or adults in the area.

Find A Dog Bite Lawyer Near Me

As Las Vegas injury lawyers, we approach dog bite cases differently than many law firms: we prepare our cases for a civil trial. We are seeking a fair resolution for the injured. Every detail of the case will be reviewed to determine the types of damages to pursue. With an extensive track record of high-value settlements and jury awards, you can be confident that you are represented by a law firm that cares about you, your family, and your rights.

If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a dog attack, contact an experienced Las Vegas dog bite attorney from J. Cogburn Law for a free case consultation. You can also call us at (727) 747-6000

 

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When I was bitten by a dog, I did not know where to go. I was recommended to speak with attorney Jamie Cogburn. Jamie was friendly and professional. He guided me through the process of making my claim. He always kept me informed and was available to take my telephone calls personally. The J. Cogburn Law team exceeded my expectations for handling and settling my case. They resolved my case in a short period of time. I would highly recommend them to my family and friends. Thank you for everything!

Elena S.