Las Vegas Dog Bite Attorney

Elements That Influence Dog Attack Claims

There are several other moving parts that can change the direction of a legal claim involving a dog.

Severity of the Physical Harm

A dog bite injury lawyer helps you pursue the correct amount of money for what you have gone through. These injuries range from small punctures to catastrophic wounds that might stop you from returning to your job. Blake Friedman and our team demand payment based on how much the injury changed your life, including things such as:

• Infections that develop deep inside puncture sites
• The threat of rabies
• Long-term damage to the nerves or muscle tissue
• Making existing health problems worse, such as heart issues or high blood pressure
• Visible scarring and permanent changes to your appearance
• Fractured or broken bones
• Disabilities that last a lifetime

Teasing and Provocation

There are times when an owner was not being careless and had no idea their pet had a mean streak. The incident might have been a complete surprise for a dog that is usually very gentle and quiet. Even so, Nevada legal precedents often look at whether the owner knew of the dog’s “vicious tendencies,” though many local Las Vegas rules are quite strict regarding owner control.

A defense lawyer will almost always try to say the victim provoked the animal. This might include claims that the person hit the dog, threw items at it, or teased it through a fence, which is how many injuries involving children happen. Owners might avoid paying if they can prove a guest was told not to touch the dog but did it anyway, or if the person was trespassing on private property when the bite happened.

Protect yourself and those you love by learning how to read the body language of a dog that feels trapped or angry so you can stay away.

Steps to Take After an Animal Attack

If you do not have to go straight to the emergency room, your very first task should be to start documenting exactly what took place. You need to get the name and a way to reach the owner immediately. Swapping cell phone numbers is the fastest way to stay in touch, but try to call or text them right there to make sure the number they gave you is real.

You should also use your phone to get a video or a photo of the dog. Knowing the breed and seeing how the dog acts can be very helpful for your future legal claim. Just like you would do after a collision on the road, talk to anyone who saw the attack happen. They might have seen the dog acting aggressively before you even arrived, which is a detail you would not have known otherwise.

After you have gathered this information, go see a doctor. Even if the scratches look small, you should go to an urgent care center for an evaluation. A medical professional can check for infections and decide if you need a rabies series or a tetanus shot. Getting medical help on the same day creates a clear record of when the injury happened, which makes your case much stronger.

Nevada Legal Standards for Dog Bites

In the state of Nevada, the rules can be a mix of state law and local city codes. Generally, if an owner knows their dog is dangerous, they are held to a very high standard of care. Friedman Injury Law has recovered over $100 million for clients in Las Vegas and across Southern Nevada, and we know how to use these local rules to ensure owners are held accountable for the damage their pets cause in public or private spaces.

While an owner might try to argue they didn’t know the dog would bite, many local Las Vegas ordinances require dogs to be leashed and controlled at all times, making it hard for them to escape their responsibilities.

What is the Deadline to Start a Case?

In Nevada, you generally have 2 years from the specific day of the attack to start a lawsuit. If a dog bites you, it is a good idea to call the police or animal control so there is an official report on file. You should start your claim with a Las Vegas dog bite attorney while your memory of the event is still fresh and the people who saw it can still be found. If you wait until the two-year window has closed, you lose your right to seek money for your medical bills.

Speak With Our Las Vegas Dog Bite Injury Attorneys

When an attack happens in Clark County, there are specific rules regarding “dangerous” or “vicious” animals. This means owners must take very specific steps to make sure no one else gets hurt in the future, which might include special enclosures or, in sad cases, putting the animal down.

If you or a family member is dealing with the aftermath of an animal bite, you have legal paths available. Contact the team at Friedman Injury Law for a review of your situation. We have handled over 1,000 personal injury cases and work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing until we win. We provide help in both English and Spanish to ensure everyone in our community has access to justice. Our firm will take over the task of talking to insurance adjusters and fighting for the money you need for your doctor visits and lost pay.