Las Vegas Dog Bite Attorney

• Dog Bites

Man’s best friend, unfortunately for some, can sometimes be a nightmare. Dog bites are frighteningly common, with over 4.5 million people being bitten by dogs yearly, according to the CDC. Of those bitten, children are usually the most common and suffer the most severe injuries. If a dog in Nevada attacked you or a loved one, you may wonder whether you can hold the dog owner responsible and recover damages. Learn more about dog bites and how a Las Vegas dog bite attorney can help you and your family achieve justice.

What Is the Nevada Law for Dog Bites?

Under Nevada law, a dog owner faces liability for a dog bite attack if several factors are present. Your Las Vegas dog bite lawyer will work to prove one of the following to establish the dog owner’s responsibility for your damages.

The Dog Previously Bit Someone

Nevada operates under the common law rule regarding dog bites as it does not have a specific statute. Under common law, a dog owner is liable for any injuries if they knew or had reason to believe that their dog might cause injuries to another. It’s important to note that any injury caused by the dog does not have to be a bite; it could be a dog that jumped on someone and knocked them over, causing injuries. Under this law, a dog owner is not automatically responsible for a dog bite, especially if the dog has no history of bites or attacks. The owner can argue that the victim provoked or threatened the dog.

The Dog Has Been Deemed Dangerous or Vicious

Nevada law protects victims from dogs that are deemed dangerous or vicious. A “dangerous dog” behaves menacingly towards people without being provoked and leads a person to defend themselves when the dog is off the premises of their owner or not confined in a cage, pen, or vehicle. While dog owners can keep a dangerous animal, they must undertake certain safety precautions to avoid liability.

The Dog Owner Acted Negligently

Even if a dog has not been classified as dangerous or vicious, a dog owner may still be liable if they did not properly control or supervise their dog, resulting in injuries to another person. Examples of negligence may be letting a dog run free in a park full of children without proper supervision, where the dog knocks a child down or bites them. A dog owner may also be negligent if there were clear signs that a dog would bite and the owner did nothing to stop it. Signs a dog may attack include:

• Growling,
• Baring teeth,
• Barking, and
• Other signs the dog feels threatened or aggressive.

A dog bite lawyer in Las Vegas works to prove that the dog owner was negligent, proof of which is determined by a judge or jury.

The Dog Owner Violated Laws

If a dog owner violates any laws related to the care of their pet, they can be held responsible for an ensuing attack. For example, a dog must be secured on an owner’s property in Las Vegas. If the dog escapes and attacks someone, the owner may be liable even if the dog has no history of bites or attacks.