Skip to Main Content
A brown dog with a chain collar barking aggressively behind a black fence while a person walks a smaller dog in the background.
Blake Friedman smiling with his arms crossed

Winchester Dog Bite Lawyer

Getting bitten or attacked by someone else’s dog is an upsetting event no one should ever have to go through. Sadly, these incidents happen more often than many people think, leaving victims with serious injuries. If you or a family member has been injured by a dog, the team at Friedman Injury Law is ready to help secure the money you deserve. Our dog bite lawyer is familiar with the complex local rules and case precedents that determine who is responsible for your injuries. We can investigate your incident, protect your rights, and help you stand up against a dog owner in pursuit of fair compensation.

How We Help You After a Dog Attack

A dog bite or attack case can become very confusing, especially in Nevada. Recovering compensation often depends on showing that the dog owner acted carelessly or was negligent. To do this, we will work hard to gather all the necessary proof, which may include:

  • Any business or home surveillance footage that captured the incident.
  • Records that show the dog has a history of biting or attacking people.
  • Your medical records, which prove how bad your injuries are.

Our team will then work with the dog owner, their legal team, and their homeowner’s insurance company to get a fair settlement. This settlement should cover all of your expenses related to your injury.

Nevada’s Dog Bite Responsibility Rules

Nevada is unique because it does not have a specific state law about dog bites. Because of this, the courts decide each case separately based on local rules and specific decisions made in past cases. This means the skill of the law firm you hire is very important.

Negligence and the “One Bite” Rule

In most dog attack claims, the courts look back at a key case called Harry v. Smith. This case established that liability is based on negligence. In plain terms, an injured person must show that the dog’s owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent the bite and that this failure caused the injuries.

The state often relies on a common-law idea called the “one bite” rule. This rule says that an owner is responsible for injuries if they knew, or had reason to believe, their dog might cause injury. An owner is not automatically responsible if their dog bites someone for the first time, unless other negligence is proven. Remember, the injury does not have to be a bite; it can be any injury caused by the animal. However, an owner can argue that the victim should not get compensation if they provoked the dog or willingly took a risk of being bitten.

FRIEDMAN

Why Choose Friedman Injury Law

Blake S. Friedman brings years of personal injury experience to your case. As a Las Vegas native and the founder of Friedman Injury Law, Blake has dedicated his practice solely to personal injury law. He has secured over $50 million in settlements for clients across Nevada. Blake and our team prioritize client needs, keeping open communication throughout the legal process. We never recommend settlements below a case’s true value. With extensive courtroom experience and a commitment to fighting for our clients, we are fully prepared to represent you aggressively and help you recover the maximum compensation possible.

BLAKE S. FRIEDMAN, ESQ.
HAS RECOVERED OVER

$100,000,000

FOR HIS CLIENTS IN
LAS VEGAS AND ACROSS
SOUTHERN NEVADA

Local Rules and “Negligence Per Se”

We can often prove a dog owner is responsible by showing they broke a local law. This is called “Negligence per se,” a legal idea where breaking a law is enough proof of that person’s negligence.

For example, Clark County has leash laws requiring all owners to keep pets restrained on their property or on a leash at all times when in public. It is a misdemeanor to take a dog in public without a leash willfully (Clark County Code 10.36.040). If an owner breaks this law, and the dog then bites someone, that can be used as proof of their negligence.

We can also help investigate situations where a dog is deemed “dangerous” or “vicious.” A dog is considered dangerous after a single bite against a person. It is defined as a dog that has behaved menacingly toward people without being provoked on two separate occasions within 18 months, while it was off the owner’s property or not confined. A dog is deemed vicious if it continues to act menacingly after being classified as dangerous, or if it causes substantial bodily harm or death. It is illegal for an owner to keep or give away a vicious dog in Nevada.

Your Right to Financial Compensation

If you or someone you care about has been injured by a dog attack, you may be entitled to significant compensation. The compensation we fight for can include money for:

  • Punitive Damages: Possible extra damages against the dog owner if their actions were especially shocking or reckless.
  • Medical Care: Your past and future medical bills, including any necessary surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. Keep in mind that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says about one in every five people bitten needs medical attention.
  • Lost Income: Lost wages and benefits if you cannot work due to your injuries.
  • Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace property damaged during the attack.
  • Pain and Suffering: Compensation for your past and future physical pain, emotional anguish, and psychological distress.
  • Household Expenses: Money for general household help you needed while recovering.

What to Do If You Are Bitten

There are approximately 4.5 million dog bites each year in the US. If you or a loved one are bitten, you must take these important steps:

  1. Wash the Wound: Clean the injury with soap and water to reduce the risk of infection.
  2. Seek Medical Help: Get medical attention right away, even if the injury seems minor.
  3. Gather Information: If the owner is present, ask for their name, contact information, the dog’s vaccination and rabies records, and the dog’s veterinarian.
  4. File a Report: File a dog bite report with your local health department and your local animal control office. This report is strong evidence for your case.
  5. Call an Attorney: Consult with a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible.

The Deadline to File Your Claim

Time is limited when it comes to filing a claim. In the state of Nevada, dog bite victims have two years from the date of the attack to take legal action against the dog owner. This deadline is called the Statute of Limitations. Missing this date means you lose your chance to pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

TESTIMONIALS

WHAT OUR LAS VEGAS INJURY CLIENTS SAY

Monica

Gold Stars

I had a great experience working with Blake, Kevin and Maggie after my car accident. From the very beginning they were professional, responsive, and genuinely cared about helping me through the whole process. They took the time to explain everything clearly and made sure I understood what was happening with my case every step of the way. They found a nearby location for my physical therapy and all I had to do was schedule my appointments. What really stood out was how hard they worked to get the best outcome possible. Dealing with an accident can be stressful, but they handled everything and made the process much easier for me. In the end, I was extremely happy with the payout and definitely didn’t expect the amount I received. I highly recommend Blake and his team to anyone who needs a lawyer after a car accident. They are knowledgeable, dedicated, and really look out for their clients.

READ MORE

Speak With Our Winchester Dog Bite Attorneys Today

If you’re struggling with the effects of a dog bite in Winchester, now is the time to take action. Friedman Injury Law is here to help you get the justice you deserve. We have the knowledge and experience to handle your case effectively, and we’re committed to getting you the compensation you need to recover. Call us today at (702) 970-4222, and let’s talk about how we can help you.