Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer

Yes. Just like with any other accident, the person responsible for causing damage, or for a pet causing damage, is automatically held liable for any injury or property damage that occurred. In some states, the dog owner is not held liable for the first bite, but it is important to check with your lawyer to determine if that applies in your case.

If it is the dog’s first reported offense, nothing will happen to the dog other than a possible quarantine for a few days to ensure there are no diseases that could have been transferred. If it is an actual attack rather than a single bite, the local animal control authority will likely require the dog to be confined or put down.

Homeowners insurance will cover the cost of a dog bite in some circumstances. Renters insurance always covers dog bites, because it includes personal liability protection. That liability covers both injuries and property damage that the dog may cause. Be sure to read the fine print of your policy so you know exactly what is and is not covered.

Anytime you want to file a claim, it is wise to hire an attorney. While you may make some progress with the claim by filing independently, you will always get better results when an attorney is on your side. It is also important to hire an attorney if you are a dog owner and your dog bit someone.

No. According to Nevada law, a dog owner is not responsible to pay damages to the bite victim unless the dog has been considered dangerous or vicious, or if the owner is negligent. The typical amount of damages recovered in dog bite claims will cover the cost of medical treatment.

You can typically expect to pay about a third of the final settlement amount to your lawyer. For example, if you are awarded $30,000 in damages for your injury, your attorney will get approximately $10,000 of that amount. The first consultation is always free!

In single dog bite cases, the dog is usually left alone. However, if the dog has a history of reports with law enforcement of aggressive behavior, or if the dog has attacked and inflicted severe injury on a person, it will be considered dangerous. If a dog bites unprovoked or kills a person, they are also ruled dangerous.

Witness statements are a vital piece of dog bite claims. Otherwise, it is your word against the owner’s word, and more often than not, the owner will stand by their dog and claim their innocence. If there were any witnesses to the dog bite or attack, it is vital to gather their contact information and statements immediately following the incident.

Not everyone survives or recovers from a dog bite. Consider the following alarming statistics:

• Between 2015 and 2018, children 10 years old and older constituted 60 percent of the victims killed by dogs. Children nine years old and younger comprised the other 40 percent.
• Over a 13 year period between 2005 and 2018, pit bulls killed more than 300 Americans, the equivalent of one victim every 16 days.
• Only 21 percent of deaths that occurred between 2005 and 2017 resulted in criminal charges. Of these cases, pit bulls caused 75 percent of the deaths.

Losing a loved one to a dog bite, either from infection or the severity of the attack, is devastating. For the loved ones left behind, life is forever changed. You shouldn’t have to worry about funeral costs or your financial future following such a traumatic incident. Let the trusted legal team at Benson & Bingham Accident Injury Lawyers, LLC deal with the details of your case so that you can focus on your recovery.

There are some safety measures that you can take to try and avoid a dog bite. By taking a proactive approach to avoiding a dangerous encounter, you’ll have a better chance of walking away unharmed. Consider the following helpful tips for avoiding dog bites:

• When cornered by a dog, avoid eye contact and remain perfectly still. The dog may eventually lose interest in you, and when it does, you should slowly back away.
• If a dog knocks you down to the ground, lay on your side in the fetal position, and cover your face with your hands. Remain still until the dog leaves or someone helps you.
• Never scream or run from a dog, as this only frightens and stresses them, which increases your chance of receiving a bite.
• Report strays or injured dogs to your local animal control officer. Do not try to approach them.
• If attempting to befriend a dog, let it become familiar with your smell before you touch it. Then, only scratch it under its chin and not on its head.

Never assume a wagging tail is an invitation to come closer. Even the best dogs can snap at any moment, for any reason. Always err on the side of caution and remember to remain calm and quiet; loud responses from you will only excite the dog and increase your chances of sustaining a bite.