Did you know that a survey of pet owners found that in 2017, approximately 89.7 million dogs were owned in the United States? This marks an increase of over 20 million since 2000 when U.S. households owned around 68 million dogs.
There’s no denying that dogs are great companions. However, dog bite victims may not always agree. A dog bite injury can be a serious threat to people’s well-being and their long-term health. While a pet owner doesn’t exactly have a vicious dog it can lead to a dog bite case if you’re not careful
. Nevada dog bite laws are a serious concern and dog bite injuries lead to fines and jail time if the pet parent is negligent.
If you’re a dog bite victim or have an otherwise well-behaved dog that messed up, this article is for you. We will cover all essentials for a dog’s owner seeking guidance.
Our info can make your dog bite claim easier to handle and save you from local animal control or issues with dog biting cases.
Whether it’s someone else’s dog or your own, animal attacks are a serious concern and any reasonable person might not like dangerous dogs at first. After all, they can cause substantial bodily harm.
The biting incident can also raise a question of the pet parent’s ability to keep a pet in the first place. So, if you want to avoid such situations in the first place, we recommend seeking help from an experienced attorney.
Understanding Nevada’s Dog Bite Laws As a Dog Owner
Unlike many states with a single, clear dog bite law, Nevada’s approach is more fragmented. There isn’t one overarching state law;
Instead, liability is determined by a combination of common law principles (established through court decisions) and local ordinances (laws passed by cities and counties like Clark County, where Las Vegas is located).
What does It mean for you?
This means the specific rules can vary depending on the exact location of the bite. It’s not a simple, one-size-fits-all situation.
This lack of a unified state law often makes these cases more complex and requires careful consideration of both state case law and local regulations.
The complication increases further if the incident occurs at two separate occasions and a human being might be held liable under all of these free-bite situations. Let’s find out if your pet poses a legal threat due to the “dog’s viciousness” as seen by the victims.
Liability for Dog Owners: Negligence is Key
In Nevada, the common law rules that a dog owner’s liability for a bite hinges on whether they were negligent. Negligence means they failed to exercise the reasonable care a responsible dog owner would under similar circumstances.
It’s not about whether you intended for your dog to bite, but whether you took reasonable steps to prevent it. This is a crucial distinction for property owners and pet parents that could be held liable in such cases.
What Constitutes Negligence?
A court will consider many factors when determining negligence which may vary from a broken fence, rabies vaccination, owner’s property, any warning sign put up, and the local police report. There’s much more to it, so let’s start with the details.
1. Proper Control and Supervision:
Did you keep your dog properly restrained or supervised, given its temperament and the environment? This includes leash laws, proper fencing, and attentive supervision in public areas.
A dog running loose and biting someone is a clear example of negligence. So, make sure you account for it before interacting with the dog bite victim.
2. Knowledge of Aggressive Behavior:
Did you know, or should you have known, about your dog’s aggressive tendencies as a dog owner? Previous bites, warnings from others, or even observable signs of aggression (growling, snapping, etc.) are all relevant.
While Nevada doesn’t have a strict “one-bite rule,” or a for animal attack cases, a history of aggressive behavior significantly increases your liability.
3. Breed and Temperament:
While not the sole determinant, a dog’s breed and known temperament are factors. Breeds known for aggression may require more stringent precautions.
4. Failure to Take Precautions:
Did you fail to take reasonable steps to prevent a bite, such as failing to post warning signs, ignoring signs of aggression, or neglecting proper confinement?
“Dangerous” or “Vicious” Dogs: Increased Liability
Nevada has a process for officially designating dogs deemed vicious or “dangerous”. This usually involves a formal hearing and a review of the dog’s history. Before you get into the details of how the attack occurred, know that owners of such dogs face significantly increased liability, as negligence is often presumed.
This designation can also impact insurance coverage and lead to stricter ownership restrictions. You could be dealing with everything from medical bills to even serious fines as a result of these situations.
If you’re curious about what would happen if your bed is already declared dangerous or has harmed other dogs or humans in the past, the next section provides guidance.
Consequences of a Dog Bite: For Everyone Involved
A dog bite has far-reaching consequences for the victim, the owner, and even the dog itself. the consequences can vary which is why seeking legal services or a legal professional for Nevada courts can be a good idea.
Legal representation can help you understand the result of your pet biting people and save you from strict liability from the party the dog bit.
1. Consequences for the Dog Owner:
Fines: Substantial financial penalties are possible, varying by jurisdiction and the severity of the incident.
Criminal Charges: In cases of serious injury or reckless behavior, criminal charges (misdemeanors or felonies) could be filed, potentially leading to jail time or community service.
Civil Lawsuits: The injured party can sue for monetary damages, which can be significant.
2. Consequences for the Victim:
Physical Injuries: These can range from minor wounds to severe lacerations, broken bones, and permanent scarring.
Medical Expenses: Treatment can be costly, including emergency care, surgeries, ongoing therapy, and medication.
Lost Wages: If the injury prevents work, lost income is a significant claim for compensation.
Emotional Distress: Dog bites can cause significant emotional trauma, including fear, anxiety, and PTSD.
Long-Term Complications: Chronic pain, infections, or permanent disabilities are possibilities.
3. Consequences for the Dog:
In extreme cases, euthanasia might be ordered if the dog is deemed a public safety risk. More commonly, a “dangerous” dog will face stricter ownership regulations.
Damages and Compensation: What Victims Can Recover
Victims can seek compensation for various losses which generally make up the fine amount in total and could increase depending on how the attack occurred.
The personal injury or substantial bodily harm that vicious dogs due to dog bite injury is not new. Generally, the accused party would pay for:
Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs.
Lost Wages: Past and future lost income.
Pain and Suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
Permanent Disability or Scarring: Compensation for long-term physical impairments or disfigurement.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or malice, additional damages may be awarded to punish the owner.
The Role of Homeowner’s Insurance:
Most homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog bites, but policy limits and exclusions vary. Review your policy carefully. A single miss out on the clauses could leave you fully liable for the expenses without any assistance from insurance.
5. Health Risks of Dog Bites: Beyond the Surface
Dog bites pose significant health risks:
Severe Tissue Damage: Deep bites can damage muscles, tendons, nerves, and blood vessels.
Infection: Dog bites are highly susceptible to infection.
Bone Fractures: Powerful bites can cause fractures.
Nerve Damage: This can lead to chronic pain or loss of function.
Rabies: While rare in vaccinated dogs, rabies is a serious concern.
6. What to Do After a Dog Bite: Immediate Actions
If your dog bites someone:
Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Get professional medical care immediately.
Document the Incident: Record details, including date, time, location, and witnesses.
Obtain the Owner’s Information: Gather contact information if possible.
Take Photographs: Document the injuries and the scene.
Report the Incident: Report to animal control or the police.
Keep Records: Maintain detailed records of medical treatment and expenses.
Seek Legal Counsel: Consult a personal injury attorney as soon as possible.
Defenses for Dog Owners: What You Might Use
Dog owners may attempt to defend themselves by claiming comparative negligence (the victim was partially at fault), lack of knowledge (they didn’t know the dog was aggressive), or assumption of risk (the victim knowingly accepted the risk). The success of these defenses depends heavily on the specific circumstances.
1. Statute of Limitations:
Nevada has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. Act quickly.
2. Las Vegas Specific Ordinances:
Las Vegas has its own ordinances regarding dogs. Familiarize yourself with leash laws and other regulations.
Bourassa Law Group: Your Ally In Dog Bite Lawsuits.
Dog bites are serious. Understanding the legal complexities and taking appropriate action is crucial. If you’ve been involved in a dog bite incident in Las Vegas or anywhere in Nevada, whether as the victim or the dog owner, the Bourassa Law Group can provide the crucial legal guidance and representation you need.
We will thoroughly investigate the incident, gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and aggressively pursue your best interests in court if necessary. Our commitment is to secure the best possible outcome, whether that means obtaining fair compensation for your injuries or defending you against unwarranted claims.
Don’t face these challenges alone; contact the Bourassa Law Group today for a consultation to discuss your case and learn how our experts can assist you.
1-800-870-8910