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Dog Bite Lawyer

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By Rodney Okano, Founding Attorney

Published: March 11, 2025

Experienced Las Vegas Dog Bite Attorney Near You

Dog bite incidents can be dangerous and traumatizing experiences that often leave an injured victim with substantial bodily harm.

Due to the gruesome nature of dog attacks, dog bite victims often seek to obtain maximum compensation, which can be a daunting task; however, with an experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer such as Attorney Rodney Okano, you can be ensured that a maximum settlement is delivered to you and your family.

To start your path to obtaining compensation, contact our Las Vegas personal injury law firm today by calling (702) 566-3600 for a free case evaluation where our Las Vegas dog bite attorneys will analyze your case and tell you its worth and timeline for free.

Should I Get a Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer for a Dog Bite

Following a dog attack, you may be wondering if you should hire a Las Vegas dog bite attorney to fight on your behalf.

While many factors go into deciding whether or not you need one, in most cases, it's highly recommended to hire a Nevada dog bite attorney for your case as they can:

  • Determining Liability: In Nevada, dog bite cases are not handled under strict liability, which means the dog owner will not be automatically responsible for your injuries and damages. This means you'll need an attorney to investigate and build a case proving who is at fault.
  • Negotiate with Insurance Companies: To ensure you recover compensation following a dog attack, it's crucial to have a lawyer negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf to ensure your dog bite claim is not unfairly denied or delayed.
  • Gather Evidence: To win personal injury cases, such as a dog bite case, substantial evidence will be required to prove the claims. With help from a Las Vegas dog bite lawyer, you can be ensured that a full investigation is done and all relevant evidence is collected.

If you wish to have a free consultation with a Las Vegas dog bite lawyer, contact the experienced dog bite lawyers at the Rodney Okano Car Accident Lawyer Law Firm today by calling (702) 566-3600.

Who Could Be Held Liable for a Dog Attack in Nevada

Following a dog attack, understanding who could be liable for the damages and injuries caused by the dog is crucial to obtaining the settlement to which you are entitled.

Such parties who may be responsible for a dog attack in Nevada include:

  • Dog Owner: Most commonly liable for dog bites, the dog owner could be held liable if they knew they had a dangerous dog or allowed the attack due to other negligent reasons.
  • Dog Caretaker: If the dog owner allowed someone other than themselves to be responsible for the dog and an attack occurred, that person could be liable.
  • Property Owners: A property owner or landlord could be held liable for a dog bite if they knew an aggressive dog was on their private property and failed to take action or post warning signs.

What Are the Nevada Dog Bite Laws

Nevada law does not have a specific dog bite statute. However, there is a combination of negligence and dangerous dog laws that are important to understand when following a dog bite.

Nevada One-Bite Rule

Nevada follows a one-bite rule, which means that a Nevada dog owner may not be held liable for a dog bite unless the dog has previously bitten someone or shown signs of aggression.

Under this rule, you may not be able to recover damages from the dog owner unless you prove that the owner knew of the dog's aggressive behavior prior to the attack.

Dangerous and Vicious Dog Laws

Under NRS 202.500, Nevada declares dogs as either dangerous or vicious, with each meaning:

  • Dangerous Dog: A dog that is considered dangerous under Nevada law must have acted aggressively twice without being provoked within 18 months.
  • Vicious Dog: For a dog to be classified as vicious, it must have had to previously been involved in an animal attack that resulted in serious injuries or if it attacked while being labeled as a dangerous dog.

In addition to outlining dog classifications, NRS 202.500 also states that it is illegal to own or keep a dog that is considered vicious.

Nevada Leash Laws

Nevada leash laws differ based on county, so it's important to check your local laws and local ordinances to see what applies to you; however, most leash laws in Nevada are strict and make it illegal for a dog to roam freely in a public space.

For example, Clark County Code 10.36.040 states that dogs in public spaces must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet; failure to comply could result in fines or the owner being liable for any resulting bite injuries.

What Are the 6 Levels of Dog Bites

In a dog attack case, dog bites are typically categorized into 6 levels, with a level 1 dog bite being the most minor and a level 6 being the most major.

Understanding the 6 levels of dog bites and which one applies to your case is crucial to determining how much compensation you may be entitled to.

The 6 levels of dog bites include:

  1. Level 1: This level does not include physical contact with a person's skin but instead involves aggressive growling, snapping, or lunging.
  2. Level 2: This level occurs when a dog's teeth make contact with a person's skin but do not puncture it. Effects of a level 2 bite may be minor scratches or bruising.
  3. Level 3: This level is when a dog bite results in shallow punctures that are no deeper than half the length of the dog's canine teeth. Level 3 bites are where any injury caused by the bite can be relatively severe.
  4. Level 4: Level 4 bites involve one or more deep puncture wounds that are typically caused by a full-force bite.
  5. Level 5: A level 5 bite is when a dog attack results in multiple level 4 bites.
  6. Level 6: Level 6 bites occur when the dog bite results in the death of the victim. While rare, when a level 6 bite occurs, the family can seek compensation through a wrongful death claim.

How to File a Dog Bite Claim in Las Vegas

Knowing how to correctly file a dog bite claim is crucial to obtaining the compensation you are entitled to.

Seek Immediate Medical Treatment

Following a dog bite, it's crucial that you immediately seek medical care as it will not only ensure your well-being but will also provide medical records that can be used to prove your injuries in a claim.

Obtain the Dog Owner's Information

If you seek to hold the owner liable for your injuries and damages, attempt to obtain their phone number, name, and insurance information.

In the event you can not find the owner, report the incident to the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department and file a police report so they may assist in tracking the owner down.

Report the Attack to Animal Control

Nevada dog bite laws require that all serious attacks be reported to the Las Vegas animal control.

Reporting your attack helps track and remove dangerous dogs while providing your case with an official record.

Consult with a Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer

Due to the complex nature of dog bite cases, it's highly recommended to consult with a Las Vegas dog bite lawyer, as they can determine liability, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.

To speak with an experienced Nevada dog bite lawyer, call (702) 566-3600 for a free consultation.

How Serious Does a Dog Bite Have to Be to Sue?

In Nevada, you can file a lawsuit no matter how serious the dog bite injury may be.

However, generally, minor bites do not justify legal action as the costs will often outweigh the awards, but if you suffered moderate or severe injuries in a dog attack, speaking with a Las Vegas personal injury attorney is highly suggested so you may better understand your personal injury case and if taking legal action is worth it.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases

What Are the Common Dog Bite Injuries?

Dog bites can result in numerous minor and major injuries, with the most common injuries being:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Nerve damage
  • Broken bones
  • Bite marks and scarring
  • Infections

What Damages Can You Recover in a Las Vegas Dog Bite Claim?

Following a dog bite, you can claim both economic and noneconomic losses, which are typically composed of:

What Are the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Nevada

In Nevada, under NRS 11.190, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is two years from the date of the attack.

Failure to file a claim within this two-year deadline could result in you losing the right to seek compensation from the liable party.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases

What Are the Common Dog Bite Injuries?

Dog bites can result in numerous minor and major injuries, with the most common injuries being:

  • Puncture wounds
  • Lacerations and cuts
  • Nerve damage
  • Broken bones
  • Bite marks and scarring
  • Infections

What Damages Can You Recover in a Las Vegas Dog Bite Claim?

Following a dog bite, you can claim both economic and noneconomic losses, which are typically composed of:

What Are the Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Nevada

In Nevada, under NRS 11.190, the statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim is two years from the date of the attack.

Failure to file a claim within this two-year deadline could result in you losing the right to seek compensation from the liable party.

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