Nevada Law - Las Vegas Dog Bite

Dog bite claims are complex, but our Las Vegas dog bite attorneys can notify you of your legal rights and options and advise you on the best course of action. After determining whether or not a strong claim exists based on the evidence and data surrounding the incident, your dog bite lawyer will know what type of settlement should be sought.

General Info - Dangerous Dogs

Each year 4.7 million people suffer from dog bites. Most dog bites occur with children, and depending on the state it occurred in, financial recovery is available.

In Nevada, statutes define a "dangerous dog" as a dog that behaves menacingly to a degree that would lead a person to defend him or herself against bodily harm. This should be without provocation, on two separate occasions, within 18 months. A dog cannot be called dangerous if the dog bite occurred as a defensive act against a person who was committing, or attempting to commit, a crime. Nor can a dog be called dangerous if the dog bite occurred as a defensive act against a person who provoked the dog.

A dog is considered "vicious" if it kills or inflicts substantial bodily harm upon a person without being provoked. The owner or keeper of the dog known to be vicious could be found guilty of a category D felony, punishable as provided in NRS 193.130. If as a defensive act the dog attacks a person committing a crime, attempting to commit a crime, or provoking the dog in any way, the dog bite cannot be declared dangerous nor considered a felony under the statute for being vicious.

In determining if the dog bite was because of a "dangerous dog," as defined by the Nevada dog bite statute, a dog bite lawyer will consider all the evidence. This evidence includes any prior acts as well as the conduct of the dog. Negligence must also be established in order for the owner of a dog to be liable. A dog bite lawyer must be able to establish whether the dog was vicious or had a tendency to be dangerous.

Much to the surprise of dog bite victims, 80 percent of all dog bites are from canines that they know and regularly interact with. Children are three times more likely than adults to sustain serious dog bite injuries.

In addition to children, service companies like utility meter readers, postal and package delivery personnel, telephone and TV service people, and law enforcement officers are at high risk for a dog bite attack. The injuries and possible loss of wages because of dog bites have been a significant safety and financial issue for these employees and their employers. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bites account for one-third of homeowners' insurance claims nationwide.

Selecting a Dog Bite Lawyer in Las Vegas

When you select a Las Vegas dog bite lawyer from the law firm of Benson, Bertoldo, Baker, & Carter, our goal is to treat you with the utmost understanding and compassion, coupled with the highest level of legal representation. We offer a free initial consultation involving dog bite matters and make it our chief priority to consistently provide you with individual attention throughout the case's progression.