Though many dogs bring joy and companionship into the lives of Las Vegas residents, they can also pose serious dangers. Every year, thousands of people in Las Vegas suffer injuries when a dog bites them. Some of those bite victims suffer severe trauma that leaves them physically and emotionally scarred for life. In extreme cases, a dog bite can even threaten a person’s life.
At Edward Bernstein and Associates, our experienced Las Vegas dog bite attorneys understand the pain and disruption a dog bite can cause. We fight to get Las Vegas dog bite victims money to pay their medical expenses and to provide the support they need while healing. Contact us today to learn more.
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Las Vegas Dog Bite Guide
- Why You Want to Work With Ed Bernstein and Associates
- How Can a Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer Help?
- Why Do Dogs Bite?
- Your Rights Under Nevada Dog Bite Law
- Grounds for a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Nevada
- Nevada’s Leash and Pet Ownership Laws
- Potential Compensation for a Las Vegas Dog Bite
- Common Dog Bite Injuries We Can Handle
- Protecting Your Rights After a Las Vegas Dog Bite
- Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Why You Want to Work With Ed Bernstein and Associates
Edward Bernstein and Associates has over four decades of experience representing injured Las Vegas accident victims. Our award-winning team of personal injury trial lawyers has a long track record of securing compensation for people who have suffered harm because of someone else’s wrongdoing. Through lawsuits and insurance claims, we fight to get you the compensation you need to afford medical care and manage your healing process.
Dog bite cases have always been a core part of our law practice at Ed Bernstein and Associates. Our compassionate lawyers know how traumatic a dog attack can be for a victim, and we work diligently to make sure our clients get the support they need. Our clients can always rest assured that they have lawyers in their corner who possess the talent and resources to get results, even in the most challenging dog bite injury cases.
How Can a Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer Help?
Hiring an attorney to handle your dog bite injury case can give you access to the information, legal advice, resources and representation you need for a positive outcome. You can trust your attorney to deal with the legal side of your case while you focus on your physical and emotional recovery with peace of mind.
Your lawyer will investigate the attack, gather evidence, handle confusing legal paperwork, and file a claim on your behalf. Then, your lawyer will negotiate with an insurance company for you to maximize your settlement. You are much more likely to receive a high settlement for your losses with a lawyer advocating for you.
Most dog bite cases in Nevada reach successful settlements. However, if an insurance company treats you in bad faith by rejecting your valid claim or refusing to offer a reasonable settlement, your lawyer can take your case to court in Clark County to fight for a fair case result. Your lawyer will work hard to make sure you have everything you need during this difficult time.
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Why Do Dogs Bite?
A dog attack may seem random, but there is usually a reason when a dog feels compelled to bite. Understanding why dogs bite is important for preventing future attacks. Pet owners have a responsibility to recognize the signs of an aggressive dog and take proactive steps to prevent them from biting.
Common reasons why dogs bite are:
- Fear or anxiety
- Being suddenly startled or touched
- Feeling threatened or trying to escape a situation
- Pain, injury, or discomfort
- Irritation or provocation
- Protectiveness over people, territory, or belongings
- Maternal instincts over a litter
- Food or water aggression
- Lack of socialization with people or other dogs
- Poor dog training
- Playfulness or overexcitement
- Animal abuse or neglect
Understanding triggers for dog bites can help you avoid a dangerous situation. Unfortunately, you cannot always control other people’s dogs or remain safe from one that is aggressive. If a dog injures you in Las Vegas, you may be able to hold the owner accountable for failing to prevent the attack.
What Are Your Rights Under Nevada Dog Bite Law?
Unlike most states, Nevada does not currently have a statute specifically addressing compensation for dog bite injuries. But that doesn’t mean Las Vegas dog bite victims have no legal recourse for the harm they’ve suffered.
You can generally sue for a dog bite in Nevada if someone’s wrongful decisions or actions led to your injuries.
Nevada law may deem that to be the case, for example, if the dog’s owner or handler:
- Knew or should have known the dog had bitten before or was otherwise dangerous;
- Failed to take reasonable steps to keep you safe from the dog;
- Violated a state or local dog law affecting public safety; or
- Intentionally or recklessly provoked the dog into attacking you.
Liability for a dog bite isn’t necessarily limited to dog owners and handlers in Nevada, either. Someone else may share or even bear all of that liability.
For instance:
- A property owner who allows a potentially dangerous dog on their premises, regardless of who owns the dog
- A manufacturer of defective dog restraints, fencing, or similar dog control products that malfunction or fail to work as advertised
- A law enforcement agency that violates someone’s civil rights by allowing a police K9 to use excessive force
Any bite by a dog other than your own could give you the right to take legal action against an at-fault party. Edward Bernstein and Associates knows how to investigate dog bites in Las Vegas to pinpoint their cause and identify anyone who should pay damages for the harm you suffered.
Grounds for a Dog Bite Injury Claim in Nevada
Under Nevada law, you must have legal grounds if you wish to file a claim for compensation for a dog bite injury in Las Vegas. Since Nevada does not have a single dog bite law, there is a wider legal framework available for these claims.
Potential grounds include:
- Negligence: If pet owners act negligently, meaning without due care for the safety of others, they can be held responsible for related dog attacks. Examples include taking an off-leash dog for a walk in an area of Las Vegas that requires leash-curbing.
- Strict liability: individual counties and cities in Nevada may have specific ordinances that allow injured victims to hold pet owners strictly liable for dog bite injuries. This means the owner can be held liable regardless of whether there was any negligence involved.
- Dangerous dog designation: If a dog has a history of viciousness, it may be declared “dangerous” by the county. This comes with special rules for containing and controlling the dog. If the owner breaks these rules, this can be grounds for a dog bite lawsuit.
A personal injury lawyer from Edward Bernstein and Associates can review your dog bite case to determine if it has merit. If so, we can help you gather evidence to prove the required legal elements of your claim.
Nevada’s Leash and Pet Ownership Laws
In Nevada, most cities have leash law requirements that make it mandatory for dogs to be curbed while in public places. They are not allowed to run at large or be off-leash except in designated areas. Dog parks in Clark County have their own rules and regulations, including leash mandates outside of the park.
The Las Vegas Strip also has a special law that prohibits the presence of animals in the restricted area of Las Vegas Boulevard South. This includes public and privately owned sidewalks, pedestrian bridges, and pedestrian bridge landings. The only exceptions are for service animals and “household pets”, as defined in Section 10.04.203 of the Clark County Code.
If a pet owner breaks a local law, this can result in a fine of $250. It can also serve as evidence of negligence against the pet owner for the purposes of a dog bite injury claim. Finally, it is proof of negligence if an owner harbors a known dangerous dog without taking the required precautions, such as keeping the dog muzzled.
Potential Compensation for a Las Vegas Dog Bite
Victims of dog bites in Las Vegas generally have the right to claim compensation for the full scope of harm the bite causes.
Every dog bite case we handle at Edward Bernstein and Associates is unique, but our team can usually pursue payment for a bite victim’s:
- Past and future medical expenses in treating a dog bite injury and related health complications
- Costs related to addressing mental health challenges common to dog bite injury cases, especially when a dog bites a young child
- Out-of-pocket costs for non-medical goods and services to assist in recovering from or living with dog bite injuries
- Lost earnings from the victim or a caregiver missing work while the bite heals
- The value of vacation time or sick leave used while missing work
- Any loss of future earnings or earning opportunities caused by the bite
- Bite-related scarring and disfigurement
- Physical pain and emotional suffering
- Diminished quality of life
The team at Ed Bernstein and Associates can also pursue an award of additional, punitive damages in cases involving an at-fault party’s extreme or malicious misconduct. And in the rare case of a dog bite causing a person’s death, our team can represent the victim’s surviving loved ones and legal estate in wrongful death proceedings, demanding compensation for the loss of the victim’s income, support, and companionship, among other damages.
Talk to our team today to learn about the potential types and amounts of compensation you could seek for your Las Vegas dog bite injuries. Your initial consultation with Edward Bernstein and Associates is always free of charge and comes with no obligation for you.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We Can Handle
With over 40 years of experience under our belts, the lawyers at Ed Bernstein and Associates have secured compensation for a wide array of client injuries. Our team possesses the depth of knowledge and collective know-how to tackle even the most complicated and difficult dog bite injuries.
Our team can pursue compensation for dog bite-related:
- Facial trauma, including disfiguring scars and loss of eyesight
- Defensive wounds on forearms and hands
- Puncture wounds and lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Blood loss and attendant health complications
- Broken bones and orthopedic trauma
- Back injuries (often related to being knocked down by an attacking dog)
- Bacterial or viral infection
- Emotional trauma, including anxiety, depression, and PTSD
These are common dog bite injuries, but they certainly do not account for all types of trauma a dog attack can inflict. No matter what the nature of your injuries from a dog bite, we encourage you to reach out to the team at Edward Bernstein and Associates to learn about your rights.
Schedule your free case evaluation today!
The Lasting Effects of a Catastrophic Dog Bite Injury
Many dog attacks in Nevada each year are catastrophic, meaning they inflict life-changing or life-threatening injuries. When some dogs bite, they don’t let go until a significant amount of damage has been done. Many attack incidents involve multiple dogs, which can multiply the amount of harm suffered.
Potential long-term effects of a dog attack include:
- Permanent physical scarring
- Disfigurement, including facial disfigurement
- Irreversible nerve damage and chronic pain
- Loss of mobility in certain body parts
- Amputations of fingers, ears, or other body parts
- Lasting psychological trauma or a phobia of dogs
Sadly, some dog attacks are fatal. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 468 dog-related deaths occurred in the U.S. from 2011 to 2021 – an average of 43 deaths per year. Dog bite fatalities have been steadily on the rise in the last five years, with the greatest number (81) in 2021. If your loved one died in a dog attack in Las Vegas, our wrongful death attorneys can help you seek justice.
Calling a lawyer isn’t necessarily the first thing Las Vegas dog bite victims think to do after their attack. But the compassionate, diligent lawyers at Edward Bernstein and Associates can be your most valued advocate and ally in the aftermath of suffering a dog bite injury.
Our Role in a Dog Bite Case
Ours is a full-service personal injury law firm. We aim to give our clients comprehensive legal support. We can handle all aspects of the process of securing compensation for your dog bite injury so you can focus your time and energy on healing and moving on from your trauma.
The steps we may take in any given Las Vegas dog bite case vary.
But our team has the skills and resources to:
- Act quickly to determine the ownership and vaccination status of the dog that bit our client
- Report the dog attack to the appropriate authorities in accordance with Las Vegas regulations
- Research a dog’s past history of dangerousness or viciousness
- Examine the circumstances of the bite to pinpoint its likely causes and at-fault parties
- Analyze insurance coverages to identify all potential sources of compensation for our clients’ bite injuries
- Respond to our client’s questions and concerns promptly and in plain English (or Español)
- Handle all interactions with insurance companies on our clients’ behalf
- Work out forbearance arrangements with medical providers to whom our client owes money for bite-related care
- Pursue insurance claims and lawsuits for damages in our client’s name
- Negotiate settlements of our clients’ claims whenever possible
- To try to prove our client’s dog bite case to a Las Vegas judge and jury
- Take all necessary steps to collect and disburse money owed to our client
At Ed Bernstein and Associates, we also appreciate that dog bite injuries can put you and your family under financial strain. That’s why we regularly represent clients in dog bite cases on a contingent fee basis. Instead of charging upfront payments or billing hundreds of dollars per hour, we receive a percentage of any money we collect for you as our fee. You only pay us for our work if we win for you. (Required disclaimer: You may have to pay an opposing party’s court fees and costs in the event of a loss.)
Protecting Your Rights After a Las Vegas Dog Bite
We strongly encourage you to contact us at Edward Bernstein and Associates right away after a dog bites you or your loved one in Las Vegas. In a free consultation, we can learn about what happened and clearly explain your potential rights.
Following these tips can also help you protect your interests and ability to seek compensation.
Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Never take a dog bite lightly, particularly if it breaks the skin. Always seek medical care immediately at a hospital emergency room, urgent care center, or family doctor’s office. Dog bites carry numerous potential health risks, including the threat of rabies, a disease that is nearly always fatal in humans if it goes untreated for too long. Laws require all dogs in Las Vegas to be vaccinated against rabies, but you can’t always trust dog owners to follow the law, and no vaccine is 100 percent effective.
Going to the doctor ensures that you will receive a full evaluation for rabies exposure and prompt treatment for all injuries the dog bite caused. It also protects your legal rights by ensuring medical documentation of what happened, which can serve as powerful evidence when claiming compensation for your losses.
Report the Bite to Las Vegas Animal Protection Services
You have a legal obligation under Las Vegas ordinances to report the dog bite to Las Vegas Animal Protection Services at (702) 229-6444. If your bite happens outside Las Vegas city limits, you can make your report to Clark County Animal Protection Services at (702) 455-7710.
Reporting your dog bite serves to make a record that the dog that bit you is potentially dangerous, which can protect others. It can also give you information about the dog’s ownership and vaccination status.
Don’t Agree to Quick Settlement
The dog’s owner, handler, or other potentially liable party, or their insurance company, might offer you a quick cash or in-kind settlement of your dog bite claim. Do not agree to any such proposal, no matter how tempting it might seem.
Those kinds of quick settlement offers invariably fall short of the true value of your Las Vegas dog bite claim. If you agree to one, you could sacrifice your rights to demand full compensation for your injuries, and you could end up without the financial support you need to pay for your care.
The most reliable way to safeguard your ability to claim full payment for your losses is to leave all negotiations with at-fault parties and insurance companies to an experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer. At Edward Bernstein and Associates, we can routinely secure far more money for our clients’ injuries than what was initially offered through a quick or informal settlement.
Don’t Let Your Rights Expire
Your rights to claim compensation for Las Vegas dog bite injuries have an expiration date, called a statute of limitations. In most cases, you have at most two years, and potentially far less, to take legal action seeking payment for your losses. If you miss this deadline, you will likely lose your rights completely.
The state’s statute of limitations, Nevada Revised Statute § 11.190, states:
4. Within 2 years:
(e) Except as otherwise provided in NRS 11.215 or 11.217, an action to recover damages for injuries to a person or for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or neglect of another.
In the case of a wrongful death by dog attack, a plaintiff has two years from the date of death rather than the date of the incident if these two dates differ. The statute of limitations in Nevada may be shortened or extended in special circumstances; for example, if the victim is a child under the age of 18, the deadline is two years from his or her 18th birthday.
In most cases, filing too late will take away your ability to seek financial compensation from a pet owner or another party.
The safest way to make sure you don’t miss an important deadline in your Las Vegas dog bite case is to contact an attorney right away and begin exploring your options for demanding compensation.
Contact an Experienced Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer Today
Dog bites can cause severe injuries, and they’re never something to take casually. If someone else’s dog bit you in Las Vegas, you likely have the right to claim compensation to help you pay for medical care and other expenses. Turning the process of securing that money over to an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney is the most reliable way to make the most of your rights.
Edward Bernstein and Associates has been fighting for Las Vegas dog bite victims for over four decades. In a free consultation, our team can answer your questions and explain your potential options for moving forward with a claim. Contact us at (702) 508-7334 today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you sue for a dog bite?
Depending on how the attack occurred, you can file a lawsuit against the dog owner if you are bitten or injured in any way by this person’s dog (including being knocked down). Call Edward M. Bernstein and Associates, experienced dog bite lawyers, for a free consultation to find out if you are eligible to receive compensation for your injury.
What is the average payout for a dog bite?
The average payout for dog bite settlements depends on your injuries, medical treatment, scarring, and pain and suffering. Speaking with a dog bite attorney will help you determine how much compensation you may be eligible to receive.
Can you get compensation for a dog bite?
While many animals go through life without ever hurting someone, vicious dog or animal attacks lead to serious injuries that result in thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
A dog bite lawyer can help you receive compensation for injuries from a homeowner through their homeowners insurance. If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog-related attack, call Edward M. Bernstein and Associates for a free consultation.
How long do dog bite settlements take?
The length of time necessary to settle a dog bite claim depends on how quickly you recover from your injuries. Once you are discharged by your doctor, we will gather all necessary evidence, including injury photos, medical bills, and wage loss documents, and submit a settlement demand to the insurance company. If the insurance company does not make a fair offer, we will discuss filing a lawsuit to hold the dog owner responsible.
Who is liable in a dog attack?
The dog owner is responsible for the control and restraint of the animal. Ignoring this responsibility is a risk to public safety. If you’ve been attacked while on public property or while legally on private property, the owner may be liable if:
- The animal wasn’t properly secured on the owner’s premises.
- The animal wasn’t on a leash.
- The owner knew the animal was prone to violence.
Further, the owner can be held responsible for negligence if you can prove that the owner failed to exercise ordinary care in controlling the dog. This can include failure to warn of the dog’s dangerous traits, failing to restrain a dangerous dog, or engaging in conduct likely to excite the dog.
Are Dog Bite Cases Covered by Homeowners Insurance?
The dog owner’s homeowners insurance policy may provide you some protection under the liability provision of your standard policy. There may be exclusions of certain breeds, depending on the insurance company.
Dog owners are usually liable if their dog bites or hurts someone, depending on the facts of the incident and relevant laws. The owner or their insurance company may have to compensate the victim for damages, including:
- medical bills
- pain and suffering
- lost income
- any property damage related to the incident, such as injuries to your pet or broken eyewear; and
- punitive damages, depending on the owner’s conduct
What Kind of Lawyer Do You Need for a Dog Bite?
When you’ve been attacked by a dog, the frustrations don’t just end with your dog bite injuries. There are medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that accumulate quickly, leaving you to deal with extra stress that you just don’t need.
When you’ve been attacked by a dog, the frustrations don’t just end with your dog bite injuries. There are medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses that accumulate quickly, leaving you to deal with extra stress that you just don’t need. Contact an experienced lawyer at Ed Bernstein & Associates today! Our experienced dog bite attorneys understand how these incidents can make life difficult. If you have a legal question or would like a free legal evaluation of your claim, fill out the online request or call our office at (702) 508-7334.