Dog Bite Injuries and Your Right to Compensation

Dog bites can result in devastating physical and emotional trauma, leaving victims with painful injuries, permanent scarring, and psychological distress. In Nevada, dog owners can be held responsible when their negligence leads to an attack. At Peralta & Plank, we are dedicated to helping dog bite victims recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, our experienced attorneys can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Serious Injuries Caused by Dog Bites

Dog bites can cause severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment and may lead to long-term complications. Some of the most common dog bite injuries include:

• Facial Lacerations, Scarring, and Disfigurement – Dog bites to the face are especially common in children and can result in deep lacerations that require stitches, reconstructive surgery, or skin grafts. Scarring and disfigurement may cause lasting physical and emotional distress.
• Broken and Crushed Bones – Large, powerful dogs can bite with enough force to break or crush bones, especially in the hands, arms, or legs. These injuries may require surgery, physical therapy, and long-term rehabilitation.
• Deep Cuts and Puncture Wounds – Dog teeth can cause deep puncture wounds, which may damage muscles, nerves, and blood vessels. These injuries often require medical treatment, including wound cleaning, stitches, and antibiotics.
• Risk of Infection – Dog bites carry a high risk of infection due to bacteria in the dog’s mouth. Infections such as cellulitis, sepsis, or rabies can develop if wounds are not properly treated. Immediate medical attention is essential to prevent serious complications.
• Psychological Injuries – Many dog bite victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and a lasting fear of dogs. Children, in particular, may develop long-term emotional distress after a traumatic attack.

Nevada’s Approach to Dog Bite Liability

Nevada takes a unique approach to legal liability for dog bites, including a mix of “negligence” and “strict liability” legal theories. For example, if the dog had not bitten before or shown signs of aggression, owners are only liable if they were negligent, such as by letting the animal roam free in public or on private property in an unfenced yard. However, if the dog has bitten before, the dog may be classified as “dangerous” or “vicious,” making the owner strictly liable for any future attack, without the victim having to prove the owner was negligent.

Under Nevada law, a “dangerous dog” is one that has, without provocation, behaved menacingly twice within an 18-month period while off the owner’s property. A “vicious dog,” in contrast, is one that has inflicted substantial injury or death on a person without provocation or continues to exhibit dangerous behavior after being declared dangerous.

Owners of dangerous dogs must obtain a permit, ensure the dog is securely enclosed on their property with warning signs, muzzle and leash the dog when off-property, spay or neuter, microchip, and maintain liability insurance of at least $50,000.

When it comes to vicious dogs, however, the rules are different. It is illegal to own or transfer ownership of a vicious dog in Nevada. Failure to comply can result in misdemeanor charges, fines up to $1,000, and/or six months in jail. Severe cases may lead to felony charges with fines up to $5,000 and 1-4 years in prison.

Legal Recourse for Dog Bite Victims in Las Vegas

Victims can pursue compensation under several legal theories, including negligence if an owner failed to exercise reasonable care in controlling their dog, or strict liability in cases where a dog is known to be dangerous or vicious. Dog bite victims can also take advantage of the legal doctrine of negligence per se to establish owner liability by demonstrating the owner’s violation of local animal control laws, such as leash ordinances.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident

If you’re a victim of a dog bite in Nevada:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Prompt treatment is essential to address injuries and prevent infections.
2. Report the Incident: Notify local animal control or health authorities to document the event and initiate necessary investigations.
3. Gather Information: Collect the dog owner’s contact details, vaccination records, and any witness statements.
4. Document Injuries: Take photographs of injuries and maintain records of medical treatments.
5. Consult a Personal Injury Attorney: Legal professionals can guide you through the process of seeking compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Trusted Advice, Guidance and Support After a Dog Bite Injury in Las Vegas

Understanding Nevada’s dog bite laws is vital for victims seeking justice. Taking the appropriate steps can help ensure your rights are protected, and that’s where a personal injury attorney can provide invaluable support.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a dog attack in Las Vegas or neighboring communities such as Paradise and Henderson, Peralta & Plank is here to help you pursue justice and compensation. Contact us today for a free consultation.