Have You Heard of Nevada’s Dog Bite Law?
As COVID-19 restrictions continue to lift, you may venture outside your social group. This can include visiting the homes of friends and family. Unfortunately, a visit can become dangerous when it involves a dog. Millions of people are bitten every year by dogs. Many of the people bitten and injured are children. A dog owner may be responsible for the injuries caused by their pet. While Nevada does not have a specific dog bite law, it does have a dangerous or vicious dog law. Below we will provide Nevada’s dog bite law as well as tips to prevent dog bite accidents.
If a dog injures you in the Las Vegas area, contact the experienced personal injury legal team at Anthem Injury Lawyers. We offer decades of experience winning dog bite cases for our clients. We do not charge for initial consultations and will travel to you at home or in the hospital if necessary. Well-meaning people may tell you that you don’t need a personal injury lawyer to get the compensation you deserve in your Las Vegas dog bite case. Leave the complexities of your case to our experienced Las Vegas lawyers and staff. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
What Are State Laws for Dog Bites?
Dog bite laws vary by state. However, the laws can generally be divided into the following two categories:
- One-bite
- Strict liability
In a one-bite state, the owner’s liability depends on whether the owner knew or should have known that the dog might bite. It is called the one-bite rule because traditionally a dog got one free bite before liability attached.
Under strict liability, the dog does not get one free bite. It holds the owner liable for the bite regardless of what the owner knew or should have known. A majority of the states have strict liability laws for dog bites. For more information on dog bite laws throughout the U.S., see our article on state laws for dog bites.
Nevada’s Dog Bite Law
In Nevada, the law holds a dog’s owner responsible for the actions of their animals. If a person is attacked or bitten by a dog, the victim has the right to sue the owner for a personal injury. As most dog bites usually occur on the property where a dog lives, these cases can fall under premises liability. A dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance may pay for damages.
The legal issues involved in a dog bite incident are state and case specific. If you are bitten by a dog, it is important that you work with an experienced dog bite lawyer licensed in your state. If a dog injures you in the Las Vegas area, contact Anthem Injury Lawyers. We are an experienced team of dog bite lawyers licensed in Nevada. We can get you the compensation you deserve as a dog bite victim in the Las Vegas area. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation. We can come to you if your injuries make it difficult for you to come into our office.
Nevada’s Dangerous or Vicious Dog Law
Nevada Revised Statute 202.500 provides as follows.
1. For the purposes of this section, a dog is:
(a) “Dangerous” if:
(1) It is so declared pursuant to subsection 2; or
(2) Without provocation, on two separate occasions within 18 months, it behaved menacingly, to a degree that would lead a reasonable person to defend himself or herself against substantial bodily harm, when the dog was:
(I) Off the premises of its owner or keeper; or
(II) Not confined in a cage, pen or vehicle.
(b) “Provoked” when it is tormented or subjected to pain.
(c) “Vicious” if:
(1) Without being provoked, it killed or inflicted substantial bodily harm upon a human being; or
(2) After its owner or keeper had been notified by a law enforcement agency that the dog is dangerous, the dog continued the behavior described in paragraph (a).
2. A dog may be declared dangerous by a law enforcement agency if it is used in the commission of a crime by its owner or keeper.
3. A dog may not be found dangerous or vicious:
(a) Based solely on the breed of the dog; or
(b) Because of a defensive act against a person who was committing or attempting to commit a crime or who provoked the dog.
4. A person who knowingly:
(a) Owns or keeps a vicious dog, for more than 7 days after the person has actual notice that the dog is vicious; or
(b) Transfers ownership of a vicious dog after the person has actual notice that the dog is vicious,
is guilty of a misdemeanor.
5. If substantial bodily harm results from an attack by a dog known to be vicious, its owner or keeper is guilty of a category D felony and shall be punished as provided in NRS 193.130 [Nevada Revised Statute]. In lieu of, or in addition to, a penalty provided in this subsection, the judge may order the vicious dog to be humanely destroyed.
6. A local authority shall not adopt or enforce an ordinance or regulation that deems a dog dangerous or vicious based solely on the breed of the dog.
7. This section does not apply to a dog used by a law enforcement officer in the performance of his or her duty.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dangerous or vicious dog, you should seek medical attention immediately. Once you have gotten the injuries tended to, you should seek legal help from a Las Vegas personal injury lawyer. Specifically, a lawyer who specializes in animal attacks.
An experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer will be able to offer you sound legal advice. A lawyer can also help you deal with the insurance company and obtain compensation to pay for your medical bills. Don’t wait. Get in touch with our Las Vegas law firm today to learn more about how we can help you win the compensation you deserve as a dog bite victim. Contact the experienced team at Anthem Injury Lawyers at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
How Can You Prevent Dog Bites?
Nobody wants to be bitten by a dog. So, how can you prevent dog bites? According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation, you can take several steps to prevent dog bites including the following:
- Socialization – this helps your pet feel at ease in different situations.
- Responsible pet ownership – this helps with dog bite prevention. Ensure your pet is right for your family, has proper training and exercise, and is spayed or neutered.
- Education – educate yourself and your children on the proper way to approach a dog. This should include whether it is appropriate to approach a dog.
- Avoid risky situations – learn how to identify and avoid risky situations with dogs. A risky situation may involve a dog that is not with its owner or a dog that is sick or injured.
- Pay attention to the dog’s body language – look out for clues that the dog is feeling stressed, frightened, or threatened.
We hope these tips help you and your loved ones avoid dog bites. If a dog bites or injures you, contact a personal injury lawyer. Las Vegas Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers and case managers. Based in Henderson, Nevada, we work with clients all over the Las Vegas area. Remember: insurance companies are not motivated to pay you what you deserve as a Las Vegas dog bite victim. You need an experienced dog bite lawyer to help you get the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
EXPERIENCED LAS VEGAS PERSONAL INJURY LAWYERS
Have you been injured by a Las Vegas area dog? You should speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. Award-winning personal injury law firm Anthem Injury Lawyers is a team of experienced, dedicated personal injury lawyers based in Henderson, Nevada. With over 25 years of experience, Anthem Injury Lawyers specializes in personal injury claims, including dog bites. Get the advantage you deserve: Anthem Injury Lawyers offers you the best opportunity to win your Las Vegas dog bite case. Contact us today at (702) 857-6000 to make an appointment for a free consultation.
