An estimated 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. One in five bites requires medical attention, and more than half of all bite victims are children. If you or a loved one is the victim of a dog bite, you need advice from an experienced dog bite attorney in Las Vegas.
At Dobberstein Law Group, we know how traumatic dog attacks can be. We’ve helped many dog bite victims collect compensation for their injuries. We’ll take a closer look at your claim and will help you decide what your next step should be.
Common Dog Bite Breeds
While any dog has the potential to bite or attack a person, some breeds are more prone to biting than others. Bites from large dog breeds are more likely to cause serious damage, and because of this, they’re more likely to be cited in dog bite data. The most common breeds involved with dog bite incidents are:
- Pit bulls
- Doberman Pinschers
- Terriers
- Bulldog breeds
- German shepherds
- Australian shepherds
- Rottweilers
- Chihuahuas
- Cocker Spaniels
- Dalmatians
While these breeds are known to be aggressive, even breeds that are considered to be docile can attack people. No matter what breed of dog you’ve been bitten by, you should discuss your case with personal injury lawyers in Las Vegas as soon as possible.
Do I Have a Case?
Nevada doesn’t have specific laws on dog bites and typically uses common law to determine liability after an attack. This means that if the owner of a dog demonstrated negligent behavior, they can be held liable for attacks even if the dog has not bitten someone in the past.
What qualifies as negligent? A dog owner could be considered to be negligent if they failed to keep their dog leashed or if the fencing in their yard wasn’t stable enough to keep the dog secure. If the owner of the dog in violation of animal control laws at the time of the attack, they are automatically considered negligent.
Dog owners are also liable for attacks involving “dangerous dogs.” Nevada state law classifies a dog as dangerous if:
- It has behaved aggressively on at least two occasions in the last 18 months
- This behavior was not provoked
- The dog was not secured at the time of the incident
Dog bite litigation in Nevada can be complex, which is why it’s best to discuss your claim with a personal injury lawyer in Henderson Las Vegas. An attorney at Dobberstein Law Group can review your case and help you decide on the best course of action.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite?
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you may be eligible to collect compensation for the damages you’ve suffered. These damages may include:
- Current medical expenses
- Future medical expenses
- Physical therapy
- Lost wages
- Disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
If the attack involved a dog with a history of viscous behavior, you may also be eligible to seek punitive damages. Work with an experienced Las Vegas personal injury attorney that can help you to determine the full value of your claim.
How a Dog Bite Attorney in Las Vegas Can Help
When you talk to Las Vegas injury attorneys, you can get a better understanding of the rights you have under the law. Lawyers can review your claim and help you to determine if you should take legal action. If you do choose to file a claim, your attorney can fight to collect the maximum compensation you’re entitled to under the law.
Not only can a dog bite lawyer fight for your rights, but they can help you build a stronger claim. Your attorney can talk to medical experts and collect evidence on your behalf. Attorneys can also handle negotiations with insurance companies and the liable party, potentially resolving your claim out of court.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, Dobberstein Law Group is here to help. We can provide a free, no-obligation evaluation of your claim. If you choose to take legal action, we’ll calculate both past and future damages so that we can secure the largest possible settlement for you.
We offer same-day appointments and won’t charge you any fees unless we win your case. Give us a call at 702-430-8900 if you’d like to speak with someone on our personal injury North Las Vegas team.