Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

If you’ve experienced a dog bite, you understand the severity of such incidents. Dog bites can cause significant injuries and even infections, necessitating expensive medical treatment. Whether you were bitten at a park, on a walking trail, at a dog owner’s residence, or even on your own property, it’s crucial to hold dog owners accountable for their pets’ violent actions. Pursuing a personal injury case against a dog owner may seem challenging, but you deserve compensation for your injuries and the financial impact they’ve had on your life. The dedicated team of Las Vegas dog bite lawyers at Burton & Reardon can provide the legal support you need to pursue financial recovery. 

Dog Bites in Las Vegas: Common Occurrences 

Dog bites are not uncommon in Las Vegas or throughout the United States. With approximately 90 million dogs in the country, it’s inevitable that some will bite on occasion. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): 

• There are approximately 4.7 million dog bites annually in the U.S. 
• Around 800,000 dog bites require medical care. 
• 58% of dog bite fatalities occur on the dog owner’s property. 
• Adults are three times less likely than children to sustain severe dog bite injuries. 
• 50% of dog bites involve children under 12 years old. 
• 70% of fatal dog bites involve children under ten years old. 

Every day, approximately 1,000 people visit emergency rooms due to dog bites. Moreover, dog attacks can have lasting psychological effects, including post-traumatic stress disorder and animal aversion, affecting both children and adults. Even if the dog bite initially seems minor, consulting with a lawyer experienced in personal injury cases is crucial. 

Establishing Liability in Dog Attack Cases 

Dog owners are responsible for adequately restraining their dogs, particularly if the animals have a history of aggressive behavior. To hold the owner accountable, it’s necessary to prove their negligence regarding the pet. In Nevada, the owner does not have to anticipate potentially dangerous behavior for the victim to seek compensation. If the owner’s negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for: 

• Your injuries 
• Required medical treatment 
• Pain and suffering 

Regardless of the circumstances, you should not feel responsible for a dog’s behavior. Dogs can bite for various reasons, and a skilled Las Vegas dog bite attorney can investigate the incident’s cause and determine liability. Factors considered in your case may include whether the owner had the dog adequately restrained, identified, socialized, vaccinated, and exercised. These elements help assess whether the dog posed a safety risk due to the owner’s failure to provide proper care. 

Timely Filing of a Dog Bite Injury Case 

Nevada State Law holds owners responsible for damages caused by dangerous dogs. A dog is considered dangerous if it behaves in a menacing manner (unprovoked) to the extent that a reasonable person would defend themselves. If there are more than two reports regarding the same dog within an 18-month period, law enforcement can classify the dog as dangerous. 

The owner bears responsibility for injuries if they fail to leash, enclose, or control their pet in public or private spaces. However, the bite victim may be liable if they intentionally provoke the dog into attacking or approach the dog after being warned by the owner. 

Under Nevada law, you have two years to file a lawsuit against a negligent party in personal injury cases. If you exceed this deadline, the court may not hear your case. Therefore, it’s crucial to contact Burton & Reardon, experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyers, as soon as possible after the incident to ensure the strength of your case with recent evidence. 

When evaluating your dog bite case, your attorney will consider the nature of the attack. Since each dog bite case is unique, a customized approach tailored to your situation is essential. Your lawyer may inquire about the attack’s location, whether you were visiting a home or office space, if the dog attacked from the owner’s unsecured property, and if you were engaging with the dog or merely passing by. These details assist your attorney in personalizing their strategy and securing the financial recovery you deserve. 

Contact Burton & Reardon, Experienced Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyers

Dog bite injuries can be physically and financially burdensome. At Burton & Reardon, we understand the challenges you face and are committed to helping you obtain the compensation you need. When you’re injured, the last thing you should worry about is legal complexities. Let our law firm handle your case while you focus on recovery.

With extensive experience in personal injury cases and a strong presence in Las Vegas, our skilled attorneys at Burton & Reardon offer personalized attention and frequent updates on your case. You’ll have access to a paralegal whenever you need to communicate or meet during business hours. As our client, you’ll also be able to access your case information online. We are determined advocates who aren’t afraid to litigate on your behalf.

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, don’t delay seeking justice. Call Burton & Reardon, Las Vegas dog bite lawyers, at (702) 213-0303 for a free initial consultation to determine the appropriate course of action for your case. Our fees are contingency-based, meaning you only pay if we win your case (“no win, no fee” basis).