Nevada does not have a written statute pertaining to dog bites. However, victims of dog bites can still recover if the dog was considered “dangerous” or “vicious,” or if they prove negligence or negligence per se.

• Dangerous or Vicious Dogs: If the dog has previously bitten someone, then it is considered dangerous or vicious, and the victim may recover. However, if the dog has never bitten someone before, then the victim cannot recover. This is known as Nevada’s “One Bite” Rule.
• Negligence: To prove that a dog owner was negligent, the victim must prove that he or she failed to act with reasonable care. This could mean that the dog owner left the dog unsupervised or failed to keep a leash on the dog.
• Negligence Per Se: While there is no statewide statute pertaining to dog bites, there are various cities and counties within Nevada that have written laws pertaining to dogs. Some of these laws require things such as the dog being properly enclosed or kept on a leash. In the event the dog owner was in violation of one of these local laws, and such violation led to the victim’s injuries, the victim may be able to recover under a theory of negligence per se.

Furthermore, in Nevada, you have two years from the date of the injury to submit a dog-bite case. There is no way to collect damages if you miss this deadline. The complexity of determining liability in a dog attack often leaves dog bite victims confused. Consequently, it is best to discuss your case with an experienced dog bite attorney, as they will know what is required to obtain the maximum compensation for your injuries.