Dog Bites
If you’ve been injured by the wrongdoing of someone else, you may be entitled to payment for your medical expenses, the pain you had to go through, and the time you missed from work.
According to the Insurance Information Institute, about 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Dog bites can be serious injuries that can impact your life. There can be pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages.
Don’t wait for the dog’s owner or insurance company to make things right. You need an experienced dog bite lawyer that can help you get the compensation you deserve. Roebuck Law Firm can build your Nevada dog bite case and help prove the animal or property owner was liable for your injuries.
Dog Bite Injuries Are Often Serious
Dog bite victims can suffer serious and sometimes life-changing or life-threatening injuries. Dog bite injuries can include:
- Severe cuts and lacerations
- Psychological injuries
- Broken bones and fractures
- Permanent scarring or disfigurement
- Head injuries
Nevada Dog Bite Laws
A dog owner may not be liable in Nevada just because their dog bites someone. Instead, the dog must be a “dangerous” or “vicious” dog under Nevada Law, or the dog owner must be negligent. Nevada Revised Statute 202.500 deems a dog “dangerous” if, without provocation, on two separate occasions within the last 18 months, it behaved menacingly to a degree that would lead a reasonable person to defend themself against substantial bodily harm, when the dog was off the premises of its owner or not confined in a cage, pen, or vehicle.
Likewise, the statute deems a dog as “vicious” if, without provocation, it killed or inflicted substantial bodily harm upon a human being, or after its owner had been notified by a law enforcement agency that the dog is dangerous, the dog continued to behave menacingly. Finally, a dog is not deemed “dangerous” or “vicious” solely because of the breed of the dog, or because of a defensive act against a person who was attempting to commit a crime or provoking the dog.
To prove that a dog owner was negligent, you must prove that he or she failed to act with reasonable care. Examples of this are when the dog owner left the dog unsupervised or failed to keep the dog on a leash. You can also prove that the dog owner was negligent by demonstrating that the dog owner violated a city or county law pertaining to dogs. For instance, some cities and counties require that a dog be properly enclosed or kept on a leash. In the event a dog owner was in violation of one of these local laws, and such violation led to your injuries, you may be able to establish that the dog owner was negligent.
What To Do If A Dog Bites You
While it can be difficult to think rationally after being attacked or bitten by a dog, if you can remain calm, there are steps you can take following the attack that could help maximize the compensation for your dog bite claim.
- Call the police and make sure they create a report for the dog bite.
- Ask the dog’s owner if the dog is up-to-date on its shots.
- Note the name, address, and phone number of the owner, as well as that of any witnesses to the dog attack.
- Take pictures of your dog bite injuries, the dog, the location of the attack, and any damaged clothing or property.
- Seek medical attention. This is a good idea even if you don’t feel pain. Some injuries may not surface right away.
- Contact an experienced dog bite lawyer to discuss your claim. The lawyer can inform you about the estimated financial compensation of your dog bite claim as well as possible next steps.
- Keep a daily journal in which you document the emotional and physical pain you experience, limitations you face due to your dog bite injuries, and any treatment for your injuries.
Does Insurance Cover Dog Bites?
It depends. If the dog owner is deemed liable for their dog’s attack under Nevada Law, the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance should provide coverage. One exception to this is if the insurance policy specifically excludes the dog for previously being deemed “dangerous” or “vicious.”
It’s important to note that an insurance policy cannot limit coverage in Nevada solely based on the breed of the dog, according to Nevada Revised Statute 687B.383. An experienced personal injury attorney can help you determine whether a dog owner is liable and whether there is insurance coverage to compensate you for your damages.
What Happens If Your Dog Bites Someone On Your Property?
If your dog bites someone on your property, it’s possible that you could owe that person financial compensation. The dog bite may also need to be reported to the county’s Animal Control authorities. The fact that the person is on your property may not be a defense to liability.
What Is The Average Settlement For Dog Bite Injuries?
The average settlement for dog bite injuries depends on your medical bills, pain and suffering, and lost wages. More severe dog bite injuries and longer recovery time will typically result in more compensation. To the extent a dog owner is liable under Nevada Law and there’s insurance coverage, the typical insurance policy limits range from $100,000 to $300,000. This means that you could potentially settle your dog bite claim for $100,000 to $300,000 if warranted by your damages. A dog bite lawyer can give you a more accurate estimate after evaluating your case.
How Long Does It Take For A Dog Bite Settlement?
The amount of time it takes to settle your dog bite claim depends on a number of factors. Things like the severity of your injuries, the length of time it takes for you to complete medical treatment, and who the insurance company and adjuster are will affect how long it takes to settle your case.
Consult a dog bite attorney for an evaluation of your dog bite claim and to receive a more accurate estimated timeline for your dog bite settlement.
Contact A Nevada Dog Bite Lawyer
Roebuck Law Firm will fight for you to make sure you get the maximum compensation you deserve for your dog bite injuries. If you have been bitten or attacked by a dog in Nevada, contact Roebuck Law Firm today for a free initial consultation. There’s no fee unless we win your case.