What To Do After a Dog Bite: Understanding Nevada Laws and Your Next Steps

Dog bites can be a distressing, painful, and expensive experience. If a dog has bitten you or a loved one, it’s essential to know the immediate actions to take and understand the legal landscape in Nevada. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we love our furry friends, but we know accidents happen. According to Government dog bite studies, the average cost of a hospital stay for a dog bite is up over 50% to $18,200. This cost is more than 25% of the median annual household income in Nevada. Dog bites aren’t only painful, they can have long-lasting, financially-crushing impacts long after the wounds have healed. But it doesn’t have to be this way. The team at Sam & Ash is committed to helping you navigate this challenging situation to ensure you receive the best care and the most compensation possible.

Here’s a guide on what to do after a dog bite and an overview of Nevada’s dog bite laws.

Immediate Steps To Take After a Dog Bite

• Get to Safety:
  • Make Sure the Dog Is Secured: An aggressive and confused dog may try to attack again, even after its owner/handler has initially restrained it.
  • Move Yourself: If the dog cannot be secured, move yourself (and your children/loved ones) to safety inside a vehicle or structure.
• Seek Medical Attention:
  • Prompt Care: Even if the bite seems minor, seek medical attention immediately. Dog bites can lead to infections and other complications.
  • Document Injuries: Keep records of your injuries, including photographs and medical reports, as these will be important for your case.
• Report the Incident:
  • Notify Animal Control: Report the bite to local animal control or the appropriate authority. This helps track the dog’s health status and prevent future incidents.
    • Inform the Dog’s Owner: If you know the owner, notify them about the bite. If possible, take the time to ask the following important questions.
      1. Is this the first time this has happened?
      2. Does the dog have a history of aggressive, menacing, or threatening behavior?
      3. How have you prevented attacks before?
      4. Has the dog been acting more menacing or aggressive in recent months?
      5. Have you been notified by animal control or law enforcement that the dog is vicious?
      6. Is your dog up-to-date on all their vaccinations?
• Gather Information:
  • Collect Details: Obtain the contact information of the dog’s owner, any witnesses, and details about the incident, including where and when it occurred.
  • Document the Dog: Note the dog’s breed, size, and appearance. If possible, get a photo of the dog.
• Follow Medical Advice:
  • Treatment Plan: Adhere to your doctor’s treatment and follow-up care recommendations. This might include taking prescribed medications, going to physical/occupational therapy and attending follow-up appointments.
• Keep a Record:
  • Track Expenses: Maintain a detailed record of all expenses related to the bite, including medical bills, lost wages, and any other costs incurred.
  • Pain Journal: Maintain a detailed record of the pain from the bite. How is it changing over time– is it getting better or worse? Document any inability to sleep or work, etc.

Understanding Nevada Dog Bite Laws

Nevada law addresses dog bites and injuries under several legal principles. Here’s a breakdown of key aspects:

• Strict Liability:
• • Owner Responsibility: Nevada follows a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. This means that the dog’s owner is responsible for injuries caused by the dog, regardless of whether the owner was negligent or aware of the dog’s aggressive behavior.
  • Exception: The strict liability rule does not apply if the bite occurred when the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog.
• Medical Expenses and Damages:
  • Compensation: If a dog bites you, you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, pain and suffering, and any other damages resulting from the bite. It isn’t just the direct damages, but the indirect costs as well including the inability to work and loss of hours, etc.
  • Insurance Claims: Often, dog bite claims are covered under the homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy of the dog’s owner. It’s essential to work with an attorney to negotiate with insurance companies and ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Reporting and Legal Action:
  • File a Claim: You can file a claim against the dog’s owner for damages. It’s advisable to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand your rights and the best course of action.
  • Statute of Limitations: In Nevada, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. The sooner you seek an attorney, the more likely it is that all of the evidence and documentation required to obtain a successful outcome will be recovered.
• Criminal Penalties:
  • Dangerous Dogs: In some cases, if a dog has a history of aggressive behavior or has previously bitten someone, the owner may face criminal penalties or fines. Animal control can provide more information on specific cases.

Why You Should Consult an Attorney

Navigating a dog bite case can be complex, and having an experienced attorney on your side can make a significant difference. At Sam & Ash Injury Law, we can help you:

• Assess Your Case: Evaluate the specifics of your case and determine the best legal strategy.
• Handle Insurance Negotiations: Manage interactions with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Provide Support: Guide you through the legal process and ensure your rights are protected.

Experiencing a dog bite can be overwhelming, but knowing what steps to take and understanding your legal rights in Nevada can help you manage the situation effectively.

Call the Experienced Team at Sam & Ash Injury Law Following an Attack:

If you or a loved one has been injured by an animal, contact the experienced attorneys at Sam & Ash Injury Law. Our team has helped countless victims of dog attacks navigate the complicated process to ensure they get the support and results they deserve. Don’t hesitate to contact our team 24/7.

Sam & Ash – Because You Deserve What’s Right.