Being bitten by a dog can be frightening, and it can also cause serious injuries. In some cases, it can even be fatal. With approximately 4.5 million dog bites occurring in the US every year, this type of injury isn’t nearly as uncommon as many people think.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog or had a loved one bitten, you may want to seek out the services of a personal injury attorney to help you receive compensation. Here’s what you need to know about Nevada’s dog bite laws.
Many Dog Bites Are Breed-Specific
While some breeds get a bad rap, and all dogs are individuals, the majority of dog bite lawsuits involve a few specific breeds. Pit bulls and American bulldogs are two of the breeds involved in dog bite statistics, along with Chihuahuas, German Shepherds, and Cocker Spaniels.
If you’re planning on getting a dog, or you have friends with dogs, it’s important to be aware of the statistics and averages for a dog you might choose, especially if you have small children. Dogs can be great pets, but they can also pose a risk. Dog bite lawsuits show that, and if you’ve been harmed by a dog you deserve to seek compensation.
The Laws Surrounding Dog Bites are Important
The biggest and most important issue as you work with an attorney and consider a lawsuit is an understanding of the Nevada dog bite laws. These laws are less concrete than the laws in some other states, so common law will prevail in dog bite cases.
Outside of Las Vegas, liability is often determined by the previous behavior of the dog, and also whether the person who was bitten had any fault in the incident. If you were provoking the dog, for example, you could be considered partially at fault if you were bitten.
The owner of a dog is responsible for protecting the public from that dog. If the dog was previously aggressive, the owner will be liable for further incidents. You have two years after being bitten to file a dog bite lawsuit, per the statute of limitations.
A Personal Injury Lawyer Can Help
If you have questions about dog bite lawsuits, or you’ve been bitten and need representation from a personal injury attorney, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us at Coulter Harsh Law today, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.
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