Child Dog Bite Accidents in Las Vegas, Nevada
The trauma of a dog bite
If a dog has attacked your child in Las Vegas, Nevada, call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case.
Dog bites can be one of the most traumatizing injuries anyone can suffer. When a small child suffers a dog attack, especially if it is a dog bite on the face, the impact of that attack can have a long-lasting effect on the child's life.
While the attorney can't reverse the accident's trauma, we can get you the funds to pay for the child's dog bite treatment and other damages.
Who is liable?
Under Nevada law, the dog owner is almost always liable for the attack. Others may be legally responsible, but in very rare cases. For example, if a dog's owner is under 18, the owner's parents may share legal responsibility. A dog owner's landlord who knows a dog is dangerous may also be legally responsible for injuries or damages caused by a dog. Each case is unique, and the facts on the ground can change the nature of the situation.
Child dog bite and negligence
Many dog bites occur because of the dog owner's negligence. Examples include:
• Allowing the dog to run outside the house without a fence.
• Intentionally letting the dog off of the leash.
• Failing to place a "Beware of Dog" sign in their yard.
However, there are exceptions to this rule. For example, if the victim was provoking the dog or the dog owner warned the victim many times not to touch the dog, the owner may NOT be liable or may only be partially responsible for the accident. In cases like this, only a jury can establish the percentage of liability of the owner.
Small dog vs. a big dog
The injury from the little dog could be as severe as the injury from the big dog. The dog can't talk. When the dog feels threatened, or somebody touches the dog the way they don't like, they bite.
What to do after the child dog bite attack
Here is what you need to do after the attack:
- Immediately seek medical attention.
- Report the attack to the police or Animal Control.
- Take photographs of the dog involved.
- Take photographs of all visible injuries.
- Obtain the name and phone number of the dog owner and all witnesses. Do not talk to the dog owner about the attack or that you will seek monetary compensation; take the dog's owner's name, phone, and address.
- Contact an attorney who has experience handling child dog bite accidents. We invite you to call us at 702-432-1000.
You can be assured that the dog owner will immediately call their home insurance company to report an accident. The home insurance company adjusters or investigators may contact you directly. Do NOT give any recorded statements to insurance adjusters or investigators unless your lawyer is present.
When multiple parties involved
In Nevada, when numerous victims were involved in a dog bite accident, all victims who filed a claim should be compensated for damages when liability is present.
Time limits to file a lawsuit
In Nevada, you have two (2) years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit. For minors, it is two (2) years after the minor reaches age 18. For more information, read the NRS 11.250 code or call our office.
Las Vegas leash laws
Las Vegas has leash laws that require dogs to be properly restrained. That means they should always be inside a house, in a fenced yard, or on a leash. Many cities, such as Henderson and North Las Vegas, also follow the leash law. Leash requirements do not apply to designated enclosed areas of animal parks or animals participating in sanctioned performance events. The City of North Las Vegas has a mandatory spay/neuter ordinance that requires all dogs and cats to be spayed or neutered. There is an exception to this rule - if the dog is old or in poor health and the dog owner has a note from the local veterinarian, the requirement to neuter the dog can be waived.
The "One Bite" rule
The One Bite Rule means you have a valid legal claim against the dog owner if the dog has bitten somebody before. Nevada has not codified the One Bite Rule. But, an owner who is aware of their dog’s dangerous nature is more likely to be held responsible. In Nevada, an owner can be liable even if the dog hasn't bitten someone in the past. In other words, if a dog has attacked you or your child, you can file a claim against the owner, even if their dog hasn't ever bitten anyone before. To do this, you'll need to establish the owner's negligence.
Liability claims and dog bite accidents
In many ways, the process of a child dog bite claim is very similar to an adult dog bite claim – the attorney has to prove that another party's negligence caused the accident, connect that negligence to the victim, determine the damages and file a claim. The claim is usually filed against the owner's homeowner insurance for monetary compensation. This financial compensation reflects the dog bite child's medical treatment (past, current, and future) and other damages, such as suffering and permanent scarring.
However, there are three (3) things that make a child injury claim very different:
- A child (under 18) cannot file a lawsuit. The child's parent, both parents, or a guardian must file a lawsuit on behalf of the child.
- A Blocked Trust Account must be created and approved by a judge to deposit the settlement money for the child to receive when the child turns 18.
- Through a Minor's Compromise, a judge permits a parent to sign documents to receive money on behalf of a child. The law doesn't allow the child to sign for themselves until they become adults.
We can help
At Heshmati & Associates, we understand how serious a dog bite can be. We frequently talk to parents who have a child who suffered a dog bite. A dog attack on a small child can cause hand and facial injuries, fear and anxiety, nerve damage, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Healing after the dog attack sometimes takes years.
Call us at 702-432-1000 to discuss your case and ask to speak with a child dog bite lawyer.
Our law firm works on a contingency basis, meaning you will only pay if we win your case. Consultations are free.
Last updated on January 3, 2024.
