Henderson Dog Bite Lawyers

Dealing with the aftermath of a dog bite may be a traumatic experience, both physically and emotionally. An injured party may often face the pain and potential long-term consequences of injuries in addition to the complex and frustrating process of dealing with difficult insurance companies. Insurers may attempt to minimize payouts, delay claims, or deny liability, making it challenging for injured parties to receive the financial recovery they deserve. Understanding your rights is important for ensuring you receive fair compensation for your damages.

The chance of a successful result greatly improves with thorough investigation and legal representation from a skilled Henderson dog bite attorney.

National Statistics on Dog Bites

• Over 4.5 million individuals in the United States are bitten or attacked by dogs each year, and approximately 800,000 people receive treatment for dog bite-related injuries, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
• In a report by the Insurance Information Institute (III), 2023 data shows that there were approximately 19,062 insurance claims filed for dog bite injuries and an average cost of over $58,000 per claim.
• The U.S. Postal Service indicated in a 2024 report that the number of dog attacks on employees increased to over 5,800 in 2023 compared to 5,300 the previous year.

Steps to Take After Getting Attacked by a Dog in Henderson, NV

After getting attacked or bitten by a dog in Henderson, Nevada, it is important to take immediate steps to ensure your health, safety, and legal rights are protected:

• Seek Medical Attention: Immediately seek treatment if bitten by someone’s dog. If the situation is severe, call 911 for an ambulance. Untreated animal bites can lead to serious infections and injuries. In some extreme cases, they may prove fatal, particularly if the dog is diseased or unvaccinated.
• Report the Dog Bite: If the animal attack occurred within Henderson city limits, report the incident to Henderson Animal Care and Control Facility and the Henderson Police Department. The incident report is crucial for documenting the dog bite. Without an incident report, it can be challenging to connect the injury to the animal attack.
• Collect Contact Information: Gather details about the owner of the dog, any other liable parties, and their homeowners’ or renters' insurance. If anyone witnessed the animal attack, be sure to obtain their contact information. Your Henderson dog bite attorney will need this information for a notarized eyewitness statement.
• Gather Evidence: If a dog was left in a yard unattended and there was a broken fence or gate that may have allowed the animal to escape, take pictures of the property, including the damaged gate or fence. If there are visible injuries and stained or torn clothing from the animal attack, take photos of those as well.
• Do Not Sign Anything: Avoid providing information to insurers or third parties without consulting with a knowledgeable lawyer first. The information you share may be used against you to devalue or deny your claim. Do not sign any documents nor attempt to settle the claim without legal counsel. The right attorney can help you secure full compensation for all the losses you are entitled to.
• Consult an Experienced Attorney: An experienced dog bite injury lawyer serving Henderson can assist in protecting your rights, filing a claim against the negligent dog owner, handling communications with the insurance company, negotiating a fair settlement, and taking the case to court if necessary.
• Maintain Consistent Treatment: Once you have retained legal counsel, follow all treatment instructions and recommendations from providers. If the bite wound starts to show signs of infection, see a medical professional immediately. Preventive steps must be taken if the dog owner’s vaccination is unknown, particularly concerning rabies.

Call Southwest Injury Law or message us online today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your Henderson dog bite case in further detail.

Who Can Be Held Liable for an Animal Attack?

A dog owner may be responsible for any injuries and losses caused by their dog attacking or biting someone, based upon the facts and circumstances of the incident. There must be compelling evidence demonstrating findings of negligence on the part of the dog owner, including:

• Failure to uphold state and local animal control ordinances
• Letting the dog walk in a public area without a muzzle or leash
• Not fixing gates or fencing where an unconfined dog is likely to escape from
• Allowing an unsupervised dog to interact with a potentially vulnerable individual, such as an elderly person or a young child
• Not intervening when the dog shows signs of aggression towards someone, such as pinning its ears back, barking, or growling

There are specific exceptions to liability. For instance, if the injured party provoked the dog, the pet may not be deemed dangerous or vicious by an animal control officer under Clark County Codes 10.16.010(b)(1)(A) and 10.16.010(c)(2)(A) respectively.

What Losses Can Be Recovered in an Insurance Claim for a Dog Bite?

An experienced Henderson dog bite lawyer will work diligently to secure all available types of compensation for an injured party. Common types of economic and non-economic damages in these cases include:

• Current and future medical costs of dog bite injuries, including plastic surgery (e.g., reconstructive surgery, skin grafts, etc.)
• Lost earnings and diminished earning capacity if dog bite injuries have caused an injured party to be temporarily or permanently unable to work
• Scarring and disfigurement from an animal bite addresses the visible injuries and physical changes that may impact the injured party’s self-esteem and appearance
• Pain and suffering refer to the physical pain and emotional distress endured by the injured party, which may include diminished quality of life, ongoing pain, and more
• Out-of-pocket costs, such as medical appliances, long-term care, and home or vehicle renovations to provide accommodations for permanent injury or disability from an animal attack

At Southwest Injury Law, we have the experience, skills, and resources to identify damages arising from potential future complications related to injuries from a dog attack, such as nerve damage. This type of complication may worsen over time and require extensive treatment.

How Much Time Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Claim in Nevada?

Personal injury law in Nevada sets strict time limits for an individual to file a dog bite case. As such, it is important for an injured party to act quickly and retain legal counsel to protect their rights. The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the incident in Nevada. If the plaintiff is a minor child, the statute of limitations is extended. This means that the minor child has two years from the date they turn 18 years old to file a case in civil court.

Why Choose Our Henderson Animal Attack Attorneys for Your Case

• Our law office provides free consultations and takes cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning that attorney’s fees are not owed unless and until we successfully recover compensation.
• We seek maximum compensation in every personal injury case we handle, including dog bites, so you can have peace of mind knowing that your future is well-protected with our law firm.
• Our legal team will prepare the personal injury case for litigation if a reasonable settlement agreement is not offered by the dog owner’s insurance company within the applicable statute of limitations.

Call a Skilled Henderson Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Choosing the right attorney can make all the difference in your recovery and pursuit of justice after getting bitten or attacked by someone’s pet. After an animal attack, speaking with an experienced Henderson dog bite attorney is a good place to start. Call (702) 600-3200 for a free case review. Our legal team is committed to advocating for our clients, securing maximum compensation, and providing compassionate support throughout the process.