Reno, NV Dog Bite Lawyer

As you go about your daily routine in Reno, Nevada, you could encounter a number of dogs. These days, canines are a common sight not only at private homes but also in workplaces, on public transportation, and in private vehicles.

At Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm, we believe you should be able to walk the streets of Reno without fear of being attacked by animals. Whether you are on public or private property, you have rights that protect your safety. Our Nevada dog bite attorneys are here to make sure dog owners are held liable for vicious dogs.

If you were bitten by a dog in Nevada, a personal injury attorney can help you pursue justice. Click “Get Help Now” at the top right corner of your screen to talk to one of our representatives. There is no cost or obligation to get the information you need to decide whether hiring an experienced personal injury attorney is the right step for you. 

Nevada State Law Protects Citizens

According to the CDC, about 38 percent of American households own at least one dog. Many of these dogs are harmless family pets. Yet, it only takes one bad experience with a dog for you to realize that they can be dangerous, even deadly.

In Washoe County, various permits and codes regulate animal ownership to keep the public safe:

  • Kennel permit: In Sparks or Reno, NV, residents may keep no more than 3 canines over the age of 4 months without a kennel permit
  • Commercial Animal Welfare Permit: Pet stores, kennels, and boarding facilities must obtain this permit from Washoe County Regional Animal Services
  • Exotic animal permit: Washoe County codes classify exotic animals into 3 tiers based on public health, species invasiveness, and welfare concerns; tier 2 and 3 animals, such as large boa constrictors, servals, and wolves, require permits
  • Leash law: Unless an area is designated as off-leash (e.g. dog parks, dog shows, training areas), a dog must be contained or restrained at all times in congested areas of Washoe County; it is also illegal to tie a dog upon public or private property without the permission of the location owner
  • Fighting ordinances: No one can intentionally allow animals to fight each other or a person
  • Licensing law: Pet owners should have a valid and current license, and canines should have a metal ID tag or an implanted microchip
  • Vaccinations: Dogs, cats, and ferrets must be vaccinated for rabies

Regulations like these can reduce the risk of dog bite injuries, but the negligence of some owners leads to preventable attacks and accidents. Every year, some 4.5 million people experience dog bites in the US, and a significant percentage of these require medical attention.

If you or a member of your family has been bitten by a dog in Reno, NV, an attorney with Richard Harris Law Firm can explain your legal rights.

Understanding a Nevada Dog Owner’s Liability for Attacks

A dog owner may have a dozen excuses for his or her pet’s dangerous behavior:

  • Stress, fright, or feeling threatened
  • Protection of owners, puppies, or property
  • Sickness
  • Rough play

Regardless of the reason for any dog bite, accident or otherwise, dog owners are responsible by law to control their dogs to a reasonable degree. When they are negligent, someone could be injured in a dog attack.

The Reno dog bite lawyers at Richard Harris Law Firm can help ensure the owner of the dangerous dog faces the legal consequences. Your compensation could cover multiple damages, including the following.

Medical treatment

When a dog bite breaks the skin, you should seek medical attention. Not all injuries are immediately apparent, so we highly recommend that you get your wound checked out by a healthcare professional.

Some potentially severe dog bite injuries that require medical evaluation are:

  • Soft tissue damage occurs when a dog’s teeth tear or crush skin and muscle. In children, a dog bite that wounds the lungs or intestinal organs can be fatal.
  • Bitten blood vessels, especially in the legs and neck, can cause excessive bleeding.
  • If a dog’s jaws are powerful enough, a dog bite can result in broken bones. If you need physical therapy to recover your range of motion, a dog bite lawyer could pursue financial compensation to cover the bills.
  • Nerve damage can be permanent, resulting in lifelong pain and paralysis.
  • Disfigurement is a long-lasting effect of dog bite cases. An injured person could lose an eye, ear, fingers, toes, or other extremities in an animal attack. Even after wounds heal, you could be left with unsightly scars on your face and body.
  • Rabies is a viral disease that affects the central nervous system. If you are injured by a rabid dog, you could die if you are not treated right away.
  • Capnocytophaga is a bacteria found in the mouths of certain animals. People with weakened immune systems are more likely to get infections from a dog bite than healthy people.

If you require medical attention after a dog attack, the one liable for the attack should pay for your treatment. Contact the Richard Harris Reno personal injury team at (702) 213-9779 to learn how a Nevada lawyer can pursue the compensation you deserve.

Lost wages

Recovering from a dog bite can take a long time. If you miss work, an attorney can help you get back your lost wages.

Pain and suffering

Injured victims do not soon forget the trauma of a dog bite. Our compassionate personal injury professionals realize that these emotional and physical symptoms of dog bite injuries can last for years:

  • Anxiety
  • Fear
  • Depression
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
  • Issues with self-esteem
  • Insomnia

Letting an experienced dog bite lawyer handle the dog owners and insurers can be the best way to recover your peace of mind after an accident.

Get Prompt Legal Assistance for Dog Bite Injuries

Richard Harris’s dog bite lawyers are ready to help you make sense of the chaos that may soon follow a Reno dog attack. As the victim, you have suffered enough. You shouldn’t have to stress over filing a personal injury claim and negotiating with the insurance companies involved.

Our law firm’s clients have found needed relief by entrusting their personal injury cases with our capable legal liability team. Our attorneys can assist you too, every step of the way.

From dealing with insurance companies to proving a dog owner is liable for your injuries in court, we will go the extra mile to get you your compensation when we take on your case. Call or text us anytime at (702) 213-9779 to schedule your free law consultation.

 

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