Filed under: Dog Bite Injury
Dog Attack Kills 15-Month-Old Girl in Henderson
It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, the results can be tragic. Dogs will attack for unknown reasons, and for a Henderson 15-month-old girl, a dog attack this weekend, ended with a…
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It doesn’t happen very often, but when it does, the results can be tragic. Dogs will attack for unknown reasons, and for a Henderson 15-month-old girl, a dog attack this weekend, ended with a trip to the Henderson Hospital, where she later died of injuries received from the dog.
The dog, a 4-year-old Rottweiler, was euthanized by request of its owner, who is also the victim’s grandfather. Apparently, the girl has been around this dog previously with no incidents. Neighbors who know the dog’s owner, indicate the dog has never shown aggressive tendencies and rarely barked. The family was home at the time of the attack and have no idea what caused the dog to maul the toddler. The family is “heartbroken and in shock” over the incident, according to the neighbor.
This is the second dog attack resulting in death in the Las Vegas area within the last 6 months. In October 2018, Susan Sweeney was mauled to death by a Mastiff-Presa Canario mixed breed dog, she and her husband had recently adopted from the Animal Foundation. That dog was also euthanized after the incident at the request of the surviving spouse.
Dogs bite Humans more often than you may think
The Las Vegas Review Journal reported in June 2017, that for several years, about 2,500 dog bites were reported annually by the Clark County based animal control agencies. This averages nearly 7 reported dog bites each day in the Las Vegas valley. National statistics estimate that up to 1,000 dog bite victims per day visit emergency rooms across the nation, and of those, about 25 require overnight hospitalization due to the dog bite injuries.
What should I do if I’m bitten by a dog?
The first thing is to take care of yourself by visiting an emergency room to clean and treat the wound. Many complications caused by dog bites are associated with infections from the wound, many of which do not show themselves for days to weeks after the bite. Bites can occur because the dog has an infection and is in pain. Tetanus can be a result of the puncture wound, and rabies and other animal born infections can be passed to humans via dog saliva.
After you’ve received treatment, if the injuries are serious, and if the dog owner showed negligence by not restraining the animal, or taking reasonable care to prevent the dog attack, you may wish to discuss the case with an attorney that you trust. Dog owners are responsible when a dog attacks a human in Nevada and can be sued for damages caused by the dog. Such cases are governed by a framework of state and local municipal laws, and you should consult an attorney to assist you in navigated this complex legal territory.
The Richard Harris Law Firm sues negligent dog owners
Our lawyers have successfully represented many dog attack victims and have the experience and knowledge of this area of the law. Nearly one third of home owner liability insurance payouts nationwide are due to dog bites and attacks. If you or a family member has been bitten or attacked by a dog, resulting in serious injuries, call our office today to discuss your potential case, at (702) 444-4444.
Learn More:
https://news3lv.com/news/local/15-month-old-baby-killed-by-family-friends-dog-in-henderson
https://www.ktnv.com/news/15-month-old-girl-killed-by-family-friends-rottweiler-in-henderson
Filed under: Blog, Dog Bite Injury
Dog Bites in Nevada: Who Can Be Held Liable?
Dogs are becoming increasingly accepted in public spaces. In addition to places like public parks and downtown urban centers, they’re also allowed in many restaurants, shops, and even workplaces. While most dogs are friendly, some…
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Dogs are becoming increasingly accepted in public spaces. In addition to places like public parks and downtown urban centers, they’re also allowed in many restaurants, shops, and even workplaces.
While most dogs are friendly, some dogs can bite without provocation—including those with no history of aggression.
Dogs have sharp teeth that can cause serious injuries, including profuse bleeding, nerve and tendon damage, and both local and systemic infections.
Many victims are reluctant to act after a dog bite, but without an experienced Las Vegas dog bite lawyer, they may can expensive medical bills and potential disability without any hope of recourse or compensation.
At Richard Harris Personal Injury Law Firm, we’re dog lovers first and foremost, but our attorneys also know that dog owners should be held liable when their pets attack, injure, and maim others.
Nevada Dog Owners Must Obey Local Ordinances
Nevada doesn’t have a statewide law concerning dogs or dog bites, but owners can still be held responsible when their dogs aren’t under control—even if their dogs have never acted aggressively in the past.
Liability for dog bites in Nevada generally falls on two parties:
- Dog owners—Dog owners can be considered responsible for any injuries their pets inflict on others if they fail to leash, enclose, or control them, whether in public or at their homes.
- Injured victims—Victims may be held liable for their own injuries if they intentionally provoke dogs into attacking or approach them after being warned by their owners to stay away.
Hurt by a Dog? You Have Rights.
Dog bites are expensive and debilitating. It’s important to have a law firm on your side that knows what you’re going through and knows how to help you get the compensation you deserve. Call us today at (702) 444-4444 to find out how we can put our experience to work for you.
Filed under: Blog, Dog Bite Injury
Dog Bites Cause 1,000 Emergency Room Visits Per Day
Recently, a pest control worker in North Las Vegas entered the back yard of client’s house to spray. The gate to the backyard was unlocked and he heard no dogs. He relates that after entering…
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Recently, a pest control worker in North Las Vegas entered the back yard of client’s house to spray. The gate to the backyard was unlocked and he heard no dogs. He relates that after entering the back yard, two pit bulls, “…came around and they just started mauling me.”
“I could start seeing all the tendons when I was moving my fingers and I could see the tendons moving with my own eyes, there was no skin left,” said Mr. Scott Fieger of the attack. Fieger almost lost his hands in this dog attack.
Each day in the United States, 1,000 people are forced to visit emergency rooms across the country to treat injuries caused by dog bites. Furthermore, over 9,000 people per year require overnight hospital care due to being attacked or bitten by a dog. Of all dog bite victims, about one third of attacks affect children under 10 years old.
Not only can dog bites cause extreme pain, they can also be deadly. In 2016, 31 people in the U.S. died because of injuries caused by dog bites.
Beyond the cost to patients and demand this places on the medical system, the personal effects of a dog attack are not just physical, but psychological as well. Being attacked by a dog is terrifying. Many who have sustained dog attacks may develop animal aversion and in severe cases may develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). The mental and physical injury from a dog attack can be devastating.
Nevada Law: owners are responsible for damages caused by their pets
In 2015, more than a third of all homeowner liability benefits paid out, were caused by dog bites and dog related attacks.
Nevada State Law makes dog owners responsible for damage done to others by a dangerous dog. A dangerous dog is defined as one who, without provocation, “…behaved menacingly, to a degree that would lead a reasonable person to defend himself…” If this is reported twice within an 18-month period, law enforcement may declare the dog “dangerous.” (NRS 202.500)
The statutes further defines a vicious dog if, without provocation, “…it killed or inflicted substantial bodily harm upon a human being…” or after the owner was notified the dog was dangerous, the dog continued the menacing behavior. Once a dog is declared “ vicious” the dog must be put down within seven days, or the owner is guilty of a misdemeanor. If the dog causes substantial bodily harm after being declared vicious, the owner is guilty of a Category D felony.
If a dog injures you, you should retain a lawyer since a web of state, county and local laws governs such cases. A lawyer will know all applicable statutes and how they interact to gain the best outcome for you.
Richard Harris Law Firm is here for you
Lawyers are aware of the increasing problem of dog attacks. Nearly 5 million bites occur annually, of which over 800,000 require medical attention. An attorney can represent you to obtain the best settlement to cover treatment for physical and psychological injuries. Call us today to discuss your potential case, at (702) 444-4444.
Filed under: Dog Bite Injury
Dog Bite Injury Statistics in Nevada
Nearly 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. One out of five dog bites are serious enough to require medical care, with nearly 1,000 people a day requiring emergency room…
Read moreNearly 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs each year. One out of five dog bites are serious enough to require medical care, with nearly 1,000 people a day requiring emergency room treatment for the injuries. In 2012, 27,000 people sustained injuries from dog bites serious enough to require reconstructive surgery. Also in 2012, 38 people died due to dog bite injuries.
While dogs are considered “man’s best friend”, there are two breeds which can be considered deadly. Pit Bull Terriers and Rottweiler’s are the deadliest breeds, accounting for 73% of fatal dog attacks during the years 2005 to 2012.
