When a dog unexpected attacks a human, not only is it terrifying to the victim, but may also leave physical and emotional scars which may never completely heal. In some cases, the dog attack can result in serious injury and even death to the victims. In the United States nearly 5 million people are bitten by dogs each year. Of those bitten, over 800,000 require emergency room care for the physical wounds. In the most serious cases, amounting to about 20,000 annually, victims require overnight hospitalization. In Clark County alone, 7 dog bites on average, are reported daily to animal control agencies.
Recently Reported Dog Related Incidents in Las Vegas
About 7 months ago a woman was exercising in her open garage with her dog on a leash in a westside Las Vegas neighborhood, when an unrestrained dog entered the garage and attacked her dog. When she attempted to separate the two dogs, the attacking dog turned on her. A neighbor who also happened to be a U.S. Marshall heard the screaming and ended up shooting the attacking dog twice.
Just over a year ago, a Henderson toddler died from injuries received when a dog owned by a close family member attacked with seemingly no provocation. Just a few months prior to that incident, a woman was mauled to death in Las Vegas, by a dog she and her husband had just adopted from a local animal shelter.
While these are extreme cases, which is why they are reported by the media, it just shows how common serious dog attacks can be, with these cases happening just within the last 18 months in Las Vegas.
Laws Governing Dog Bites in Nevada
Laws within Nevada governing dogs which attack humans are a patchwork of state statutes and local municipal or county ordinances and can become quite complex when attempting to determine liability. The state laws classify dogs which have bitten a human as either a dangerous dog; or a vicious dog; depending on the number of times a dog has bitten a human and whether the dog has caused serious injury to a human.
A dog that has twice within 18 months, menaced humans in a way which would cause reasonable person to feel the need to defend themselves is classified as a “Dangerous Dog.” A “Vicious dog” is either a previously designated “dangerous dog” who has continued to act menacingly, or a dog who has caused substantial bodily harm or injury to a human. A dog designated as “vicious” must be surrendered by their owner to local animal control authorities. A dog owner who owns a designated “vicious dog” who attacks a human can be held criminally liable under state law.
If you are bitten or seriously attacked by a dog, first you should first obtain medical treatment, both to ensure that wounds are cleaned, and treated against any form of dog to human infectious transmission and then properly closed, and second, to document the extent of your injuries if you choose to pursue a legal claim against the dog owner. If you decide to pursue legal action, you should contact the lawyers of The Richard Harris Law Firm. Our lawyers have had extensive experience in dog bite cases and will be able to advise you of your rights and how the law can protect you in all aspects of your claim.
The Richard Harris Law Firm sues negligent dog owners when their dogs attack humans
If you or a loved one has been bitten or attacked by a dog, the lawyers of The Richard Harris Law Firm have the knowledge and the skills to represent you in making a claim against the dog owner. We will ensure that your rights are protected and that you obtain needed compensation for your injuries. Call our office today to discuss your potential case at (702) 444-4444.
Learn More:
https://news3lv.com/news/local/deputy-us-marshal-shoots-dog-attacking-neighbor
https://www.ktnv.com/news/u-s-marshal-deputy-shoots-dog-attacking-female-neighbor
