A dog bite is a traumatic and painful experience. Not only do victims have to deal with physical and emotional injuries, but they also have to find a way to afford expensive medical bills, while losing income from taking time off work to recover.
When you are injured by a dog, you deserve compensation to help cover your unexpected financial costs, as well as pay for your pain and suffering. Nevada is an unusual state in that there are no specific laws relating to dog bites. Instead, dog bite claims are based on negligence, local ordinances, and previous Nevada dog bite cases, which can make the legal process confusing and complex. Get in touch with an experienced injury attorney today to find out how they can help you get your life back on track after a serious dog bite.
Important Dog Laws in Pahrump
Since there are no dog bite statutes in the state of Nevada, laws relating to dogs and the responsibilities of their owners are often important aspects in a dog bite case. The two most important laws involving dogs are:
NRS 202.500 Dangerous or vicious dogs. A dog is considered dangerous when it has nearly bitten someone or acted menacingly toward someone twice in the span of 18 months. Dogs are considered vicious when they have injured or killed someone in the past. In Pahrump, it is illegal to sell, buy, or own a dangerous or vicious dog without a special permit.
Nye County Code 6.06.080 Animals running at large, otherwise known as Pahrump’s leash law. In Nye County, dogs must not roam free in public areas. Instead, they should have on a leash at all times, unless confined to or within the owner’s property.
Negligence in a Nevada Dog Bite Claim
If a dog owner violates Nevada’s dangerous or vicious dog laws, or fails to keep their dog on a leash in public areas as outlined in Nye County Code, the owner may consider themselves negligent.
Dog owners may also find negligence in Pahrump if they:
- Fail to control or restrain their dog
- Fail to warn people of their dog’s potentially aggressive or dangerous traits
- Know that their dog has a violent history
Proving negligence is important because it is the basis for getting fair and full compensation for dog bite injuries. With the help of a Pahrump dog bite attorney, claimants must first determine if the dog owner was negligent. Then, they must prove that either their negligence caused the dog to bite; or that they were negligent in preventing the dog from biting.
Speak With a Pahrump Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite cases in Nevada are rarely straightforward. Without specific laws regarding dog bites, state and local statutes involving dogs often come into play.
A Pahrump dog bite lawyer with experience in local courts can help you get the compensation you deserve by:
- Using knowledge of Pahrump’s dog-related laws to build a solid case
- Proving negligence by gathering evidence and interviewing witnesses
- Examining legal precedent in your area
Having an experienced Pahrump dog bite lawyer by your side is essential, since they have experience with the local court system, as well as in-depth knowledge of local ordinances that may apply in your case.