Reno Dog Bite Lawyer | Get Maximum Compensation for Your Injuries
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Nevada?
A dog attack can be a terrifying experience and can leave you with serious injury or maiming. If you were seriously hurt by a dog bite or attack in Reno or nearby, you need a skilled dog bite lawyer. They can assess your case and help you receive the best compensation for your injuries and the pain you experienced.
In Nevada we have “one bite rule” which means dog owners are not automatically liable if their dog bites someone but has never bitten before. However, once a dog has bitten someone once, the dog is considered either “dangerous” or “vicious” and falls under a different classification for liability.
Understanding Nevada Dog Bite Laws
There are three kinds of laws that impose liability on dog owners:
Nevada’s Strict Liability Dog Bite Statute
Nevada law may hold the dog owner automatically liable for any injury or property damage caused by the dog without provocation.
The One‑Bite Rule in Nevada
Under this rule, the dog owner is responsible for any injury caused by a dog if the owner knew the dog had bitten before. In these cases, the victim must prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous (breed, past behavior, training, etc.).
Negligence and Leash Laws
Dog owners may be liable if the injury occurred because they were unreasonably careless or negligent in controlling the dog. For example, the dog was off-leash when the attack happened.
THE MOST COMMON DOG BITE INJURIES
Being attacked by a dog can be scary. If this happens, you may need a dog bite lawyer in Reno to help you. If a dog attacks you, it can be frightening. In this situation, you might require a dog bite lawyer in Reno. They can help you file a claim with the dog owner’s insurance and ensure you receive compensation for any injuries. Depending on the nature of the dog attack, there are four injuries that are the most common.
PUNCTURE WOUNDS
These can range from minor to severe and are caused by the dog’s teeth breaking the skin and harming the soft tissue. Puncture wounds may require stitches or surgery and will vary based on the size and breed of the dog.
MAIMING AND DISFIGUREMENT
If a dog attack is serious or near the face, the person may sustain disfiguring wounds. These wounds may require extensive medical care and even plastic surgery in certain cases. Maiming can also include the loss of an extension, like a finger, due to a dog bite.
INFECTIONS & DISEASES
Dogs carry diseases they can pass on to humans. The most widely known is rabies. If you are bitten by a dog with rabies, that infection can be passed to your brain and make you very sick. Dogs can pass on diseases to humans, and the bacteria in their mouths can make people sick if they get bitten.
EMOTIONAL DISTRESS AFTER A DOG ATTACK
Being attacked by a dog is terrifying at any age, but especially for children, who are the most common victims of dog bites. Dog bite victims often deal with emotional trauma for years after the attack. Therapy and counseling may be required for victims and your dog bite lawyer will help you account for current and future treatment in your claim.
What Compensation Can You Recover for a Dog Bite?
Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, reduced earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. The value of a claim depends on the severity of the injuries and their long-term impact on your life.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help Maximize Your Claim
A dog bite lawyer can investigate the attack, gather evidence, identify all liable parties, and handle negotiations with insurance companies. By building a strong claim supported by medical records and other evidence, an attorney can help pursue compensation that fully reflects your injuries and losses.
At Matt Dion, we are experienced personal injury lawyers in Reno who have worked with countless dog bite victims. We will evaluate your claim and let you know if you have a case. From there, our personal injury lawyers will guide you every step of the way for your dog bite lawsuit.
Why Choose Matt Dion & Associates for Your Dog Bite Case?
You Shouldn’t Feel Taken Advantage of After an Accident. With My Help, You Won’t
After 9 years representing major insurance carriers, I instead started helping injured individuals recover damages against insurance companies. I use this insider experience to help my clients avoid tactics that insurance companies and defendants use, so my clients don’t settle for a substandard offer.
My goal is to give you peace of mind knowing you’re in experienced hands. I’m here to help you get the compensation you deserve and make your life better again. Let’s work together to make this process easy for you.
- Over 30 years of experience
- Millions secured in settlements
- An impressive 4.9/5.0-star review rating
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims in Nevada
How long do I have to file a dog bite lawsuit in Nevada?
Most dog bite lawsuits in Nevada must generally be filed within two years of the injury. Waiting too long could prevent you from recovering compensation, so it is important to speak with an attorney as soon as possible to understand the deadlines that apply to your case.
Does homeowners' insurance cover dog bites?
Yes, homeowners’ insurance often covers dog bite claims, depending on the policy and circumstances. Coverage may help pay for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages, although some policies include exclusions or limitations for certain breeds or incidents.
What if the dog has never bitten anyone before?
You may still have a valid claim even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Nevada dog bite cases can involve different legal theories, including negligence and liability based on the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies or failure to properly control the animal.
How much is my dog bite case worth?
The value of a dog bite case depends on the severity of the injuries and their impact on your life. Factors such as medical expenses, future treatment needs, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and permanent scarring may affect the amount of compensation available.
Has a Dog Attacked You or a Loved One? Reach Out for a Free Consultation
Understanding your legal rights and the options available to you is an important step toward recovery. If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog attack, Matt Dion & Associates is here to help. Contact our Reno office at 775-737-4500 to schedule a free consultation and discuss your potential claim with an experienced member of our team.
A dog’s breed can influence the chance of an attack, but how the owner treats and trains the dog is also very important. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, call Matt Dion & Associates at 775-737-4500
SUCCESS STORIES FROM PERSONAL INJURY AND DOG BITE CLIENTS
“Matt Dion is a very thorough and competent professional, who I felt always had my best interests in mind. Matt kept me informed of the legal process and what to expect from the insurance company. He never got frustrated with my delayed responses, because of my hectic work schedule and a family crisis. He is a true expert and gave me a realistic outcome and timeliness. I highly recommend his legal services. He is a good guy!”
— Daphne
“I hired Matt following an accident that I was injured in. I can’t say enough good things about Matt and his assistant Alisha! I was apprehensive about hiring an attorney after I had hired one here in town for another case who took advantage of my case and a lot of his other clients that caused him to be suspended. Matt and Alisha were very professional, supportive, and kind. Even if there was a setback or delay in my case they would let me know. They would always return my calls or emails right away. I highly recommend Matt Dion & Associates!”
— Jamie
“After I was injured in a car accident, I was referred to Attorney Matt Dion. I went to his office and he explained everything to me. I knew then that I found the right attorney. He was straight forward; he connected me to an experienced doctor. I didn’t have to worry about any of the medical bills, including the hospital bills, just like he said in the beginning. I was under a lot of stress & asking questions, and Matt was always there to answer them. They were polite, considerate, and I was satisfied with the results. Mr. Dion and his staff are an excellent team!”