Being bitten by a dog can turn your day into a real headache. All of the cities where people walk their dogs – in parks, neighborhoods, even on the Strip – have been affected by dog bites. Knowing what to do when you or someone close to you gets bitten is an added value in health, legal rights, and the ability to seek just compensation.
This blog post will discuss the legal procedure after a dog bite, including why contacting a dog bite attorney Las Vegas is wise.
1. Get Medical Help Immediately
First comes health. Don’t dismiss what may seem like a minor injury. – It can be an infection, nerve damage, or complications greater than that. Proper medical treatment is needed because rabies is an example of a disease that some dogs carry.
Before getting help, try to snap pictures of your wounds and make sure the images are clear and the wounds are visible. If you want to seek legal action with the assistance of a Las Vegas dog bite attorney, your medical records will also be important proof.
2. Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Now that you are safe, gather information about the dog and its owner. Obtain the owner’s name, contact details, and address. If there are witnesses, get their contact information as well.
This information is crucial because:
- It helps establish liability if you file a legal claim.
- You can verify whether or not the dog has received a rabies vaccination or any other diseases.
- If the dog is loose or stray, report the situation to the local animal control authority.
3. Report the Bite to Animal Control
In Las Vegas, dog bites should be reported to Clark County Animal Control. Filing such reports is key to documenting the incident in an official record and establishing whether a dog has a history of aggressiveness.
If you decide to take action with a dog bite lawyer Las Vegas, this report can contribute to building your case.
4. Gather Evidence
the stronger your case will be” by listing specific items to document. Here’s what to document:
- Images of your injury right after the bite and during healing.
- Photos of the dog, the incident location, and any damaged clothing or personal possessions.
- Statements from witnesses to the assault.
- Copies of your treatment-related invoices and medical documents.
5. Be Cautious When Speaking to the Dog Owner’s Insurance Company
The dog owner’s insurer may contact you soon after the incident, usually with an immediate offer or a query for a recorded statement. to emphasize waiting for legal counsel before speaking with the insurance company.
Insurance companies try to minimize the payouts, and anything you say can come back to reduce the compensation you have to receive. Thus, a skilled lawyer knows how to negotiate with such entities so that you get what you deserve.
6. Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Las Vegas
Consulting with an experienced dog bite attorney as soon as possible is one of the most vital steps. Nevada has dog bite laws, which an attorney can help you understand: your rights, deadlines for filing claims, and types of compensation to which you are entitled.
Why Legal Help Matters
A lawyer can assist with:
- Determining Liability: In Nevada, many cases of dog bites are, by rule, strictly liable; thus, owners could be responsible for a dog bite even if the dog had never acted aggressively before. However, exceptions exist, which your attorney can evaluate based on your case.
- Calculating Damages: Compensation may be available for your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional consequences, and any complications that have arisen in the long run.
- Handling Insurance Companies: To ensure you receive a fair settlement, your attorney will speak with the dog owner’s insurance provider.
7. Know Your Legal Rights
Nevada law allows you to file a personal injury claim within two years. with effect from the date of the injury. Missing out on this deadline would lead to a waiver of your right to file for compensation.
Nevada’s dog bite laws combine the concepts of strict responsibility and carelessness. Owners may be held accountable based on whether they were negligent in some situations, but in others, they may not be. Your lawyer will decide which legal strategy is appropriate for your case.
8. Keep Track of Expenses and How the Bite Affects You
Be sure to record any expenses associated with the bite, including:
- Bills for medical care
- Medical bills (hospital visits, prescriptions, physical therapy)
- Income lost if you miss work
- Expenses for medical appointment transportation
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your recovery
It is also good to note how much fear the dog’s bite has caused the person. Is that fear so great that the victim starts developing anxiety, sleeps poorly, or shivers at the sound or even images of a dog? Expanded on recording both economic and non-economic damages, noting effects such as anxiety or fear responses. All these aspects come under the rubric of non-economic damages, which will help quantify the proper compensation.
9. Be Prepared to File a Lawsuit If Needed
If reviewing the matter with the insurance company does not result in a satisfactory resolution, the attorney may recommend going to court. Many dog bite cases get resolved before court, but being prepared to file a lawsuit shows a firm stance when negotiating with insurance companies. Having a lawyer in your corner to file suit creates an assertive front for the insurance carriers and shows that you will not roll over and let your rights be trampled.
10. Focus on Your Recovery
A dog bite can impose financial and psychological challenges. Therefore, as the attorney leaves you to deal with the internal injuries, take time to stabilize the external ones. There should be mental health support or help in seeking out a counsellor in cases where trauma occurred, particularly in young children, focusing on personal recovery while legal matters are handled, including seeking mental health support if needed.
Final Thoughts
A dog attack is a calamitous and extremely traumatising occurrence. However, if you know the correct legal actions, which should begin with seeking medical care and then an experienced Las Vegas dog bite attorney, justice and due compensation can surely be attained.
Need Help After a Dog Bite?
We at Kim Welch Law know how difficult a dog bite injury can be. It’s a difficult journey, filled with unpleasant medical procedures and interactions with insurance firms who don’t care about your best interests.
Our skilled dog bite lawyer in Las Vegas is prepared to defend your rights. Don’t hesitate to act; contact Kim Welch Law for a free consultation to receive your due justice.