Dog Bite Lawyer Las Vegas
Bitten or attacked by a dog? We hold negligent owners accountable and fight for full compensation. Free consultation.No attorney's fee unless we recover compensation for you. You may still be responsible for costs.
Dog bites and animal attacks can cause devastating injuries — deep lacerations, puncture wounds, crushed bones, nerve damage, permanent scarring, disfigurement, and serious infections. Children are especially vulnerable to dog attacks and often suffer bites to the face, head, and neck. The physical injuries are frequently accompanied by lasting emotional trauma, including anxiety, nightmares, and a fear of animals.
Nevada law holds dog owners responsible when their animal injures someone. Unlike some states that give dogs a "first bite free," Nevada applies a general negligence standard — meaning a dog owner can be held liable for a bite even if the dog has never bitten anyone before, as long as the owner was negligent in controlling the animal.
If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Las Vegas, Henderson, North Las Vegas, or anywhere in Clark County, The Sookiassian Firm will work to hold the negligent owner accountable and pursue the full compensation the law allows. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis.No attorney's fee unless we recover compensation for you. You may still be responsible for costs.
Nevada Dog Bite Law
Nevada does not have a specific dog bite statute. Instead, dog bite cases are governed by the state's general negligence principles (NRS 41.130). To recover compensation for a dog bite in Nevada, you generally need to prove:
The owner owed a duty of care
Dog owners have a duty to reasonably control their animals and prevent them from injuring others.
The owner breached that duty
The owner failed to restrain the dog, allowed it to roam unleashed, ignored aggressive tendencies, or otherwise failed to take reasonable precautions.
The breach caused your injury
The owner's negligence directly led to the bite or attack.
You suffered actual damages
You incurred medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, or other losses.
Local Ordinances and Enhanced Liability
Clark County and the City of Las Vegas have local ordinances that impose specific requirements on dog owners:
- Leash Laws: Dogs must be on a leash or under the owner's direct control when in public areas. Violations of leash laws can be strong evidence of negligence.
- Dangerous Dog Designations: If a dog has been previously declared dangerous or vicious, the owner must follow stricter control rules, and the earlier finding can be important evidence in an injury claim.
- The Owner's Knowledge of the Dog: Nevada has no dog-bite statute, and claims rest on negligence (NRS 41.130). What the owner knew about the dog's past behavior, such as earlier bites or aggressive conduct, can matter in deciding whether the owner acted reasonably.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Deep Lacerations and Puncture Wounds
Dog bites can tear skin, muscle, and tissue, causing wounds that require stitches, staples, or surgical repair.
Bone Fractures
Large dogs can exert enough bite force to crush or fracture bones, particularly in the hands, arms, and legs.
Infections
Dog bites frequently become infected due to bacteria in the animal's mouth. Serious infections can require IV antibiotics, hospitalization, or even surgery. Rabies, while rare, is also a concern.
Nerve Damage
Bites to the hands, arms, or face can damage nerves, causing numbness, loss of motor function, or chronic pain.
Scarring and Disfigurement
Dog bites often leave permanent scars, particularly on the face and hands. Children are especially likely to suffer visible scarring from dog attacks.
Emotional and Psychological Trauma
Dog bite victims — especially children — often develop PTSD, anxiety, depression, and lasting fear of animals.
Types of Dog Bite Cases We Handle
Who Can Be Held Liable?
The Dog Owner
The owner is the primary liable party if they failed to reasonably control their dog or knew the dog had dangerous tendencies.
Property Owners and Landlords
If a landlord knowingly allowed a tenant to keep a dangerous dog on the property, the landlord may share liability. Property owners who fail to secure their property, allowing a dog to escape and attack someone, may also be liable.
Dog Sitters and Caretakers
A person temporarily caring for a dog may be liable if their negligence allowed the dog to bite someone.
Homeowner's Insurance
Many dog bite claims are handled through the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, but coverage depends on the policy, and some policies limit or exclude dog bites. When coverage applies, it is often the main source of compensation.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Economic Damages
- Emergency treatment and stitches
- Surgery and reconstructive surgery
- Infection treatment and rabies shots
- Future medical care
- Lost wages and out-of-pocket costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages: If the owner knowingly kept a dangerous dog and failed to take precautions, punitive damages may be available under NRS 42.005.
Nevada's Comparative Negligence Rule
Under NRS 41.141, you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault — for example, if the defense argues you provoked the dog or trespassed on the owner's property — as long as your share of fault is 50 percent or less. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The Statute of Limitations
In Nevada, you generally have two years from the date of the injury to file a personal injury lawsuit (NRS 11.190(4)(e)). Claims against government entities are subject to special procedural rules and notice requirements under Nevada law.
Report the bite as soon as possible to the animal protection agency for the place where it happened: City of Las Vegas Animal Protection Services, Clark County Animal Protection Services (unincorporated areas), City of Henderson Animal Protection Services, or City of North Las Vegas Animal Protection Services. The official report creates important documentation of the incident and the animal's history. Learn what happens after a dog bite is reported.
Why Choose The Sookiassian Firm?
We Investigate the Dog's History
We work with animal control records, veterinary records, and neighbor testimony to establish whether the dog had a history of aggression.
We Handle Insurance Company Tactics
Homeowner's insurance companies often try to minimize or deny dog bite claims. We fight back.
Concierge-Level Service
We provide personalized attention to every client.
No Attorney's Fee Unless We Recover
Contingency fee basis.No attorney's fee unless we recover compensation for you. You may still be responsible for costs. We speak English, Armenian, Russian, and Farsi (Persian).
Frequently Asked Questions
Contact The Sookiassian Firm
Las Vegas Dog Bite Lawyer
If you or your child has been bitten or attacked by a dog in Las Vegas or Clark County, The Sookiassian Firm is here to help. We hold negligent owners accountable and fight for full compensation.
Free consultation.No attorney's fee unless we recover compensation for you. You may still be responsible for costs.
1980 Festival Plaza Dr, Suite 460, Las Vegas, NV 89135