Dog Bite Lawyer Las Vegas
Bitten or attacked by a dog? We hold negligent owners accountable and fight for full compensation. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.
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 hold the negligent owner accountable and fight for the compensation you deserve. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis — you pay nothing unless we win your case.
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 designated as dangerous or vicious by animal control, the owner faces heightened liability and stricter control requirements.
- Strict Liability for Known Dangerous Dogs: While Nevada generally follows a negligence standard, if the owner knew the dog had dangerous propensities (previous bites, aggressive behavior), courts may apply a stricter standard of liability.
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
Most dog bite claims are covered by the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance policy. This is often the primary source of compensation in dog bite cases.
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 less than 50 percent. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
The Statute of Limitations
Under NRS 11.190, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nevada.
Report the bite to Clark County Animal Control as soon as possible. The official report creates important documentation of the incident and the animal's history.
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
Personalized attention and direct access to your attorney.
No Fee Unless We Win
Contingency fee basis. Service available in English, Armenian, and Russian.
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 fees unless we win.
1980 Festival Plaza Dr, Suite 460, Las Vegas, NV 89135