Reno Dog Bite Attorney

Injured Due to a Dog Bite?

There are about 60 million dogs in the United States, most of which are lovable pets. Unfortunately, dogs sometimes bite. According to the Centers for Disease Control, the number of dog bites requiring medical attention has been steadily rising. Dog bite injuries now outnumber reported cases of mumps, measles, and whooping cough combined.

Each year, about 800,000 dog bites across the country require medical care. The American Humane Association reports that the most severe attacks often happen when city residents choose large, aggressive breeds for personal protection. In Nevada, dog bite cases are common and often affect children.

If a dog bites someone in Reno, both state law and local Washoe County ordinances can apply. Local animal services often respond quickly to reported attacks and require dog owners to follow strict rules to prevent further incidents. Nevada uses a modified version of the "one-bite" rule, which can affect how courts assess liability. Because incidents often happen suddenly, injured people should act quickly by seeking immediate medical attention and documenting the scene. These steps help dog bite attorneys in Reno gather important evidence. Our legal team understands how local neighborhoods, weather, and dog safety regulations play a role in every personal injury claim.

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Reno

After a dog bite, timely action helps protect your health and your rights. Always seek medical attention right away, even if the injury looks minor. Medical staff not only document the injuries but also assess infection or rabies risk. Report the bite to Washoe County Regional Animal Services to create an official record, which can help if you want to pursue compensation. Keep any evidence from the scene, such as photos of wounds or torn clothing, and note the dog's location. Collecting names and contact information from witnesses can also be important for your claim.

Nevada law sets strict time limits for starting a dog bite claim, so acting early prevents missed opportunities. If a dog bite occurs in a public place or community area, local rules may require further review. Our team guides clients through each step to make the process straightforward. We answer questions about insurance, paperwork, and liability so you stay informed.

Call Our Reno Dog Bite Injury Attorney to Help Determine Liability

To hold a dog owner liable for injuries from a dog, the injured person must usually show that the owner had some reason to believe the dog was dangerous before the bite. This notice can take several forms.

A report of a prior dog bite incident usually provides sufficient notice to an owner that their dog may be dangerous. However, prior bites are not the only type of notice, and owners who have any reason to believe their dog could be dangerous may be held liable for injuries.

Dog owners can be held liable when:

• They leave a dog with a history of attacks unattended
• They fail to properly restrain the dog
• They don't take proper precautions

Many homeowner's insurance policies provide coverage for these types of cases. At the Law Offices of Steven J. Klearman & Associates, our Reno personal injury lawyer prepares each dog bite case with individualized attention to seek fair and proper compensation on your behalf.

Determining liability after a dog bite in Reno also involves reviewing city leash laws and checking for any prior complaints filed with Washoe County Animal Services. Because local rules can vary, we review the specific circumstances surrounding each incident. Discussing the facts with our clients helps us navigate cases involving physical injury as well as emotional distress. Our experience working with insurance companies in Nevada allows us to handle coverage questions efficiently, so our clients can pursue all available sources of compensation. Whether the attack happened at a private residence, a public park, or somewhere else in Reno, these locations can affect who may be involved in a claim.

FAQs

How long do I have to take legal action after a dog bite in Nevada?

Nevada law generally gives individuals two years from the date of the incident to pursue a legal claim for a dog bite injury. Taking action sooner helps preserve important evidence and witness statements.

Does homeowner’s insurance usually cover injuries from a dog bite?

Many homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies offer some coverage for injuries caused by a dog bite. Policy details and coverage limits vary, so reviewing your policy can clarify what compensation may be available.

Are certain dog breeds restricted or regulated in Reno?

Reno does not ban specific dog breeds, but both the city and Washoe County require all dog owners to follow leash and restraint laws. Owners of dogs that have previously caused harm may face additional restrictions to protect public safety.