To file a Nevada dog bite lawsuit, first seek medical care, report the bite and any injuries, and contact a personal injury attorney. Photograph injuries, the scene, and get witness and owner information. Because Nevada isn’t strict liability, you must prove negligence or a leash-law violation. Demand compensation from insurance, and if negotiations fail, file within two years and serve the owner.
A dog bite can leave you dealing with painful injuries, scarring, and emotional trauma that disrupts your daily life. Many victims are shocked when a simple walk, visit, or encounter turns into a medical emergency. Hospital bills, follow-up care, and fear of permanent scars often follow quickly. People are also left wondering whether the dog owner can be held responsible, especially if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Confusion about Nevada’s dog bite laws is common. That uncertainty can delay action when time matters most.
The problem is that Nevada does not follow strict liability for dog bites. Owners and insurers often argue the dog had no prior history or that the victim was somehow at fault. Evidence can disappear, memories fade, and missing the two year filing deadline can permanently block your claim. Without understanding how negligence and leash law violations apply, many victims give up compensation they are legally entitled to recover.
In this article, you will discover how to file a dog bite lawsuit in Nevada, what evidence is required, and how a dog bite attorney in Nevada can help you protect your rights and pursue full compensation.
What is the One-Bite Rule in Nevada?
The one-bite rule means dog owners aren’t automatically liable unless they knew or should have known their dog was dangerous. However, you can still file a lawsuit based on negligence even if it’s the dog’s first bite.
You likely have a strong case if:
- Dog was off-leash in public: This violates Las Vegas or Clark County leash laws
- Owner knew the dog was aggressive: Previous complaints, growling, or menacing behavior toward people
- You were lawfully present: You weren’t trespassing when the bite happened
- You didn’t provoke the dog: No teasing, hitting, or threatening the animal
- You suffered actual damages: Medical bills, lost wages, or permanent scarring
Having a valid case is just the first step. Next, you need to understand how to file your lawsuit properly.
How to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Nevada
Filing a dog bite lawsuit involves several steps that must be completed correctly and on time. While you can handle this process yourself, working with experienced attorneys like us at Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas significantly improves your chances of maximum compensation.
Start with Free Case Review
Contact our team for a free consultation to discuss what happened and evaluate your case. We’re available 24/7 to listen to your story, assess the strength of your claim, and explain your legal options. Remember, you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Investigation and Evidence Preservation
Once you hire us, we immediately begin investigating your case because evidence can disappear quickly. Our investigation includes obtaining animal control and police reports, interviewing witnesses who saw the attack, and photographing your injuries and the bite location.
We also research the dog’s history for prior complaints or aggressive behavior and identify all available insurance coverage. Time is critical because memories fade and physical evidence can be lost or destroyed.
Demand Package and Negotiation
After you reach maximum medical improvement, meaning your condition has stabilized, we prepare a comprehensive demand package. This document details all your damages and is sent to the dog owner’s insurance company to begin settlement negotiations.
The package includes your medical records, bills, proof of lost wages, and evidence of pain and suffering. Most cases settle during this negotiation phase without going to court.
Filing the Complaint and Service
If negotiations fail, we file a formal complaint in Nevada court outlining your injuries, the owner’s negligence, and the compensation you’re seeking. We then legally deliver the lawsuit papers to the defendant through a process called “service of process.”
The defendant has 20 days to respond after being served. This formal filing starts the clock on your lawsuit and shows the insurance company we’re serious about getting you fair compensation.
Discovery, Depositions, and Experts
During discovery, both sides exchange all relevant evidence about the case. You may need to give a deposition, which is sworn testimony taken outside of court where the other side’s attorney asks you questions about the incident.
We may hire experts like animal behaviorists or medical professionals to strengthen your case. These experts can testify about the dog’s dangerous behavior or the extent of your injuries.
Mediation, Settlement, or Trial
We prepare every personal injury case as if it will go to court. We may attend mediation where a neutral third party helps both sides negotiate a fair settlement.
If we can’t reach a reasonable settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
What to Do Right After a Dog Bite
The actions you take immediately after a dog bite can make or break your case. Proper handling protects your health and preserves your legal rights.
Get Medical Care Now
Seek immediate medical attention even if the wound seems minor. Dog bites can cause serious infections, including rabies and tetanus, that may not show symptoms right away.
Medical treatment also creates an official record documenting when the bite occurred and how severe your injuries are. This documentation becomes crucial evidence for your claim.
Report to Animal Control or Police
Nevada law requires reporting dog bites to authorities like Clark County Animal Control or Las Vegas Metropolitan Police. This creates an official incident report and typically triggers a mandatory 10-day quarantine for the dog to check for rabies.
An official report provides powerful evidence that helps establish the facts of what happened during the attack.
Identify the Dog and Owner
Safely gather information about the dog and its owner if possible. You need the owner’s name, contact information, and homeowner’s or renter’s insurance details.
If the owner is uncooperative or flees the scene, get a description of them and their vehicle. Also note the dog’s breed, size, and any identifying features.
Preserve Photos, Video, and Witnesses
Use your phone to document everything immediately. Take clear photos of your injuries right after the bite and continue photographing them throughout the healing process.
Also photograph the attack location, any torn clothing, and broken gates or fences that may have allowed the dog to escape. Get contact information from any witnesses before they leave the scene.
What Nevada Dog Bite Laws Apply?
Nevada doesn’t have a specific statewide dog bite statute. Instead, these cases rely on common law negligence principles and local ordinances, which makes understanding the different legal theories important.
| Legal Standard | What You Must Prove | Example |
| Negligence | Owner failed to use reasonable care | Dog escaped through broken fence |
| Negligence Per Se | Owner violated a safety law | Dog off-leash in public park |
| Strict Liability | Dog previously declared dangerous | Second bite after prior attack |
Negligence vs. Negligence Per Se
Regular negligence means proving the owner breached their duty to prevent their dog from harming others. For example, if they knew their dog was aggressive but failed to properly secure it.
Negligence per se applies when the owner violated a law designed to protect public safety. Common violations include breaking Las Vegas leash laws, failing to properly fence their yard, or ignoring confinement rules for dangerous dogs.
Dangerous and Vicious Dogs
Nevada law has specific classifications for aggressive dogs. A dog can be declared “dangerous” if it has behaved menacingly without provocation twice within 18 months.
A dog becomes “vicious” if it causes substantial bodily harm or continues aggressive behavior after being declared dangerous. These classifications make it easier to prove the owner’s liability.
Comparative Negligence Rules
Nevada uses modified comparative negligence, meaning your compensation gets reduced if you’re partially at fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, your award decreases by 20%.
However, if you’re 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover any compensation. Our attorneys work to minimize any fault attributed to you.
Who Pays for a Dog Bite in Nevada?
When you file a dog bite claim, you’re typically seeking money from the owner’s insurance policy, not their personal assets.
Homeowners, Renters, and Umbrella Policies
Most dog bite claims are covered by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance. These policies usually provide $100,000 to $300,000 in liability coverage.
If your damages exceed the standard policy limits, an umbrella policy may provide additional coverage above the base amount.
Landlords, Businesses, and Shelters
Sometimes other parties can be held liable for a dog bite. Landlords may be responsible if they knew a tenant had a dangerous dog and failed to take action.
Businesses can be liable if a bite occurs on their property due to inadequate safety measures. Animal shelters or rescue organizations might be liable if they failed to disclose a dog’s known aggressive history.
Med Pay and Other Coverage
Some insurance policies include Medical Payments coverage that pays your initial medical bills regardless of fault. Your own health insurance can also cover treatment costs while your claim is pending.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A successful dog bite lawsuit can help you recover compensation for all your accident-related losses. These damages fall into three main categories.
Medical Bills and Future Care
You can recover the full cost of all medical treatment related to the bite. This includes emergency room visits, surgery, medications, physical therapy, and plastic surgery for scar revision.
Future medical care is also covered if you need ongoing treatment or additional procedures.
Lost Income and Earning Capacity
If your injuries prevented you from working, you’re entitled to compensation for lost wages. This includes both the time you’ve already missed and future income you’ll lose.
If the injury results in permanent disability, you can seek damages for your reduced future earning capacity.
Pain, Suffering, Scarring, PTSD
You can recover non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional trauma. This includes compensation for permanent scarring, disfigurement, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
Children often develop lasting fear of dogs that can significantly impact their quality of life.
Deadlines for a Nevada Dog Bite Claim
In Nevada, you have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.
Missing this deadline usually means losing your right to seek compensation forever. Insurance companies know about this time limit and may try to delay your claim hoping you’ll run out of time.
For minors, the two-year clock doesn’t start until the child turns 18. However, it’s still best to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Don’t Wait: Protect Your Rights Now
After a dog bite, the owner’s insurance company immediately begins building its defense. They have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to pay you as little as possible.
At Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas, we use our experience as former insurance defense attorneys to your advantage. We know their tactics to deny and devalue claims, and we use that insider knowledge to build stronger cases.
Key advantages of working with us:
- No fees unless we win: We work on contingency, so you pay nothing upfront
- Proven results: We have a track record of securing substantial compensation for our clients.
- Always available: Our team provides 24/7 support when you need it
- Former defense attorneys: We know how insurance companies think and operate
Contact us today for a free consultation to learn how we can help maximize your compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Dog Be Put Down if I Sue?
Filing a lawsuit doesn’t automatically result in the dog being euthanized. Animal control officials make that decision separately based on the dog’s history and attack severity.
Can I Sue if the Owner Is a Friend or Family Member?
Yes, you can file a claim even against friends or family because compensation typically comes from their homeowner’s insurance, not their personal money.
What if We Cannot Identify the Owner?
You still have options through your own insurance coverage or potential claims against property owners where the bite occurred.
Should I Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance?
Never give recorded statements to any insurance company without attorney representation, as these can be used to weaken your claim.
How Long Do Nevada Dog Bite Cases Take?
Most cases settle within 6 to 12 months, though complex cases or those going to trial may take 1 to 2 years.
Do Minors Get More Time to File?
Yes, minors have until two years after their 18th birthday to file a dog bite lawsuit in Nevada.
Can I Claim for Scarring or PTSD?
Permanent scarring and psychological trauma like PTSD are compensable damages in dog bite cases.
What Does It Cost to Hire Ladah?
We handle all cases on contingency, meaning you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we win your case.
Take the First Step Today
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Las Vegas, don’t wait to protect your rights.
The sooner you contact us, the better we can preserve evidence and build your case.
Contact us at Ladah Injury & Car Accident Lawyers Las Vegas today for your free consultation, and let us fight for the compensation you deserve while you focus on healing.