While they can be wonderful pets, dogs can also be dangerous and pose a significant threat to the public. People injured in dog bites have certain legal rights and may pursue damages from pet owners after unprovoked attacks with assistance from a hard-working personal injury attorney.
The legal process and proving fault successfully for cases involving animal attacks and bites is challenging. An experienced Reno dog bite lawyer like John Arrascada could answer questions to ensure you know your rights, help you through the process, and advocate on your behalf.
The Dunbar Dog Bite Scale assesses the severity of dog aggressiveness, bites, and attacks and breaks them into six levels.
A dog bite lawyer in Reno can gather evidence to show the severity of the dog bite and build a powerful case for damages.
Nevada does not follow a “one bite” rule. Instead, the injured party must prove the attack happened because the pet owner was negligent. The claim must show that the owner did not act as a reasonable person would in order to prevent the animal from causing harm.
One examples of not acting reasonably can include failure to control the dog in public. Sometimes, the negligent party’s homeowner’s insurance company may call for a statement about what happened and discuss potential settlement amounts. A Reno dog bite attorney can handle insurance company communication and negotiations on the injured person’s behalf.
State laws define dangerous dogs as those that attack twice without reason or provocation within a year and a half. Nevada Revised Statutes § 202.500 says that when dogs demonstrate aggressiveness to the point that reasonable people would feel it necessary to defend their personal safety to prevent injuries, the state considers the dogs a hazard to the public.
When unconfined dangerous dogs leave the property and cause harm to others without cause, leaving them with severe or fatal injuries, the pet owner may face criminal charges. A guilty conviction would be a Class D felony on their permanent criminal record. During a consultation, a dog bite lawyer in Reno can review the applicable statutes and answer specific questions about how the injuries happened.
If a pet owner’s negligence led to bodily harm, you have every right to expect them to pay for the damages. You can hold the at-fault party financially responsible by proving their actions led to your injuries.
A seasoned Reno dog bite lawyer can give you skilled legal advice and guidance and protect your rights inside and outside the courtroom. Mr. Arrascada is a highly respected and experienced personal injury attorney ready to fight for your rights and secure a fair settlement. Call today to schedule your consultation.
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