Dog attacks cause serious physical and psychological harm — lacerations, infections, permanent scarring, nerve damage, and lasting anxiety are common outcomes. Nevada law gives bite victims strong legal protections, and a Las Vegas dog bite attorney at Marathon Law Group can help you pursue the owner for full compensation, even if the dog had never shown aggression before.
Nevada’s Dog Bite Statute: Strict Liability for Owners
Nevada Revised Statutes Section 202.500 imposes strict liability on dog owners for bites that occur in public places or anywhere the victim has a lawful right to be — including the dog owner’s private property. Strict liability means you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had bitten someone before. The single bite rule that historically protected owners of previously non-aggressive dogs does not apply in Nevada. If the dog bit you, and you were lawfully present, the owner is liable. This is one of the strongest dog bite statutes in the western United States.
When Strict Liability Applies — and When It Doesn’t
Strict liability under NRS 202.500 applies when the victim was in a public place or lawfully in a private place at the time of the attack. Delivery drivers, mail carriers, guests, and neighbors invited onto the property are all protected. The statute does not apply if the victim was trespassing, provoked the dog, or was bitten while committing a crime. Additionally, law enforcement dogs injured acting in the line of duty are generally exempt. In cases where strict liability under the statute does not apply, a victim may still pursue a claim under common-law negligence by showing the owner knew or had reason to know the dog was dangerous.
Common Defenses Dog Owners and Insurers Raise
Insurance companies representing dog owners frequently argue provocation — that the victim teased, threatened, or startled the dog immediately before the attack. They may claim the victim was trespassing or point to warning signs posted on the property. They often argue that the victim’s own conduct — reaching into a fenced yard, approaching a dog on a leash without asking — contributed to the attack and reduces or eliminates liability. Documenting exactly what happened before, during, and after the bite is critical to countering these defenses. Witness accounts and video footage from security cameras or bystanders’ phones can be decisive.
Injuries and Medical Costs After a Dog Attack
Dog bites frequently cause deep puncture wounds that carry significant infection risk, including from Pasteurella, Capnocytophaga, and other bacteria present in dog saliva. Tetanus and rabies prophylaxis may be required. Bites to the face — particularly in child victims — can require multiple reconstructive surgeries and leave permanent visible scars. Bites to the hands can sever tendons, causing permanent loss of grip or fine motor function. Beyond the physical injuries, many dog attack survivors develop post-traumatic stress, phobias of dogs and public spaces, and anxiety that requires psychological treatment. These non-economic harms are fully compensable under Nevada law.
What Compensation Is Available After a Dog Bite?
Dog bite victims in Nevada can recover medical bills (emergency care, surgery, reconstructive procedures, follow-up care), lost wages if the injury prevented work, future medical costs for ongoing treatment or scar revision, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement damages. Homeowners and renters insurance policies frequently cover dog bite claims, meaning there is usually collectible insurance available. In severe cases involving a dog with a known history of aggression that the owner failed to control, punitive damages may be pursued.
Contact Marathon Law Group After a Las Vegas Dog Bite
Act quickly — evidence of the attack and the dog’s history fades fast. Marathon Law Group handles dog bite cases throughout Clark County on a contingency basis. Call (702) 522-1808 for a free case evaluation and learn what your claim may be worth.