Dog Bite Legal Advice: When Your Dog Bites Another Dog

Erik • May 10, 2021

Dogs are considered man’s best friend for a reason: They’re loyal, loving, and will do anything they can to keep their families safe. Unfortunately, accidents happen, and dogs can interpret certain incidents as threats even when they’re not.

If your dog bites another dog, you could be liable for the damages. So, what should you do if your dog injures another dog? Do you really need to get dog bite legal advice as soon as possible?

The answer is, unequivocally, yes.

It’s Always Best to Contact an Attorney

If your dog bites another dog, the best thing you can do is contact an experienced attorney. They’ll be able to give you detailed dog bite legal advice to help you get your life back to normal.

Remember, your dog’s behavior is your responsibility. If they bite another dog, you can bet that the other dog’s owner will do what they can to place the blame on you. The sooner you can get legal advice, the better off you’ll be and the better prepared you’ll be for any dog bite legal action that might result from the incident.

They Can Help With Insurance Companies

With most dog bite incidents, you’ll want to file a claim with your homeowners’ insurance policy. Almost every insurance policy includes a form of general liability coverage. This coverage will help you cover the cost of the other dog’s medical bills and any other expenses associated with treating the dog bite injury.

However, insurance providers can be notoriously difficult to work with. Your attorney will be able to represent your interests with the insurance provider so they can process the claim as soon as possible. The sooner the claim gets processed, the sooner you’ll be able to get your life back to normal.

They May Help Prove Liability (or Disprove It)

Dog bites happen quickly and figuring out which dog provoked the incident and which owner is responsible for dog bites is the first step in any dog bite legal action . Hiring an attorney can make it easier to prove liability—or disprove it, as the case may be.

A skilled attorney will have worked on cases similar to yours in the past. This means they’ll have the right experience to help determine who is at fault or identify factors that may make your dog less responsible for the bite itself.

For example, if your dog bit another dog on your property, your attorney may be able to illustrate that your dog was just defending its territory. The other dog (that should have been under its owner’s control) trespassed and thus, your dog may not be responsible for the injury.  

If your dog bit another in a public area, they’ll be able to review the circumstances and help you navigate the liability more clearly.

They’ll Act as a Liaison

Emotions can run high when family pets are involved. Experienced attorneys know that there’s more to each case than simply providing you with dog bite legal advice . They’re also responsible for helping keep things calm.

They’ll be able to communicate with the other dog owner and their legal team on your behalf. That means you won’t have to worry about getting into yelling matches or dealing with an irate owner on your own.

What You Should Do If Your Dog Bites Another Dog

The first thing you should do after your dog bites another dog is to exchange the necessary information with the other dog owner. Give them your phone number and insurance information. Then, go straight to your veterinarian and let them make sure your dog didn’t get hurt in the altercation.

If they did, keep a copy of the veterinary report. This can come in handy when dealing with a dog bite legal action or lawsuit.  

After you make sure your dog is okay, write down what you remember from the incident. Log as many details as you can. Then, schedule a consultation with a dog bite attorney. They’ll review the information you give them to help you decide if you have a case or if you’re fully responsible for the incident.

It’s Up to You to Keep Your Dog Safe

Ultimately, it’s up to you to keep your dog safe. This means keeping them on a leash, going to training classes, and paying attention to your dog’s body language when you’re out and about. As long as you’re vigilant and willing to put in the work, you’ll be able to keep your dog from getting into altercations with other pets.

When in Doubt, Get Legal Help

If your dog bites another dog, don’t leave things up to chance. If you’re in the Las Vegas area, contact us today at Ahlander Injury Law and get the dog bite legal advice you need to protect yourself, your pet, and your wallet.

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Dog bite incidents can be traumatic and leave both physical and emotional scars. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Nevada, understanding how to prove liability is crucial for seeking compensation and protecting your rights. At Ahlander Injury Law , we are committed to helping victims navigate the legal complexities of dog bite cases. This blog explores how liability is determined, the laws governing dog bites in Nevada, the importance of evidence, animal behavior considerations, preventive measures, and steps victims can take to secure their legal rights. Nevada Dog Bite Laws: What You Need to Know Nevada does not have a specific statewide “dog bite statute.” Instead, liability for dog bites is generally governed by principles of negligence and common law. Unlike some states that impose “strict liability,” Nevada often requires the victim to prove that the dog owner was negligent or aware of their pet’s dangerous tendencies. However, certain city and county ordinances may impose additional responsibilities on dog owners. For instance, Clark County Code requires owners to keep their dogs under restraint and take reasonable precautions to prevent attacks. Failure to comply with these local regulations can be used as evidence of negligence in civil cases. Understanding Negligence and the “One Bite” Rule Nevada’s approach to dog bite liability is often referred to as the “one bite” rule. This means that if a dog has previously bitten someone or shown aggressive behavior, the owner is expected to know the dog poses a danger. If another bite occurs, the owner can be held liable for not taking appropriate measures to prevent it. Negligence can be proven if the owner failed to: Leash or confine the dog in public areas Warn others of the dog’s dangerous propensities Abide by local animal control ordinances Establishing negligence or knowledge of dangerous behavior is essential for a strong legal claim. The Role of Evidence in Dog Bite Cases Evidence is the foundation of any successful dog bite liability claim. If you are a victim, gathering and preserving the following is vital: Medical records documenting the injuries Photographs of wounds and the scene Witness statements Animal control or police reports Veterinary records showing the dog’s history These materials can help prove the severity of the attack, the circumstances leading up to it, and the dog’s behavioral history. For example, a report from Las Vegas Animal Control could demonstrate prior complaints or incidents involving the same dog. Historical Behavior and Aggression: The Legal Impact A dog’s previous behavior plays a significant role in determining liability. If the animal has a documented history of aggression, courts are more likely to find the owner liable for subsequent bites. This includes previous attacks, threats, or even aggressive posturing toward people or other animals. Over 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs annually in the U.S., with many involving dogs with prior aggressive incidents. Documented history is often a turning point in legal proceedings. If you have access to animal control records or neighborhood complaints about the dog, these can be powerful evidence in establishing the owner’s knowledge of the risk. Preventive Measures for Dog Owners While this blog focuses on victims, it’s important to note that responsible dog ownership can prevent many incidents. Owners should: Properly socialize and train their pets Obey all local leash and restraint laws Regularly inspect fencing and confinement areas Warn visitors and neighbors if their dog has displayed aggression Taking these steps protects the public and shields owners from potential liability. For more guidance, visit our Dog Bite Injury page or Dog Bite Prevention resources. What Dog Bite Victims Should Do If you are bitten, your actions immediately after the incident can heavily influence your ability to prove liability and obtain compensation. See what victims should prioritize: Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Not only is this crucial for your health, but prompt treatment also generates valuable medical documentation for your case. Report the Incident: Contact local animal control or law enforcement to file an official report. This creates an official record vital for legal claims. Document Everything: Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if possible. Collect contact information from any witnesses. Consult With a Nevada Personal Injury Lawyer: Navigating Nevada’s nuanced dog bite laws can be challenging. A qualified attorney can evaluate your case, help gather evidence, and advocate on your behalf. For a confidential consultation, schedule a consultation with a Nevada lawyer at Ahlander Injury Law. Our team is dedicated to helping victims protect their legal rights and pursue fair compensation. Protecting Your Rights in a Dog Bite Case If you or someone you know has suffered from a dog bite, don’t wait to get help. Schedule a consultation with a Nevada lawyer at Ahlander Injury Law today and take the first step toward healing and justice. For more information on dog bite cases, personal injury claims, and your legal rights, visit our blog or contact our office directly.
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