Henderson Dog Bite Attorney

The number of households in the United States with pets rose from 56% to 66% between 1988 and 2023. Of the 86.9 million households with a pet in 2023, 74.9% had a dog. 

The prevalence of dog ownership has prompted changes in communities throughout the country. There are more dog parks than ever, and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) supports restaurants allowing dogs in outdoor dining areas. 

The growing number of dogs and places people can take them means more people cross paths with dogs every day. Unfortunately, not all encounters are positive. The number of annual dog bite victims in the United States is 4.5 million.
While 16.6% of dog bite victims need medical care, all may suffer trauma. If you’re searching for a ‘dog bite attorney near me,’ whether you were bit at a public location or on private property, our experienced dog bite attorneys can help you receive justice.

Dog bite statistics 

Although some dog bites cause minor physical injuries, dog bites can result in death. A review of dog bite statistics according to dog breed reveals that Pit Bulls cause most dog bite-related deaths. Although Pit Bulls make up less than 10% of the number of registered dogs in Las Vegas, from 2005 to 2010, they were responsible for three out of every five dog bite-related deaths.

What dog has the strongest bite? 

Experts measure the force a dog’s chewing muscles—masticatory muscles—deliver to their teeth. The higher the number of pounds per square inch (PSI), the stronger the bite. Although individual characteristics can account for some variation, the following breeds are among those with the strongest bite:

• Akita: 350–400 PSI
• American Bulldog: 305 PSI
• Cane Corso: 700 PSI
• English Mastiff: 552 PSI
• German Shepherd: 238–291 PSI
• Great Pyrenees: 500 PSI
• Irish Wolfhound: 400+ PSI
• Kangal: 743 PSI
• Newfoundland: 400+ PSI
• Rottweiler: 328 PSI
• Siberian Husky: 320 PSI
• Tosa Inu: 556 PSI

Some breeds with weaker bites include the following:

• Beagle: 100–200 PSI
• Chihuahua: 100–180 PSI
• Corgi: 100–200 PSI
• French Bulldog: 180–230 PSI
• Pug: 100–200 PSI

Labrador Retrievers exert 230 PSI, while American Pit Bull Terriers exert 240–330 PSI. 

What dog breeds are the most dangerous? 

Experts debate whether a dog breed is dangerous. Although Pit Bulls are responsible for most dog attack deaths, many blame their owners. Still, Pit Bulls top the list regarding fatal dog attacks. Other breeds responsible for fatal dog attacks over a 12-year period beginning in 2005 include the following:

• American Bulldog
• Boxers
• Bull Mastiffs
• Doberman Pinschers
• German Shepherd
• Labrador Retrievers
• Mastiffs
• Rottweilers
• Siberian Huskies

What to do after a dog bite 

Dog bites are shocking incidents that can cause trauma. No matter where the dog bite occurs, you should take the following steps to protect yourself after a dog bite:

• Find a safe space: You may need to go to a nearby residence or business to ask for help if you’re bitten in public. Find a room with a door you can close or go to the other side of the fence if you’re bitten on private property. 
• Get help: Seek help from someone who can protect you from the dog. Getting help may mean calling animal control if the dog is running free. You should also have a medical professional check your wounds. Prompt medical treatment can help you prevent infection. 
• Create a record: Write down everything you remember from before, during, and after the dog attack. Was the dog running free? Did their owner attempt to intervene? Take pictures and videos of the dog, the location, and your injuries if you can. The authorities will consider all relevant information when determining whether the dog should be declared dangerous. Your records can also help you protect your legal rights. 
• Contact animal control: Dog bite witnesses, and victims must contact animal control and file a report
• Talk to an attorney: Your dog bite attorney is your advocate after an attack

Do you need an attorney for dog bites? 

Turn to an experienced dog bite attorney near your location to ensure you receive prompt, accurate legal advice. Our Henderson dog bite attorneys have years of experience fighting for dog bite victims to receive justice after an attack.

Your legal rights 

Adam S. Kutner, Injury Attorneys, will explain your rights and ensure you know your legal options. You won’t pay any fees when you call us for a consultation or see a bill for legal services until we win your case. 

Verify Nevada’s dog laws

Since Henderson is in Clark County, Henderson dog owners must comply with county laws. Some laws that may affect your dog bite claim include the following:

• Leash laws: The owner must have the dog leashed unless a dog is in a designated off-leash area, such as a dog park. Owners may be fined for letting their dog run free, and a dog owner’s decision to let their dog run unleashed results in an attack could establish their liability for injuries. 
• Prohibited areas: There are some areas where dogs are prohibited. Owners who take their dogs to prohibited areas are liable if they attack someone.

Although there’s no one-bite law in Nevada that automatically classifies a dog as dangerous after one bite, animal control uses dog bite reports to identify potentially dangerous dogs. Their history could be used to determine whether they’re dangerous. 

NRS 202.500 outlines reasons dogs are declared dangerous. Nevada laws prevent people from keeping, selling, or giving away any dog deemed vicious. A dog owner’s choice to keep a vicious dog would increase their liability in the event of another attack, and they could face criminal charges.

Who pays for dog bite injuries? 

Dog bites can lead to costly medical bills. Victims with severe injuries may need plastic surgery, physical therapy, and other expensive treatments. Victims may also need therapy to address trauma from their dog attacks. Your dog bite attorney can hold the owner accountable for your expenses, ensuring they pay for your care.

Calculate damages available 

Your dog bite attorney will explain the type of damages you can seek and help you calculate the compensation totals to seek from an injury lawsuit. Dog bite victims can seek reimbursement for expenses, including the following costs:

• Childcare expenses
• Lost income
• Medical bills
• Transportation bills
• Therapy

Dog bite victims can also seek non-economic damages for the personal toll from the attack. Reasons for non-economic damages include the following:

• Anxiety
• Grief
• Pain and suffering
• Trauma

In some cases, dog bite victims may seek punitive damages. Your dog bite attorney can determine if your case meets the state’s standards for punitive damages. 

How to avoid future dog bites

Take the following steps to avoid future dog bites:

• Avoid unfamiliar dogs: Maintain a safe distance from unfamiliar dogs and avoid approaching strange dogs
• Ask owners before interacting with dogs: Never assume a dog is safe to pet or play with
• Stay calm and quiet: Loud noises can startle dogs and prompt them to bite. Don’t talk to a dog that’s growling at you. Being quiet can help calm the dog and prevent an attack.
• Stay still: A dog may chase you if you run. Slowly back away when you feel it’s safe to move. 
• Teach children about dogs: Talk to your children about dogs and the dangers of dog bites. Teach them to avoid strange dogs, ask owners before petting dogs, and what to do if a dog growls at them.

When to seek a dog bite law attorney

You should consult a dog bite defense attorney as soon as possible after an attack. Your dog bite lawyer can explain the steps you should take following the attack and help you get the information you need to file a legal claim. Contacting an attorney immediately also ensures your lawyer begins a prompt investigation, making locating witnesses and evidence to support your dog bite claim easier.

Sources:

As pet ownership rises across the US, government rules restaurants can allow dogs in outdoor dining spaces. (2023). 

Bales, R. (2023). Dogs With The Highest Bite Force.

Dog Park. (2023). 

McCarthy, N. (2018). America’s Most Dangerous Dog Breeds. 

Megna, M. (2023). Pet Ownership Statistics 2023. 

Miscellaneous crimes concerning public safety – NRS 202.500. (2023). 

Snideman, J.K. (2016). Dogs and Dog Parks On the Rise. 

T. M. (2022). Dog Bite Force: Complete Chart and Review of 68 Breeds.

van Delft, E.A.K. et al. (2019). The dangers of pets and horses, animal related injuries in the Emergency department.