Practice Area
A dog attack left scars. Nevada law can put the owner on the hook.
A dog bite can scar for life. Nevada law puts the owner on the hook.
Dog attacks cause lasting physical and emotional harm, especially to children. We pursue the owner’s insurance for the full cost of recovery.
What you need to know about dog bites
A dog attacked you or your child. Now you are dealing with puncture wounds, infection risk, scarring, fear, and an owner (or insurer) minimizing what happened as "the dog never does that."
Nevada dog-bite and animal-attack claims can put owners and sometimes other responsible parties on the hook. Children face especially lasting physical and emotional harm. We document the medicine and the liability without treating your family like a volume file.
We are D.R. Patti & Associates, a trial-focused Las Vegas personal injury firm. Free consultation. Contingency fees. Call (702) 500-7070.
Related: catastrophic injury · wrongful death · why we fight · results · premises liability
What should I do after a dog bite in Las Vegas? Get medical care immediately, identify the dog and owner, report the bite as required, photograph injuries as they evolve, and do not give a recorded statement to an insurer before talking to a lawyer.
ER or urgent care for wound care, infection risk, and rabies / vaccination status questions.; Identify owner, address, and homeowner's / renter's insurance if possible.; Report to animal control / local authorities as appropriate.; Photograph wounds over days (scarring timelines matter).; Keep all medical records and out-of-pocket costs.; Call counsel early. Tim treats intake like family..
Call (702) 500-7070.
Who can be liable? Often the owner. Sometimes a keeper, property owner, or other party who controlled the animal or the premises shares responsibility when facts support it. Homeowner's and renter's policies frequently respond. We map coverage instead of guessing.
Common serious harms Deep punctures and infection; Facial injuries and scarring (especially in children); Nerve damage; Surgeries and revision procedures; PTSD and lasting fear; In rare catastrophic cases, life-threatening injury or death.
Compensation Medical costs past and future (including plastic / reconstructive care), lost income, scarring and disfigurement damages, pain and loss of enjoyment, and wrongful-death damages when applicable. No honest flat average.
Deadlines Most Nevada personal injury and wrongful-death lawsuits generally must be filed within two years. A Nevada lawyer can confirm the deadline that fits your facts.
Fees Contingency. No attorney fee until we recover. Free consultation.
When we are the right fit Documented bite injuries with real medical proof, especially scarring, surgery, child victims, or disputed owner stories. Not every minor nip needs a lawsuit. Tim will tell you honestly.
Call (702) 500-7070 · Free consultation · Contingency fees · Las Vegas, Summerlin, Henderson, and Reno offices
Why we fight · Results · Catastrophic injury · Premises liability
Frequently asked questions
Does Nevada make dog owners automatically liable for bites?
Nevada has strong owner-liability rules in many bite situations, with fact-specific defenses and nuances. Call us with your facts and we will explain how Nevada law applies to your situation.
What if the owner says the dog never bit anyone before?
Prior-bite history can matter in some theories, but it is not the whole story under Nevada law. Tell us what you know; we investigate.
Will homeowner's insurance cover a dog bite?
Often yes, subject to policy exclusions (breed lists, business uses, intentional acts). We identify the policy and push back on improper denials.
What if the bite happened at a business or apartment complex?
Property owners or managers may share responsibility in some fact patterns. Premises angles can sit beside owner liability.
My child was bitten in the face. What damages apply?
Medical care, possible reconstructive procedures, scarring, and non-economic harm can all be in play. Child cases need careful future-care thinking.
Should I talk to the owner's insurance adjuster?
Not in a recorded statement before counsel. Adjusters minimize scarring and shift blame quickly.
What is the statute of limitations for a dog bite in Nevada?
Generally two years for personal injury in Nevada. A Nevada lawyer can confirm the deadline that fits your facts.
What if animal control is still investigating?
Civil claims can proceed on a parallel track. Keep your medical care moving and call us.
Do you take dog-bite cases on contingency?
Yes. No attorney fee until we recover. Call (702) 500-7070.
What if the dog's owner is a neighbor or family friend?
Common and uncomfortable. Insurance usually drives the claim, not a personal piggy bank. We explain that clearly so you are not left alone in the awkwardness.
Can scarring claims still matter after the wound closes?
Yes. Photographs over time, specialist opinions, and daily-life impact matter. Do not settle on day-three wound photos alone.
Will my case go to trial?
Many settle; disputed serious scarring and liability fights are prepared for trial.