It can be hard to know what to do when someone else’s dog bites you. It can be especially hard if that “someone” is a close friend. You might feel torn between preserving the friendship and covering the costs of your injuries.
But a dog bite is more than just a personal issue. It’s a legal one. Dog bites can cause serious physical damage. They can lead to infection and even disfigurement. They can also result in lasting emotional trauma. You have a right to seek compensation, even when the situation feels complicated.
When you’re injured by a dog that someone else is responsible for, the law gives you options. You don’t have to suffer in silence or pay for everything out of pocket just to avoid an uncomfortable conversation. Here’s what our dog bite attorneys in Las Vegas say about what you need to know and what to do after a friend’s dog bites you.
Understanding Liability in a Dog Bite Case
Many states, including Nevada, follow the “one bite rule.” Under this rule, a dog owner can be held responsible for a dog bite if they knew their dog posed a danger. For example, let’s say a pet owner knew their dog had shown aggressive behavior in the past, such as biting or lunging. But in spite of knowing about these aggressions, the owner failed to meet legal requirements to prevent future bites (e.g., getting a permit from the Animal Regulation Officer, enclosing the pet on their property, keeping the pet muzzled and leashed while off-property, etc.). In this case, the dog owner would likely be held liable for your bite.
The one bite rule gives basic parameters, but there are many exceptions to it . A dog does not always have to have a violent history for its owner to be held liable. For example, let’s say your friend has a new dog, who has had limited socialization opportunities. Your friend releases the dog into the middle of her crowded backyard party, with throngs of people milling around. The dog gets spooked and bites you when you try to pet him. Your friend could potentially be held liable because a reasonable person should have known that releasing a young, inexperienced dog into a chaotic situation could have caused him to act unpredictably.
You might worry about suing a friend. But in most cases, you’re filing a claim against their homeowners or renters insurance, not their personal finances. These insurance policies often cover dog bite injuries, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
The best thing to do in the wake of a dog bite is to contact an attorney. They can help you know if you have a legal case on your hands. If you decide to file a claim, they can guide you through the filing process and help you gather and present the most compelling evidence to get maximum compensation.
What Kind of Compensation Can You Pursue?
Dog bite injuries vary in severity, but even “minor” bites can cause real damage. You may be entitled to compensation for emergency room visits and follow-up wound care, including any antibiotics or vaccines. Your compensation may also cover physical therapy or scar treatment, if necessary.
But compensation often covers more than just medical expenses. You may be entitled to payment for emotional trauma or anxiety associated with the bite. If you had to miss work as a result of the injury, the law often covers your lost wages.
For example, if a bite on your hand prevents you from typing or doing manual labor, you might lose out on income for weeks. If the bite leaves a noticeable scar, you could also have grounds for compensation related to disfigurement or emotional distress.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Regardless of the circumstances, you should always take the proper steps after a dog bite. These help you protect both your health and your legal claim. Here’s what you should do:
- Get medical attention right away. Even minor puncture wounds can become infected. Don’t ignore any injuries, no matter how small.
- Report the incident. File a report with your local animal control or police department.
- Document everything. Take photos of your injuries, get witness statements, and save medical records.
Don’t downplay the bite. Don’t brush it off to spare someone’s feelings. You deserve the proper treatment and compensation. Stay calm but be intentional. Take your injuries seriously and preserve the evidence right from the start. From there, you can find a dog bite lawyer for any facial injuries or trauma you’ve incurred.
What If the Owner Claims You Were at Fault?
Sometimes, a dog owner may argue that you provoked the dog or ignored their warnings. These defenses can complicate your claim, but the details matter. Defenses don’t automatically erase your right to compensation.
Let’s say you reached down to pet a dog that had never shown aggression before, and it suddenly lunged. If the dog was unrestrained and the owner didn’t warn you, the liability likely still falls on the owner.
This is where having an experienced attorney can help. They can investigate, gather evidence, and respond to any claims that you were somehow to blame. Don’t assume that just because the bite happened in a casual setting, your case has no merit.
Friendship Does Not Mean Betraying Your Rights
A dog bite from a friend’s pet puts you in a difficult position. The incident leaves you with more than just physical wounds. It can strain your relationship and leave you feeling guilty for even considering legal action. But your health, finances, and legal rights still deserve attention.
Getting medical care and seeking fair compensation means taking care of yourself, not getting revenge. You can seek compensation through your friend’s insurance without ruining the relationship. You can stand up for yourself while keeping the conversation respectful. Let them know you’re handling things legally, not out of anger, but out of necessity.
When you’re the victim of a dog bite, you don’t have to handle it all alone. You don’t have to sacrifice your well-being to avoid a complicated conversation. Your recovery and your rights matter.