Dog bites often inflict catastrophic injuries. These wounds are not only very painful, but they also pose serious risk to a victim’s health. Many people who are bitten by a dog are unsure of what steps they should take. Certainly your wounds must be treated, but what are your other options and responsibilities? It’s important to act without delay if you or a loved one have been attacked by a dog. Contacting your lawyer can help make sure that your rights are protected, and that you secure any compensation that you deserve. Given the severity of these injuries, we strongly advise you to call your lawyer as soon as possible.
Contact Oronoz & Ericsson, LLC if you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog. Our firm has years of experience representing injured residents throughout the Las Vegas area. To speak with one of our personal injury attorneys today, call us at (702) 878-2889.
Act Quickly To Get Emergency Medical Attention
Serious injuries require immediate medical attention. It’s urgent that you try and get to safety and call 911 if you have been bitten by a dog. However, sometimes people feel as though their lives are not at great risk after a bite. You may feel as though your wounds are not severe, and therefore you may not need medical help. This is a mistake made by many people who have been bitten by a dog. Injuries can get much worse over the hours and days that follow. Furthermore, animal bites pose a high risk of disease transmission.
Be sure to contact emergency medical services or a doctor without delay after a dog bite. Medical attention can not only save your life, but it can help make a strong case for financial compensation. Failing to get the medical help you need after an injury may help the negligent party argue that your harm was not that severe. Some of the most common injuries after a dog bite include:
- Cuts and punctures – Skin and muscle tissue can be badly torn, cut, or punctured by a dog bite. The pulling nature of bites often makes it difficult for these wounds to properly heal.
- Nerve damage – A bite can cut large parts of tissue that have many nerve endings. In addition to great pain, these bites might make it impossible for nerves to completely return to normal.
- Bone and joint injuries – Many dog bite victims fall during their attack. A hard fall can result in broken bones as well as damaged joints.
- Disease – Dog bites can result in infection or the transmission of serious diseases. While rare, rabies is a potentially deadly result of an animal bite.
- Scarring – Scars can remain as permanent reminders of a serious attack, and they can impact a victim for years.
Contact Authorities Regarding The Threat Of A Violent Dog
Calling 911 may result in police and animal control officials being notified of a dangerous dog in the area. However, this doesn’t always happen, and other innocent victims may remain in serious danger. This is especially the case if you check yourself into your doctor’s care instead of dialing 911. It’s important to know that this is more than just the right thing to do. Many municipalities throughout Nevada require residents to report dangerous dogs to authorities. Las Vegas municipal code 7.24.010 requires residents to report biting animals to the city or county animal control officer.
Allowing dangerous dogs to remain unreported is a concern of the state of Nevada. State code NRS 202.500 requires residents to report the owners of these animals. Furthermore, reporting can help local authorities identify dangerous dogs who do not have owners, or whose owners cannot be found. Consulting with your attorney can help make sure that you are following all of the state and local laws that apply to your case.
Speak With Your Lawyer As Soon As Possible
Many dog bites result in catastrophic injuries. However, some victims appear to only have mild injuries, and are unsure about whether to call a lawyer. It’s important to consider your health, and your rights after being hurt through no fault of your own. A dog bite can get much worse over time. Furthermore, the negligent owner of the dog may claim that they are not responsible for any harm you suffered. It’s important to have a knowledgeable Nevada dog bite lawyer working for you. Our attorneys know how to review your attack and build a strong case for financial compensation. We understand how crucial it is to gather important evidence as soon as possible after an attack. You may be able to secure financial damages for the following after a dog bite:
- Medical costs – In addition to your current medical bills, your damages can help you pay for future medical needs related to the dog bite. This includes doctor’s visits, medication, and surgeries.
- Lost work – Damages can be paid for lost wages. This can include future earning potential that was lost due to the harm you sustained.
- Therapy needs – Many injured people need physical therapy in order to return to normal daily life.
- Emotional distress – A dog bite attack is very violent, and many victims suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Oronoz & Ericsson, LLC Can Help You After A Dog Bite
Being attacked by a dog is a traumatic experience. You may be badly injured, and uncertain about what to do next. It’s important that you contact emergency first responders immediately if you or a loved one are badly hurt. Be sure to contact a knowledgeable Nevada lawyer as soon as possible. You have the right to pursue damages after a dog attack. However, the other parties may not be helpful, and it’s easy for anyone to be uncertain about what to do. Be sure to speak with your lawyer before accepting any form of compensation, or before signing any agreement related to your injury.
Our attorneys have helped thousands of Nevada residents who have been seriously injured. We can help you understand your options for damages as the legal process moves forward after your dog bite. Contact Oronoz & Ericsson, LLC in Las Vegas at (702) 878-2889.