Although many individuals hold off reporting dog attacks out of concern that the dog would be euthanized, this isn’t always the case. In actuality, many dogs accused of biting or assaulting are finally returned to their owners’ care. Dog bites should always be reported to your local health commissioner within the vicinity of the incident. It is necessary not only for your safety but for the safety of others, as stipulated by Nevada state law.
What happens after a dog bite is reported? Several things happen right away when a dog bite is reported.
The local health department first evaluates to ascertain the danger of rabies exposure. The dog will be kept during this period for at least ten days. The dog will probably be quarantined for a specific time if the health authorities decide it poses a rabies danger. Depending on the situation, the dog may be quarantined at the owner’s house or a nearby shelter, kennel, or pound. In some circumstances, the health department may mandate that the dog be humanely put to death so that different tests can be carried out.
The animal control or health department will check the dog’s vaccination status before the rabies infection risk assessment. The animal control or health department will inform the victim if there are any issues with the dog’s vaccination record and potential risks to them.
The investigation into the occurrence begins when the bite is reported. The incident can be investigated to determine whether the dog owner broke any laws or ordinances by the local law enforcement or health commissioner.
The inquiry will reveal which of the following the dog is:
- A Nuisance Dog: one that tries to bite, attack, or run after a person.
- A Dangerous Dog: one who bites or hurts another person
- A Vicious Dog: one that kills or severely hurts a person
The results of this inquiry and the final report may be crucial evidence for your civil case or personal injury claim.
When to Report a Dog Bite?
A dog bite must be reported to the local health commissioner within the district, where it happened within 24 hours by anybody with knowledge of the incident. The law likewise covers any bite or attack by a non-human animal.
According to the legislation, at least one of the people listed below must report an attack or bite:
- The dog bite victim
- Any healthcare provider
- A licensed veterinarian
Every year, the state’s Department of Health must receive information and statistics on reported animal assaults and bites from each local health district.
How to Report a Dog Bite in Nevada?
If you have been bitten by a dog in Nevada, taking specific steps to ensure your safety and report the incident appropriately is essential. Here is a guide on how to report a dog bite in Nevada:
- Seek immediate medical attention: Your health and well-being are paramount. Call emergency services or visit the nearest emergency room if the dog bite is severe. Even if the injury seems minor, it is still crucial to have it assessed by a healthcare professional to prevent complications.
- Gather information about the incident: Collect information about the dog bite incident as soon as possible. That includes details such as the date, time, and location of the incident and any relevant information about the dog and its owner if known. If there were any witnesses, try to obtain their contact information.
- Report the incident to local authorities: Contact your local animal control agency or law enforcement agency to report the dog bite incident. Please provide them with all the relevant information you have gathered. They will guide you on the appropriate steps and may investigate if necessary. In Nevada, you can typically find the local animal control agency through your county’s government website or by contacting the non-emergency number of the local police department.
- Document your injuries: Keep a record, including photographs taken at different stages of the healing process. These records can serve as evidence should legal action be pursued later.
- Consult an attorney: If the dog bite resulted in significant injury or you are experiencing complications, consult a personal injury attorney specializing in dog bite cases. They can provide legal guidance, help protect your rights, and advise you on any potential claims you may have against the dog owner or other responsible parties.
Remember, this guide provides general information on reporting a dog bite in Nevada. However, it is always best to consult local authorities and legal professionals for specific advice.
What Should You Include in a Dog Bite Report?
You should include various details in your report of a dog bite to local authorities, including the police and the local health department.
Make sure to be as specific and thorough as you can with the following:
- Described the appearance of the dog, including the breed, approximate size/weight, and color
- The location of the attack and the time of day
- Information on the dog’s owner, including their name and contact details
- What led up to the event and what transpired right before and following the bite
- Your information, such as your name, address, and other pertinent information
For example, in Erie County, it is the victim’s responsibility or duty to assist the neighborhood health department in gathering pertinent data regarding the dog or another animal and its owner. To start the 10-day shelter and quarantine period, the victim should help the health authorities locate the animal if it looks like a stray. The sufferer should promptly start rabies treatment (including vaccination), even if the animal cannot be found.
The Importance of Reporting Dog Bites
Several people are hesitant to report dog bites and attacks because they believe the dog will be put to death, as was already noted. You might be even more reluctant to report the occurrence if the dog that bit you was well-known, such as a friend’s or neighbor’s pet. But in addition to having a legal need to do so, you also owe it to the authorities to let them know about the incident so that they can take the appropriate precautions to protect the public.
When the dog’s owner is found, it is frequently decided not to put the animal to sleep. Even quarantine at the owner’s house can be allowed. By informing authorities of the bite, you may ensure the dog is kept in a secure location where it cannot hurt anyone else. Authorities may also direct the dog owner to employ specific safety measures to prevent further harm, if necessary. The dog owner is expected to assist with the investigation and recommendations made by the regional health department, including the quarantining procedures.
Notifying the authorities about the dog bite also gives crucial proof for a potential personal injury lawsuit. You have the legal right to pursue monetary restitutionfor your medical costs, hospital bills, lost wages, trauma, pain, suffering, and other damages. It can entail submitting a claim to the dog owner’s insurance company in some circumstances or suing the dog owner in others. Your initial incident report on file demonstrates that you complied with applicable reporting rules and strongly supports your claim.
Get Help With Your Claim Today!
After a severe dog bite or attack that you and your loved one experience, the Dog Bite King Law Group can assist you in understanding your legal options. Our Las Vegas dog bite attorney has a lot of expertise defending the surviving family members of individuals who were unfairly slain and victims of severe harm. Our team is prepared to advocate for you because we are aware of the difficulties you are facing.
If you have any questions or want to know more, contact us immediately or schedule an appointment or consultation.
For more information on how https://www.dogbitekinglasvegas.com/ can help you on your Dog Bite Case, please contact us at (702) 364-2483, or visit us here:
625 S 6th St Suite 200, Las Vegas, NV 89101, United States