The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that just over 4.5 million Americans are bitten by dogs each year. The majority of bites happen to children. One fifth of all dog bites are so bad that the victim needs to go to the hospital. There are breeds of dogs most responsible for victims in Las Vegas, so it’s important to look for a good LV accident lawyer.
What Are Pit Bulls?
Pit bulls are technically a type of dog and not a breed, since most major dog registry associations refuse to recognize them. This is because they do not have anything to do with dog fighting. Pit bulls were bred to fight other dogs, and not people. Despite dog fighting being illegal, it’s incredibly prevalent, even in Nevada.
There is a breed called the American pit bull terrier (APBT), but this is just one branch of the pit bull family. This breed is also not recognized by major multi-breed registries like the American Kennel Club. There are many pit bull types, but all are blocky, medium-sized dogs with short hair, semi-floppy or cropped ears, and a powerful jaw.
Why So Many Bites?
The main reason why pit bulls are responsible for so many dog bites is because they are the popular type of dog in the United States. There are more than double the number of pit bulls than there are Labrador retrievers, the most popular purebred in America. Some organizations estimate that they make up about twenty percent of all dogs in the United States.
Pit bulls and APBTs trained for dog fighting will often be aggressive to people. Most dogs give clear warnings of when they will bite. Pit bulls and APBTs do not. They also shake their victims after biting, causing major damage. Dog bites cost an average of $44,000 per claim in Nevada alone, making a lot of work for a dog bit Las Vegas dog bite lawyer.
Other Breeds Responsible for Bites
The nonprofit DogsBite.com did a 20-year study about dog breeds most responsible for dog bites. Pit bulls were responsible for the vast majority of bites. They were followed by mixed breeds, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds. Studies done by other groups show that the most aggressive dog was the tiny Chihuahua, followed by the dachshund.
Police, shelter workers and even veterinarians often misidentify dog breeds. If a stray dog bites that vaguely resembles a pit bull, it’s just labelled a pit bull. The only way to tell for sure is with a DNA test. The fact is, all dogs can bite, no matter what their breed or type. No matter what dog bit you, a good Nevada dog bite attorney can help get restitution for a victim’s injuries.
Dog Bites: Who is Responsible?
Ultimately, the owner of the dog that bites is responsible for paying for injuries or property damage. This happens whether the owner purposefully instructs the dog on the victim or not. However, no written law in Nevada states this. It’s considered common law. This is why it is not recommended to try and negotiate a settlement with the dog’s owner without the help of an accident law group. A good dog bite attorney in Las Vegas may not even charge a fee unless you win a settlement.
After getting bitten in the Las Vegas area, first get medical help. Take pictures of your injuries, if possible. Contact the police to file a report. Contact Las Vegas Animal Control. You have two years to hire a Las Vegas dog bite attorney and bring the case to court, otherwise the statute of limitations may run out.
The Least You Need to Know
The kind of dog most responsible for dog bites and fatalities from bites in America and Nevada is the pit bull. Other dogs found guilty of bites include Rottweilers, mixed breeds, German Shepherds, Chihuahuas, and Dachshunds. All dogs can bite. The best way to get money to pay the medical bills is with the help of a good dog bite attorney Las Vegas and elsewhere, like the Boyack Law Group.
Please call Las Vegas Personal Injury Attorney Bryan Boyack at the Boyack Law Group for more info on how we can help. Call now
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