Although Nevada does not have statewide dog bite laws, Washoe County dog bites are required by law to be reported due to the concern of possible exposure to the rabies virus. If a serious injury occurs, who is responsible? Below, we outline the steps of what to do after you’ve been bitten. If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury caused by someone’s negligence in Reno or the surrounding areas, give The Law Offices of Kenneth E. Lyon III a call to see how we can help.

What Is Considered a Dangerous Dog in Washoe County?

According to Washoe County Law, a dog is considered dangerous if any of the following applies: 

• When the dog is off his own land or when there is no apparent reason for the dog to be acting in such a threatening manner, it has done so twice in the past 18 months without provocation.
• No matter whether the dog was on his own land or not, without being provoked, killed, or seriously injured a person was on either public or private property.
• It hurt or killed any domestic animal while off his own property without being provoked
• A law enforcement agency may request to have a dog declared dangerous if it was employed in the commission of a crime.

What To Do if You’ve Been Bitten

Seek medical attention as soon as possible if you’ve been bitten by a dog. Dog saliva carries germs that can lead to a serious infection if not properly treated. If you are in Washoe County, call WCRAS at (775)-322-3647 to speak to animal control and report the incident. If the incident qualifies for a hearing to establish whether a dog is dangerous, an officer can help you file a complaint with an administrative hearing officer or a court and ask that the dog be labeled dangerous.

Dog Bite Injury Lawyers in Reno

If you need the assistance of a personal injury lawyer in Reno for a dog bite case, reach out to the Law Offices of Kenneth E Lyon III. Our team of professionals will work closely with you to get the compensation that you deserve according to Nevada law. Give us a call at 775-277-6392 to schedule a free consultation with a Reno personal injury attorney with more than 25 years of experience.