Immediate Relief and Legal Protection for Animal Attack Victims
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, more than 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs yearly in the United States. While dog bites are the most common injury caused by animals, an experienced animal attack lawyer can also help clients recover damages from other types of animal-related injuries.
An unexpected animal attack introduces physical trauma, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty into your life. Whether dealing with severe dog bites or injuries caused by other animals, managing medical care alongside complex legal timelines creates severe strain.
There is NO FEE unless WE WIN!
How Can an Animal Attack Lawyer Help You?
Our team at Jensen Oldham Personal Injury Law has over 40 years of experience working in personal injury cases including dog bites and animal attacks. We have helped numerous people just like you receive compensation for injuries caused by animals. Although every case is different, we deliver the same helpful services to every client:
- Determine Value: We begin by examining the details of your case and then use our extensive experience to determine a fair value for your damages.
- Gather Evidence: Proving liability for an animal attack requires evidence, and we conduct a thorough investigation to make sure the law is on your side.
- Complete Complex Paperwork: A personal injury claim involves complex paperwork with strict deadlines. All you have to worry about is telling us what happened.
- Handle Communications: We speak directly with insurance companies and the responsible party to negotiate a fair deal. If needed, we will go up against their lawyers in court.
- Provide Advice: The insurance companies will try to trick you into hurting your case. We will tell you what to look out for and how to handle tricky situations.
Animal Attack Services
Bird Attacks
Dog Attacks
Exotic Animal Attacks
Livestock Attacks
Reptile Attacks
Other Animal Attacks
The Importance of Quick Legal Consultation for Animal Attacks
Nevada enforces a strict two-year statute of limitations on personal injury claims under NRS 11.190(4)(e). Waiting to secure legal counsel can put vital evidence and full financial recovery at risk. At Jensen Oldham Personal Injury Law, we step in immediately to carry the legal burdens so you can focus entirely on your physical recovery.
- Little to No Financial Risk: You pay no upfront fees or hourly rates. We work on a strict contingency fee basis, meaning we do not collect a single dime unless we recover compensation for your case.
- Direct Attorney Access: We intentionally limit our case volume to ensure you work directly with your attorney throughout the entire legal process.
- Northern Nevada and California Coverage: We handle complex, multi-jurisdictional claims across Northern Nevada and cross-border travel zones like Lake Tahoe and Sierra regional routes.
Understanding Nevada Animal Attack Laws and Negligence Frameworks
Unlike states with strict liability dog bite statutes, Nevada operates under common-law negligence standards without an automatic one-bite rule. Securing compensation typically involves demonstrating that the animal owner failed to exercise reasonable care or knew of the animal’s dangerous tendencies.
Local Leash Laws and Negligence Per Se
Under local regulations such as Washoe County Code Chapter 55 (§ 55.100), pet owners must keep animals leashed in designated congested areas like Reno. When an owner violates these municipal leash laws, courts may apply the doctrine of negligence per se. This legal principle can help establish liability directly by proving the owner violated a safety ordinance designed to protect the public.
Statutory Definitions under NRS 202.500
Nevada Revised Statutes (NRS 202.500) outline specific criteria for dangerous and vicious dogs:
- Dangerous Dog: A dog that behaves menacingly on two separate occasions within an 18-month period, unprovoked, off the owner’s premises.
- Vicious Dog: A dog that inflicts substantial bodily harm on a human or continues dangerous behavior after being declared dangerous.
Establishing these statutory thresholds often depends on prompt investigative action. If necessary, our legal team may secure animal control records from Washoe County Regional Animal Services, gather witness testimony, and/or document the incident scene before critical evidence disappears.
Trial-Ready Leverage: The Power of Board-Certified Representation
Insurance risk algorithms evaluate the law firm representing you just as closely as they evaluate your injuries. High-volume settlement mills and out-of-market advertising firms rarely take cases to trial, leading insurance companies to issue lowball settlement offers.
Founding attorney Bob Jensen brings over 40 years of local trial experience to your case. Certified by the State Bar of Nevada as a Personal Injury Specialist, he has personally helped write sections of Nevada personal injury statutes and teaches injury law to practicing attorneys across the state.
When insurance carriers recognize that your legal team has a documented history of taking cases to court, their risk calculations shift. Our extensive trial preparation helps us present strong, evidence-backed claims during negotiations with insurance carriers.
Recoverable Compensation for Animal Attack Injuries
Animal attacks can lead to long-term physical scarring, psychological trauma, and severe economic liabilities. Our firm systematically identifies and calculates every category of loss to protect your financial stability.
Emergency Medical Care and Surgery
Potential coverage for immediate emergency room visits, hospital stays, specialized wound care, rabies treatments, and future plastic or reconstructive surgeries to address permanent scarring.
Psychological Trauma and Pain and Suffering
Potential financial recovery for non-economic damages, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe anxiety around animals, emotional distress, and loss of daily quality of life.
Lost Income and Future Earning Capacity
Possible reimbursement for missed workdays during initial recovery, as well as compensation for long-term reductions in your earning capacity if permanent injuries impact your ability to work.
Why Choose Jensen Oldham Personal Injury Law?
Large corporate insurance companies employ massive legal defense teams dedicated to denying liability and minimizing your settlement. You may benefit from a local Reno animal attack lawyer and legal team that understands their playbooks, maintains trial experience, and provides dedicated protection. When you partner with Jensen Oldham Personal Injury Law, you receive direct support from a stable neighbor who will fiercely protect your rights.
The Insider Advantage
As former insurance defense attorneys, Bob and Cody know exactly how corporate insurers value claims. We use their own playbook to protect your recovery.
Board-Certified Specialization
Bob Jensen has 40 years of experience and is certified by the State Bar of Nevada as a Personal Injury Specialist. He has even written parts of Nevada injury law.
A Trial-Ready Reputation
Insurance companies know we prepare every case for court. Our history as aggressive litigators can encourage corporate carriers to negotiate in good faith.
The Local Approach
We are an independent local firm by design. We limit our case numbers to give you direct access to your attorney and build custom strategies for your unique goals.
A Dedicated Safe Space
We provide a supportive, judgment-free office for the Reno community. We are a proud ally where your identity, your partner, and your chosen family are respected.
No Upfront Financial Risk
We operate on a strict contingency fee basis. Our consultations are free, we do not bill by the hour, and you do not pay a single dime unless we win your case.
Frequently Asked Questions
Suffering an unexpected animal attack can leave you with severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and mounting financial stress. At Jensen Oldham Personal Injury Law, we understand how overwhelming it feels to confront rising medical bills and insurance paperwork while trying to heal. This guide answers common questions about Nevada laws, local regulations, and how an experienced animal attack lawyer can help protect your family.
Understanding Nevada Law and Proving Fault
How do I prove liability after an animal attack in Nevada?
Proving fault in animal attack injury claims generally requires showing that the animal’s owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent harm. You can establish negligence by demonstrating that the owner broke local containment laws, acted carelessly, or knew that the animal had a prior history of aggressive behavior.
Does Nevada have a "one-bite rule" for dog and animal attacks?
Nevada does not follow a strict statutory “one-bite” rule. If an animal has no prior record of aggression, you must show that the owner acted negligently in controlling the pet. If the owner knew or had reason to know that the animal had vicious tendencies, they can be held strictly liable for the injuries caused.
Can I still pursue compensation if I am accused of provoking the animal?
You can still seek financial recovery under Nevada’s comparative fault rules, provided you were 50 percent or less at fault for the incident. Your final recovery amount is adjusted based on your percentage of responsibility. For example, if a court finds you 10 percent responsible, your overall recovery is reduced by 10 percent.
How long do I have to file a claim for an animal attack in Nevada?
Nevada enforces a strict two-year statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits. You have two years from the exact date of the attack to take legal action. Taking steps early helps protect important evidence, preserve medical records, and build a reliable foundation for your claim.
Local Reno and Washoe County Regulations
What are the restraint and leash laws in Reno and Washoe County?
Washoe County code requires pet owners to keep their dogs securely contained on private property or secured on a leash when in public areas. This rule applies to popular local spaces, including the Truckee River Walk and Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. When an owner allows a dog to roam unleashed in these areas, that law violation can be used as direct proof of negligence.
What happens to the animal after an attack is reported in Washoe County?
Local law requires animal bites to be reported to public health authorities or Washoe County Regional Animal Services. The agency typically places the animal under a mandatory 10-day quarantine to monitor for rabies. Depending on the circumstances and prior history, animal control officials may also review whether to designate the pet as dangerous or vicious under Nevada statutes.
Does Reno or Washoe County ban specific dog breeds?
No, state law explicitly prohibits local Nevada municipalities from passing breed-specific bans. Legal responsibility in Reno depends entirely on the owner’s actions, whether safety laws were followed, and the individual animal’s past behavior rather than its breed.
Are attacks caused by exotic or non-traditional pets covered under the law?
Yes, Washoe County maintains strict permit tiers for exotic animals, wild species, and wolf hybrids. Owners of non-traditional pets must follow specific containment protocols. If an exotic or non-traditional pet escapes and inflicts harm, the owner may be held accountable for the resulting medical bills and damages.
Insurance, Compensation, and How an Animal Attack Lawyer Can Help
Who actually pays for my medical treatment and recovery expenses?
Financial recovery for medical care, reconstructive surgeries, and lost wages is typically paid through the owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. If the attack took place on a commercial property, business liability insurance may apply to cover the losses.
Can I file a claim if the animal belongs to a friend, neighbor, or family member?
Yes, you can seek financial relief. These claims are handled through insurance companies rather than taking funds directly out of your loved one’s personal bank account. Working with an animal attack lawyer allows you to handle communications directly with the insurance adjuster so you can protect your financial stability without creating personal friction.
What types of damages can I recover in animal attack injury claims?
You can seek recovery for both measurable economic expenses and personal losses. This includes emergency room care, hospital bills, reconstructive plastic surgery, scar reduction, psychological therapy for trauma or PTSD, lost income from missed work, and ongoing physical pain and emotional distress.
Can a landlord be held liable for an attack caused by a tenant's pet?
A landlord may share financial responsibility if they knew a tenant was keeping a dangerous animal on the property and failed to take reasonable action to protect others. Evidence such as prior tenant complaints, lease violations, or documented aggressive behavior can help establish landlord liability.
How does Jensen Personal Injury Law handle negotiations with insurance companies?
Our legal team includes former insurance defense attorneys who understand the internal evaluation methods adjusters use to reduce payouts for scarring, trauma, and soft-tissue harm. We use this perspective to build thorough, evidence-based claims that reflect the full extent of your physical and emotional injuries.
What does it cost to hire an animal attack lawyer?
Jensen Personal Injury Law works on a strict contingency fee basis under our “no fee unless we win” policy. Your initial consultation is completely free, you pay no hourly bills or upfront costs, and legal fees are only paid if we successfully secure a financial recovery for your case.
Areas We Serve
Based in Reno, we proudly represent injured victims throughout Northern Nevada and California. No matter where your accident happened, we are ready to help. We currently serve the following areas:
Don’t see your area? View all locations we serve or call us at (775) 347-6690 to find out if we can help.
Reno’s Trusted Personal Injury Lawyer
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