A dog bite changes everything in a single moment. One second, you are walking through a Reno neighborhood, visiting a friend's home, or watching your child play at a park. Next, you are dealing with puncture wounds, emergency room visits, and the fear that comes with an unprovoked attack.
The physical injuries may heal, but the anxiety around dogs, the scarring, and the financial strain often do not resolve as quickly. The Reno dog bite lawyers at Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. fight for fair compensation for bite victims and their families across Northern Nevada.
With more than 150 years of combined legal experience and an AV Preeminent peer-review rating from Martindale-Hubbell, we bring the preparation and resources of a large litigation firm with the accessibility of a small one.
A free consultation costs nothing and creates no obligation. Call 775-284-8888 to talk through what happened and find out where your claim stands.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONDo You Need a Reno Dog Bite Attorney? Trusting Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman With Your Dog Bite Claim
Dog bite cases in Nevada require an attorney who understands the state's negligence-based framework, knows how to gather animal control records and prior-incident documentation, and has the litigation experience to take a case to trial when an insurer refuses to offer fair compensation.
Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman brings that combination to every dog bite claim the firm accepts.
What sets us apart?
- 150+ years of combined legal experience. Our attorneys bring more than 150 years of combined practice to the firm's personal injury and litigation work. The firm holds an AV Preeminent rating from Martindale-Hubbell, the highest peer-review distinction for legal ability and ethical standards.
- A firm built on direct client communication. Every member of the team lives by the same philosophy: take care of the client's needs. The firm accepts a limited number of cases to give each client the undivided attention they need. When you call, you reach the people working on your case.
- Trial preparation on every claim. Every dog bite case is built as though it will go to a Washoe County jury. That readiness shapes how insurance companies respond during negotiations. Adjusters who know the attorneys on the other side are prepared for trial treat settlement discussions differently.
- Contingency fees with no upfront cost. The firm handles dog bite cases on a contingency basis. There are no attorney fees unless compensation is recovered. The initial consultation is free.
We are here to help you fight for fair compensation, giving you time to recover without the added pressure of legal fees and the knowledge that an experienced dog bite attorney in Reno is handling your case.
What Makes Nevada Dog Bite Law Different from Other States?
Nevada does not have a single statewide dog bite statute that automatically holds owners liable every time a dog causes harm. In fact, the state's Supreme Court rejected the so-called "one bite rule" in Glass v. Eighth Judicial District Court, holding that dog bite cases are governed by traditional negligence principles rather than a blanket free pass for a first attack.
Therefore, liability depends on negligence, leash-law violations, prior knowledge of aggressive behavior, and statutes such as NRS 202.500 and NRS 41.141.
That framework creates more complexity than the strict-liability systems used in many other states, but it also opens multiple paths to proving an owner's fault.
Negligence: The Primary Path to Recovery
A dog bite victim in Reno must show that the owner failed to use reasonable care to prevent the attack. Evidence of negligence may include a history of aggressive behavior, failure to secure the dog on the owner's property, or allowing the animal to roam off-leash in a congested area.
Washoe County Code Chapter 55 requires dogs within congested areas to be properly contained or restrained at all times, except in designated off-leash areas. Reno falls entirely within Washoe County's congested-area designation, which means every dog in the city must be leashed or secured when off the owner's premises.
A violation of that ordinance at the time of an attack may support a negligence per se claim, which can help prove the owner failed to use reasonable care.
The "Dangerous" and "Vicious" Dog Framework
NRS 202.500 defines a "dangerous dog" as one that, without provocation, on two separate occasions within 18 months, behaved menacingly to a degree that would lead a reasonable person to defend against substantial bodily harm.
A dog becomes "vicious" when, without being provoked, it killed or inflicted substantial bodily harm upon a human being.
These classifications matter in a civil claim because they establish what the owner knew about the dog's behavior before the attack. Prior "dangerous" status is powerful evidence of the owner's knowledge and negligence.
An owner who received notice from Washoe County Regional Animal Services that their dog was dangerous, and then failed to comply with muzzling, insurance, or enclosure requirements, faces a significantly stronger liability case.
Comparative Fault in Dog Bite Cases
Nevada follows a modified comparative fault system under NRS 41.141. A dog bite victim may recover damages as long as they are not more than 50% at fault for the incident.
Defendants in dog bite cases frequently argue that the victim provoked the animal, trespassed on private property, or ignored warning signs. Nevada law recognizes defenses based on provocation, trespassing, and situations where the dog was defending its owner against someone committing or attempting to commit a crime.
A dog bite attorney experienced in these claims knows how to counter those arguments and protect the victim's share of recovery. Call our Reno, NV office at 775-284-8888 for a free consultation.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONWhere Do Dog Bites Most Often Happen in Reno?
Dog bite attacks in Reno do not follow a single pattern. They occur in neighborhoods, public parks, on sidewalks, and on private property. Understanding where bites happen helps identify who may bear responsibility.
| Location | Liability Considerations |
|---|---|
| Public parks and trails (Idlewild, Rancho San Rafael, Bartley Ranch) | Owner's failure to leash the dog in a congested area under Washoe County Code Chapter 55; failure to maintain control in a space shared with children and other animals |
| Sidewalks and neighborhood streets | Off-leash violations; owner's knowledge of prior aggressive behavior toward pedestrians, joggers, or cyclists |
| Private property (visiting a friend's home, rental property) | Owner's failure to warn guests about the dog's temperament; landlord liability if the property owner knew a tenant's dog was dangerous and took no action |
| Rental and apartment complexes | Property management company's awareness of a dangerous animal on the premises; failure to enforce pet policies |
| Dog parks with designated off-leash areas | Even in off-leash zones, owners remain responsible for controlling their animal and preventing attacks on people and other dogs |
Multiple parties may share liability depending on the circumstances. A landlord who knew about a tenant's aggressive dog and failed to act, for example, may bear responsibility alongside the dog's owner.
Ask Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman
What Compensation Is Available After a Dog Bite in Reno?
A dog bite claim in Nevada may pursue compensation for both the immediate and long-term effects of the attack. The value of the claim depends on the severity of the injury, the circumstances of the attack, and the documentation supporting each category of loss.
Dog bite injuries differ from many other personal injury claims because they frequently involve disfigurement, infection risk, and psychological trauma, particularly in cases involving children. Common categories of losses include:
- Emergency and ongoing medical costs cover wound treatment, rabies post-exposure prophylaxis, surgical repair, infection management, and follow-up care.
- Reconstructive and cosmetic surgery applies when bites cause permanent scarring or disfigurement, particularly to the face, hands, or arms. In 2023, more than 19,000 people nationally underwent reconstructive surgery after serious dog bite injuries.
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity account for time missed from work during recovery and, in cases of permanent injury, reduced ability to perform job duties going forward.
- Pain, suffering, and emotional distress cover physical pain, anxiety, fear of dogs, sleep disruption, and the psychological impact that often follows a violent attack. Nevada does not cap non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, including dog bite claims.
- Property damage may apply when a dog attack injures another animal belonging to the victim or damages personal property during the incident.
Each claim requires thorough documentation. Medical records, photographs of injuries taken over time, mental health treatment records, and employment verification all contribute to building a full picture of the harm.
How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Nevada?
Under NRS 11.190, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Nevada is two years from the date of the injury. That deadline applies to dog bite claims filed in Washoe County and throughout the state.
When the injured person is a minor, the statute of limitations is generally tolled until the child turns 18, meaning the two-year filing window does not begin running until that birthday. Because dog bites disproportionately affect children, this exception may apply in many Reno cases.
Even with time on the clock, waiting creates risk. Evidence in dog bite cases is particularly time-sensitive.
Animal control records, veterinary history, and prior-incident reports from Washoe County Regional Animal Services all need to be requested early. Witnesses who saw the attack may relocate or forget details. Photographs of injuries heal and change appearance. Starting the claims process soon after the bite preserves the evidence that builds the strongest case.
Common Questions About Reno Dog Bite Claims
What happens to the dog after a bite is reported in Washoe County?
Nevada law requires that dog bites be reported to the local health officer or animal control officer. Washoe County Regional Animal Services then typically places the dog under a 10-day quarantine to monitor for rabies. Depending on the severity of the attack and the dog's history, the animal may be classified as dangerous or vicious under NRS 202.500.
What if the dog owner is a renter and the landlord knew the dog was dangerous?
A landlord who had knowledge of a dangerous dog on the property and failed to take action may share liability for a resulting bite injury. Evidence that the landlord received complaints about the dog, observed aggressive behavior, or allowed the tenant to violate pet restrictions in the lease may support a claim against both the dog owner and the property owner.
What if I was bitten while jogging or cycling on a Reno trail?
Dog bites that occur on public trails in Washoe County may involve leash-law violations. The county requires dogs to be restrained in congested areas, including popular trails like the Truckee River path and Rancho San Rafael Regional Park. An owner who allowed their dog off-leash in these areas may face a negligence claim based on the ordinance violation alone.
Does Nevada ban any specific dog breeds?
Nevada law expressly prohibits breed-specific legislation at the local level. All dog regulations in Reno and Washoe County focus on the individual animal's behavior, not its breed. This means liability in a dog bite case depends entirely on what the owner knew about the dog's conduct and whether they took reasonable steps to prevent harm.
After a Dog Bite, the Next Step Matters
A dog bite leaves more than a physical wound. The medical bills arrive quickly, and the emotional impact, particularly for children, often lasts far longer than the injury itself. Sorting through insurance coverage, animal control records, and liability questions while recovering from an attack is not something a bite victim needs to handle alone.
Viloria, Oliphant, Oster & Aman L.L.P. evaluates dog bite claims across Northern Nevada and fights for fair compensation when a negligent owner's failure to control their animal causes harm. Learn more about what damages are available in a personal injury case.
Call 775-284-8888 or 855-736-8888 for a free case review with our Reno dog attack attorneys.
SCHEDULE A CONSULTATIONPast results do not guarantee future outcomes.