Dog Bite Lawyer
An attack from a dog can be terrifying. It can also leave you or a loved one with physical and psychological scars. Attorney William R. Kendall can negotiate a pre-trial settlement or pursue legal damages to hold a dog owner accountable for bite injuries.
Learn how the Law Office of William R. Kendall in Reno, NV, can help dog bite victims make a physical, emotional, and financial recovery.
Time Is of the Essence In Your Dog Bite Case
The state of Nevada gives you two years from the date your dog bite injuries occurred to file a claim. Our dog bite lawyer strongly suggests that dog bite victims request a free consultation at his Reno, NV, law firm as soon as possible.
This way, your dog bite case can be discussed while the facts are still fresh in your mind. The sooner our dog bite lawyer begins working on your case, the better your chances of achieving a settlement or jury award that can pay for medical bills, lost wages, and other losses.
Dog owners who do not control their aggressive pets must be held accountable for the pain and suffering that dog bite victims like you experience. Bill Kendall is here to help you achieve justice.
High Praise from Mr. Kendall's Satisfied Clients
Kandee Sebelius
Reno, NV
2024
Mr. Kendall has been very supportive of my case. It took longer than we thought but it has now finished. If you every need a good lawyer he's your man.
View on GoogleMichael Fox
Reno, NV
2024
Bill Kendall was a BIG help with my case. He listened to the issue and took an interest in solving the problem. I had great results due to his help. Thank you, Bill
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How Our Dog Bite Attorney Can Help You
When you're pursuing legal action against a negligent dog owner, it's essential to have a skilled lawyer on your side. Our Reno, NV, injury law office stands with victims and survivors, offering sound counsel and peace of mind.
Understanding of the Law
A skilled personal injury lawyer will be familiar with Nevada state law and Washoe County statutes related to dog attacks and pet owner liability, as well as relevant premises liability law that may apply if the bite occurred on private property. Your lawyer will also make sure you meet important filing deadlines for your case.
Settlements and Legal Damages
Your lawyer will negotiate a fair settlement to cover medical bills associated with the bite, as well as other losses. If a settlement can't be reached, your lawyer will seek damages in trial to address the hardships caused by the bite.
Protect Yourself From Insurance Company Tactics With the Help of William R. Kendall
As you will learn during your free consultation, a dog owner's insurance company will most likely offer you a very low settlement amount and then pressure you into accepting it. This settlement offer will likely be far less than what our dog bite lawyer can achieve for you. William R. Kendall has been successfully obtaining fair settlements from insurance companies for over 25 years, thanks to his vast knowledge of insurance law.
"He is the best." Why Reno Chooses Bill Kendall
Chris Salerno
Reno, NV
2023
Mr Kendall did the legal work for my motorcycle accident and I’m super happy with his work. He got me an excellent settlement, far more than I was expecting to get. I highly recommend him.
View on GoogleJosé Martin Ríos R.
Reno, NV
2023
He is the best. He knows what he's doing and provides excellent explanation in "hard to understand" stuff. Also he's a great guy all around. I recommend him a lot.
View on GoogleWhat You Should Do After a Dog Bite or Attack
Following a dog attack or animal bite, it's important to document the injury and take steps to ensure your wellbeing. Here are practical actions our Reno law firm recommends after suffering a dog bite:
Common Causes of Dog Bites and Attacks
There are many reasons why a dog may bite or attack people. These are some of the most common causes of bites that injury lawyers see in dog attack lawsuits:
Dog Off the Leash
Leashes keep bystanders and animals safe from harm. In Washoe County, dogs must be leashed at all times in congested areas save for in designated off-leash areas.
Negligent Dog Owners
Owners need to be held responsible for the aggressive actions of their pets. Negligent or inattentive owners are legally liable for their dog's involvement in any attacks or bites.
Lack of Caution
Many owners may argue that the victim did not interact with the dog in a reasonably safe way and use that as justification for the resulting injuries. Always be cautious and ask the owner before petting or interacting.
The Dog Is Distressed
A frightened or anxious dog will instinctually lash out at perceived threats. Be mindful of warning signs like growling, flattened ears, raised hair on its back, or bared teeth.
Injuries Sustained in a Dog Bite or Attack
All sorts of injuries may be sustained if you're attacked by an animal. Our Reno law firm will account for medical treatment and long-term rehabilitation when seeking compensation for dog bite injuries such as:
Puncture Wounds
Puncture wounds are common from dog bites. Their teeth can break the skin and harm underlying soft tissue. The severity of these injuries varies on the breed of dog and the nature of the attack.Disfigurement
Catastrophic wounds in an animal attack can result in disfigurement. While reconstructive surgery repairs damaged skin to some extent, dog attack survivors may have visible scars for the rest of their lives.Rabies and Infection
Rabies is a viral inflammation of the brain. In addition to rabies, dogs can pass other types of infections via saliva. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics, infections occur in up to 15% of dog bites.Emotional Trauma
Not all wounds in an animal attack involve infections and disfigurement. The psychological scars of these incidents can be damaging, especially in children. Survivors may require therapy and counseling.Was the Dog Dangerous? Factors to Consider
When looking into the circumstances of a dog bite or pet attack, our dog bite lawyer will investigate if the animal was considered dangerous. Here are some ways Western Nevada authorities assess this situation.
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History of Aggression
Nevada follows the "one bite rule." This means the dog is considered dangerous if it attacked even a single person in the past. -
The Dog's Training
Some dogs are trained for security, and bite or wound on command. Even kind animals may be provoked into being aggressive.
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Mistreatment by Owners
Animal abuse or long-term mistreatment by the owner can lead to a dangerous dog that is more likely to bite others. -
A Note on Dog Breeds
Some dog breeds have a bad reputation, but not all dogs of a given breed are dangerous. Owners contribute to aggressive behavior.
Speak with a Dog Bite Lawyer Contact William R. Kendall Today
The people of Reno have a caring and compassionate legal advocate in William R. Kendall. Clients interact directly with Mr. Kendall, which helps ensure trust and open communication at all times during your case.
Mr. Kendall has worked on personal injury cases since 1994, and brings three decades of legal experience to every case he works on. To better serve the community, he offers free legal consultations. Having a skilled lawyer provide an honest assessment of your case at no cost can put your injuries and hardships in perspective.
If you live in Western Nevada and need to speak with a lawyer about a dog bite or pet attack, contact the Law Office of William R. Kendall. You can also reach us by phone at:
An Attorney Trusted by Western Nevada Families
Michael Barnes
Reno, NV
2023
Bill Kendall took on our recent car accident case, with the other driver at fault. He was knowledgeable, professional and diligent in getting our case settled to our complete satisfaction, and out of court. We highly recommend his services!
View on GoogleImani Adem
Reno, NV
2023
Excellent lawyer, highly recommend.
View on GoogleWe proudly serve clients from throughout Reno.
Proving a Dog Bite Claim What Must Be Established
When pursuing a dog bite lawsuit, it's crucial to establish certain facts in order to improve your case's chances of success. During your free legal consultation at our Reno office, we can discuss this in more detail.
Dangerous Behavior by Dog
If the dog acted in a dangerous manner or exhibited dangerous behavior in the past (the aforementioned one bite rule), the owner may be held liable for the attack.
Owner Contributed to Attack
The owner's own actions in the moment or in the past may have prompted an animal to bite or attack another person. In such cases, the owner is legally liable.
Owner Failed to Prevent Attack
Owners are also liable if they ignored Washoe County leash laws or failed to intervene when their dog displayed aggressive behavior that signaled an attack.
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Injuries
How long do I have to file a claim?
Two years. But remember: it's only going to become more difficult to gather evidence as time passes. Reach out to an attorney as soon as possible.
I was injured by a police dog. Do I have grounds for a lawsuit?
It's possible. If you were an innocent bystander who was attacked, or if it can be demonstrated that it was an instance of excessive force, you may be able to file a claim.
I was visiting a friend's home and their dog bit me. I don't want to make trouble for my friend. Should I just let it go?
Their homeowner's insurance probably covers dog bites sustained by people visiting the premises. Your friend has this policy for a reason, and you don't deserve to bear the burden of the resulting medical expenses and other losses. You have every right to file a claim. If the insurance company denies compensation, speak to a lawyer.
Can I afford an attorney?
You can when you choose Bill Kendall. He offers free consultations, and only collects a fee if he secures a jury award or settlement for you.
Our Attorney Puts the People of Western Nevada First
Cassidy Kimball
Reno, NV
2023
Bill did an absolutely great job and got me more money than I had initially anticipated. He's not afraid to say things how they are and will fight for you to get compensated fairly. His fees were more than justified.
View on GoogleBill B
Reno, NV
2023
TO ALL THE PEOPLE OUT THERE IN RENO NEVADA AND SPARKS, IF YOU NEED A GOOD LAWYER BILL KENDALL IS THE ONE . HE DID A GREAT JOB ON MY CASE ..THANK YOU BILL
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