Nevada Dog Bite Settlement Calculator & Compensation

Understanding Nevada’s “One-Bite” Rule

Unlike some states that hold dog owners automatically liable, Nevada follows the “One-Bite Rule.”

In plain terms:
A dog owner is not automatically responsible for a bite unless they knew — or should have known — that their dog was dangerous.

That means to win a dog bite case in Nevada, you must prove one of two things:

1. The dog had a history of aggression (biting, growling, lunging, etc.), or
2. The owner was negligent, such as violating leash laws or ignoring obvious safety risks.

If neither applies, recovery might be barred — and the calculator will show that warning clearly.

How Nevada’s Comparative Fault Law Affects Your Case

Nevada also follows the “51% Bar Rule.”

That means if you’re 51% or more at fault, you can’t recover any money.

For example:

• If you were trespassing or provoked the dog, your settlement might be reduced.
• If the calculator shows your fault above 50%, it will display a legal warning that recovery is not possible under NRS 41.141.

So yes — even in a dog bite case — fault matters.

How the Nevada Dog Bite Settlement Calculator Works

The calculator uses a mix of legal rules and injury data multipliers to estimate your potential settlement amount.

Here’s how it breaks it down step-by-step.

1. Liability Factors (Dog Owner’s Responsibility)

The first section covers the dog’s behavior and the owner’s negligence.
The more serious these are, the stronger your case.

Examples:

• No prior incidents → No liability (0%)
• Dog has bitten before → High liability (+60%)
• Owner ignored leash laws → Adds more weight to negligence

If neither factor applies, the calculator warns that you may not qualify for compensation under Nevada’s “One-Bite” law.

2. Victim & Incident Details

Next, it factors in your role and situation — including:

• Age of victim: Children and elderly victims tend to receive higher settlements.
• Location: Were you invited, in public, or trespassing?
• Provocation: Did you provoke the dog?
  If yes, partial fault applies — and your compensation may be reduced.
• Gender: A minor multiplier applies for statistical adjustment.

The calculator applies a fault percentage (up to 100%) to simulate Nevada’s comparative negligence system.

3. Injury Details (Severity, Scarring & Impact)

This part captures the real-world impact of your injuries — both physical and psychological.

The calculator references the Dunbar Bite Scale, which rates bite severity:

• Level 1-2: Minor scratches or shallow wounds
• Level 3: 1–4 shallow punctures
• Level 4–5: Deep punctures or multiple bites
• Level 6: Fatality

Other key injury factors include:

• Location (face/neck injuries carry higher compensation)
• Type (fractures, nerve damage, disfigurement)
• Permanent disability
• PTSD or anxiety

Each adds a multiplier, which increases the pain and suffering estimate.

4. Economic Damages

These are your actual, measurable losses — including:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages or loss of earning capacity
• Personal property damage (e.g., torn clothing or damaged phone)
• Insurance limits

You enter these numbers directly into the calculator. It then estimates your economic damages and applies additional formulas for non-economic damages (pain and suffering).

5. Settlement Calculation

Once all data is entered, the calculator does the math.

It factors in:

• Liability strength
• Victim’s fault percentage
• Injury multipliers
• Insurance policy caps

If your fault exceeds 51%, it warns that recovery may be legally barred.
If the owner’s insurance policy limit is lower than your calculated total, the calculator caps your settlement at that limit — showing both the “pre-cap” and “final” figures.

Example: How a Typical Nevada Dog Bite Case Is Calculated

Let’s say:

• Medical bills: $10,000
• Lost wages: $2,000
• Dog had bitten before (known to owner)
• Owner ignored leash law
• Victim: 9-year-old child
• Bite level: 4 (deep punctures)
• Location: public park (no fault)
• Psychological trauma: diagnosed PTSD

Estimated outcome:

• Economic damages: ~$12,000
• Pain and suffering: ~$60,000+ (due to severity and trauma)
• Total settlement: ~$70,000–$80,000

This is only an estimate, of course. Real-world results depend on insurance coverage, medical documentation, and the attorney’s ability to prove negligence.

Key Takeaways

Nevada uses the “One-Bite” Rule — owners aren’t automatically liable unless they knew the dog was dangerous.
Comparative fault applies — your fault reduces your recovery.
Pain and suffering are often the largest part of a settlement.
Insurance limits can cap your payout.
Always consult an attorney for legal advice and accurate valuation.

Using the Nevada Dog Bite Settlement Calculator

To try it:

1. Enter details about the dog’s history, owner’s negligence, and victim information.
2. Add your medical expenses and lost wages.
3. Click “Calculate Estimate.”

You’ll instantly see:

• Total economic losses
• Pain and suffering value
• Adjustments for fault
• Final estimated settlement (with insurance cap if applicable)

It’s a quick, transparent way to understand your case value before speaking with a lawyer.

Disclaimer

The Nevada Dog Bite Settlement Calculator is for educational purposes only.
It does not provide legal advice and should not replace professional counsel.
Always consult a Nevada personal injury attorney before filing or settling a dog bite claim.