Denver Dog Bite Attorney
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If you or a loved one has experienced a dog bite in Denver, it’s critical to know all your legal options. Dog bites can cause severe injuries, and Colorado law protects victims by holding dog owners accountable.
Depending on what the circumstances of your case are – you may be entitled to compensation. Seeking legal help makes sure you get the support you need during recovery. Dog bite attorneys at Conduit Law understand the pain you’re suffering from. We have thorough experience handling dog bite cases as part of our personal injury services and stand committed to fighting for justice for our clients.
Dog Bite Laws in Denver, Colorado
Previously, courts demanded additional proof of a dog’s aggressive behavior before holding the owner responsible when someone sought compensation after an attack.
This approach, or the One Bite Rule, meant that owners generally weren’t liable for their pet’s first act of aggression if there had been no previous warning. Colorado doesn’t limit the claims to this rule.
Colorado follows a strict liability rule (Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-124) for dog bites that cause considerable harm. This means that dog owners hold the responsibility for economic damages even if the dog has never shown aggression in the past.
Here are, broadly, the main points to know about the law:
- Strict liability applies when there is serious bodily injury.
- There’s no need to prove the dog owner’s negligence if the injury is severe.
- The law covers both public and private property, provided the victim was lawfully present.
The term “serious bodily injury” has a clear definition in legal terms. It refers to injuries that:
- pose a substantial risk of death
- lead to permanent disfigurement
- result in the loss or impairment of body functions
- include serious conditions like fractures, breaks, or second and third-degree burns
For injuries that don’t fall under this legal definition of “serious bodily injury,” a negligence claim may be filed.
In such cases, the victim must demonstrate that the owner failed to properly control the dog or take reasonable precautions to receive compensation. They need to establish that:
- The owner had a duty of care
- The owner breached that duty
- The breach caused your injuries
- You suffered damages as a result
The owner’s awareness of their dog’s past aggressive behavior may be key to establishing negligence, and the One Bite Rule can influence whether non-economic damages are awarded.
If the dog owner wasn’t negligent and your injuries don’t meet the definition of “serious bodily injury,” but you’ve suffered losses, a personal injury attorney specializing in dog bite cases can review the specifics of your situation and advise on other legal strategies or provisions that might apply to your case.
Potential Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries
Victims of dog bites in Denver may recover both economic and non-economic damages.
Depending on the injury’s severity, you may claim:
- Medical expenses (including future treatment)
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Property damage (if applicable)
Colorado law also provides different routes to pursue these claims. Strict liability covers economic damages like medical bills, while non-economic damages like pain and suffering can be claimed through a negligence lawsuit.
Colorado law sets limits on non-economic damages in many personal injury cases. What you receive in compensation amount will depend on:
- the details of your specific case
- the nature of the claim
- how severe the injuries are
The circumstances of each case are critical in determining the outcome.
Why Get A Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog bite cases can get complicated, especially when dealing with insurance claims. A skilled Denver dog bite attorney can guide you through the process and maximize your chances of getting fair compensation.
Here’s how your attorney can help:
- Case Evaluation: Assess if you have a valid claim under Colorado’s strict liability dog bite law or if a negligence claim is more appropriate.
- Evidence Collection: Collect evidence like medical records, witness statements, and more.
- Damage Calculation: Accurately determine medical costs, lost wages, and other damages.
- Insurance Negotiation: Handle your communication with insurance companies, which generally try to minimize payouts. They can negotiate fair settlements on your behalf.
- Lawsuit Preparation: File legal action if necessary, handle deadlines and the dog owner’s defense strategies.
Why Go for Conduit Law
Conduit Law puts a strong focus on personal injury cases, offering dedicated attention to each of our clients.
- We understand the complexities of Colorado’s dog bite laws in and out.
- We’ll fight to get you maximum compensation.
- All our communications and legal guidance will be open and transparent from start to finish.
- Our team of experienced lawyers has consistently delivered successful results in handling personal injury cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Are dog bites really dangerous?
Yes, dog bites are dangerous and can cause infections, nerve damage, and long-term disabilities. Some people may suffer from emotional trauma and have to go for costly medical treatments like surgeries and rehabilitation.
Financial burdens can include lost wages and ongoing care. That makes legal help important to recover compensation for these damages.
Is there a deadline for filing a dog-bite lawsuit in Colorado?
Yes. You must file your claim within two years from the injury date, per Colorado’s statute of limitations; if you don’t file in time, you can’t recover compensation.
What if I’m also to blame for the dog bite?
Colorado follows a comparative fault rule. If you were less than 50% responsible for the incident, you could still recover damages, but your compensation would be reduced based on your level of fault.
There’s no recovery if you’re held equally or more responsible. Your dog bite attorney will evaluate the facts of your case and refute arguments about your fault to strengthen your claim or advise you on how the facts impact your case.
Can a claim be filed if the dog bite occurred on private property?
Yes. If you were lawfully on the property (such as a guest or worker), you can file a claim. Exceptions exist for trespassers. Your dog bite lawyer can explain more such unique aspects of your case to you in detail after review.
What should I do after a dog bite incident?
Your first priority should be getting immediate medical attention and keeping a record of your medical bills. Report the bite to local authorities and document your injuries, but refrain from making statements without your lawyer present or their advice. Contact a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to go over your legal options.
Does Conduit Law offer free consultations?
Yes. Conduit Law provides free, no-obligation consultations. You can discuss your case and explore your legal options without any upfront costs.
Contact Conduit Law for a Free Consultation
Recovering from dog bite injuries is traumatic by itself without the added stress of the legal battle ahead. Conduit Law is here to make sure that you receive justice.
With extensive experience in handling personal injury cases, the firm provides compassionate legal representation that puts your well-being on the top.
Contact Conduit Law today, and let us take care of everything to get you the compensation you deserve.
