Denver Dog Bite Attorney
Advocating for Victims of Dog Bites and Animal Attacks in Denver, Colorado
Dog bites and animal attacks can result in severe physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Victims may face medical bills, lost wages, and a long road to recovery. Navigating the legal system to seek compensation can be overwhelming. Our dedicated team of personal injury attorneys in Denver is here to help you secure the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Us
- Expertise in Dog Bite Cases: With extensive experience handling dog bite and animal attack cases in the greater Denver area, we understand the nuances of Colorado's laws.
- Personalized Legal Approach: We tailor our legal strategies to meet the unique needs of each client.
- No Upfront Fees: We operate on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
- Proven Track Record: Our attorneys have successfully recovered significant settlements and verdicts for our clients.
- Compassionate Support: We are committed to providing empathetic guidance throughout the legal process.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Denver
In Colorado, dog owners can be held liable for injuries their pets cause. Key points include:
- Strict Liability Law: Owners are strictly liable if their dog causes serious bodily injury or death, regardless of the dog's prior behavior or the owner's knowledge of aggression.
- Negligence Claims: Victims can file a negligence claim if the owner's failure to control their dog led to the attack.
- Provocation Defense: Owners may not be liable if the victim provoked the dog.
- Trespassing Exceptions: Liability may be reduced or eliminated if the victim was unlawfully on private property.
Common injuries from dog bites and animal attacks include:
- Puncture Wounds and Lacerations
- Infections
- Nerve Damage
- Scarring and Disfigurement
- Emotional Trauma and PTSD
What to Do After a Dog Bite Incident
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Prompt treatment is crucial for your health and to document injuries.
- Report the Incident: Notify local animal control or law enforcement authorities.
- Collect Information: Obtain the dog owner's name, contact details, and any vaccination records.
- Document the Scene: Take photos of your injuries, the location, and the dog if possible.
- Gather Witnesses: Collect contact information from anyone who witnessed the attack.
- Avoid Discussing the Incident: Do not make statements to insurance companies without legal representation.
- Consult an Attorney: Early legal advice can protect your rights and strengthen your case.
How We Can Help
- Comprehensive Case Evaluation: We assess all aspects of your situation to build a strong case.
- Investigation: Our team gathers evidence, including medical records, witness statements, and animal control reports.
- Legal Strategy: We develop a tailored approach to maximize your compensation.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: We handle all communications to ensure fair settlements.
- Litigation Support: If necessary, we are prepared to take your case to court.
- Ongoing Communication: We keep you informed and supported throughout the legal process.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Cases in Denver
In Colorado, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite or animal attack to file a personal injury claim. Acting promptly is crucial to preserve evidence and protect your legal rights.
Yes. Under Colorado's strict liability statute, a dog owner can be held liable for serious bodily injuries caused by their dog, even if the dog has no prior history of aggression or the owner was unaware of such tendencies.
You may be eligible for:
- Medical Expenses: Current and future costs related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for time missed from work and loss of earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: For physical pain, emotional distress, and psychological trauma.
- Scarring and Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent physical changes.
- Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace personal property damaged during the attack.
Your legal rights may depend on whether you were lawfully on the property. Trespassing can impact your ability to recover damages. We can evaluate your case to determine your options.
Provocation can be a defense in dog bite cases. If the owner proves that you provoked the dog, it may reduce or eliminate their liability. However, what constitutes provocation can be complex, and we can help assess this aspect.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing upfront. Our fees are a percentage of the settlement or verdict we obtain for you.
It's advisable to let your attorney handle all communications with insurance companies to avoid jeopardizing your claim.
The timeline varies based on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial. Some cases settle within months, while others may take longer.
Colorado law considers whether you were lawfully on the property. Even if trespassing is alleged, you may still have legal options. We can evaluate the specifics of your case.
In some cases, landlords may be held responsible if they knew the dog was dangerous and failed to take action. We can investigate to determine if multiple parties may be liable.