If you or your child suffered a dog bite, get medical care, file a police report, and then contact our Denver dog bite lawyer. These are serious cases that often lead to significant financial loss for victims. Our experienced Denver personal injury lawyer at Zinda Law Group is ready to fight for your best possible outcome with lawyers in 12 states.
Choose a Dog Bite Lawyer in Denver, CO, for Immediate Help
You may have legal options if you sustained an injury caused by a dog bite in Denver, Colorado. Colorado’s bite laws allow you to seek compensation from the dog’s owner for bite injuries, even if the dog never bit anyone before, with help from a Denver dog bite lawyer. Let us provide you with the insight you need to know what your rights are.
Our team at Zinda Law Group can help you handle these cases. We stand up for your best interests, investigate your situation, and track all losses caused by your injuries. Find out more with a Denver personal injury lawyer, or call us or fill out our online contact form to learn more.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Compensation do You Get for a Denver Dog Bite?
State law requires that the dog owner cover any losses their animal causes to others. As an experienced dog bite attorney in Denver, CO, we can tell you that many times, victims do not seek out the compensation they should. We can help you with that.
We highly encourage you to reach out to a dog bite lawyer in Denver, CO, before you speak to the insurance company. They will not provide you with fair compensation. We will help you fight for it.
If you bring a lawsuit against a dog owner, the dog owner or their insurance company will face the possibility of having to compensate you for the harm you suffered. In legal terms, the court refers to this harm as “damages.” You may receive the following.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationEconomic Damages for Denver Dog Bites
These are some of the most common losses in a dog bite case. A Denver dog bite attorney can quantify and calculate economic damages. The primary economic damages at issue in a dog bite lawsuit often include the following:
- Medical and pharmacy bills;
- Future medical costs;
- Psychological counseling costs;
- Lost income and wages;
- Future lost income; and
- Loss of earning capacity
Our team focuses on bringing you fair compensation for your medical care and other losses. We take all cases involving animal bites seriously. We can discuss costs for things like cosmetic surgery to repair scar tissue from dog attacks when you contact us.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationNon-Economic Damages for Denver Dog Bites
Non-economic damages are intangible losses subjectively evaluated by the jury in a dog bite lawsuit. For many people, these are some of the most important financial resources available to your recovery. Types of non-economic damages may include:
- Pain and suffering;
- Emotional distress;
- Disfigurement;
- Disability; and
- Loss of consortium
- Loss of enjoyment of life
Whether you can pursue non-economic damages in a dog bite claim depends on your situation. A Denver dog bite injury attorney can help you learn more about this form of compensation. Do not speak to the insurance company without our legal team by your side.
Cole Gumm
Attorney
We are here to ensure you won’t have to face this difficult time alone.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWho Can You Sue for a Dog Bite?
You may seek compensation from the pet owner after a dog bite attack. Colorado generally holds dog owners liable when their dog causes harm or physical injuries to another person. Remember that this may be true even if the dog did not bite you but caused damage to your property or belongings.
Deciding whether you should pursue legal action requires you to consider many important factors. That includes the severity of your injuries and whether the prospective legal battle will be worth your time, money, and effort. In many situations of serious attacks, taking action is critical.
Speaking with a Denver dog bite lawyer may be an opportunity to gain helpful legal advice. We can discuss your options with a risk-free initial consultation. There is no cost to you, but plenty of information is available from our dog bite lawyer in Denver, CO.
Why Hire a Denver Dog Bite Lawyer?
We highly encourage you to seek out the legal assistance of a Denver dog bite attorney. The risks of not getting the compensation you are owed are simply too high otherwise. Hiring a dog bite lawyer in Denver can:
- Offer you legal expertise: The Colorado statutes covering dog bites and negligence are complex. An experienced dog bite attorney in Denver can explain contributory negligence and the statute of limitations, providing valuable legal guidance through your bite injury lawsuit.
- Investigate your animal attack: A Denver dog bite lawyer may strengthen your claim by interviewing witnesses and obtaining access to essential records. Your legal team may review the relevant Colorado statutes, go over animal control laws, and find the responsible party.
- Negotiate and represent you at trial: A dog bite attorney in Denver can fight on your behalf for fair and just compensation. A lawyer can fiercely negotiate with insurance companies and opposing counsel. If the case goes to court, your attorney will advocate for you, always keeping your situation and best interests in mind.
Put your trust in our legal team. Contact Zinda Law for a free consultation. Let us fight for your compensation.
What Should You Do After a Denver Dog Bite?
As dog bite attorneys in Denver, we know what can happen when mistakes happen. It is essential to know what to do after a dog bite. Not everyone knows what to do.
Your priority is keeping yourself safe. Call 911 and get the help you need to do so. Make sure you take care of yourself.
There are several additional steps to take. Our dog bite lawyer in Denver, CO, will help you no matter what, but keep the following in mind. Make sure that you:
Seek Medical Attention
Medical treatment can increase your chances of a speedy recovery and prevent you from suffering further injury due to infection. Doctors can treat nerve damage, tissue damage, bone fractures, muscle tears, and catastrophic injuries.
It is important to remember that even bites from small dogs can lead to serious health concerns. Therefore, you should not hesitate to contact medical professionals following a dog bite accident.
File a Report and Document the Accident
Ensure you file a report with the appropriate local animal control agency, particularly if the dog is not yours. By filing a report, you may receive important documentation that may be helpful when seeking compensation for your injuries.
Filing a report may also help prevent others from being attacked in the future because a dog owner is more likely to take extra precautions with his animal if the animal has a history of aggressive behavior.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney
Finally, you should contact a Denver dog bite lawyer. An attorney can help you file and resolve a dog bite claim. A lawyer will listen to the facts of your case and will be able to guide you through the ensuing lawsuit and settlement process, so consider hiring a lawyer when bitten by a dog as soon as possible.
How Long After a Denver Dog Bite Can You Sue?
Colorado has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, and therefore, you must file a lawsuit within two years of the date of your dog bite accident to have a chance to secure damages. If you fail to bring a claim within the statute of limitations, you effectively lose your chance at litigating the claim in court.
Because filing a timely lawsuit is critical, and specific circumstances may pause or “toll” a statute of limitations, it is essential to consider discussing your case with a Denver dog bite attorney.
How Long does a Denver Dog Bite Settlement Take?
The settlement process varies depending on essential factors such as the injury’s severity and the parties’ willingness to settle. A dog bite settlement can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to several months. Generally, the more severe the injuries, the longer it will take for the parties to reach a settlement agreement, but you can learn more about the time frame for your case with a Denver dog bite lawyer.
Are Denver Dog Owners Responsible for Animal Attacks?
In general, Colorado expects a dog owner to act reasonably and with ordinary care with respect to the care and handling of his dog. Therefore, a dog owner must take the necessary precautions to ensure the dog does not harm another person. Such measures may include:
- Using a leash
- Keeping the dog in a fenced yard
- Updating the dog’s vaccinations
- Keeping the dog away from strangers
- Treating aggression early
- Properly training the dog
- Posting warning signs
If you are the victim, know your rights in these situations. Let our Denver dog bite lawyer help. Keep in mind there are limitations to your claims.
Dangerous Dog Claims
In some situations, you may have a more unique case. A “dangerous dog” has a special definition. Colorado’s revised statutes define a dangerous dog as one that meets one or more of the following criteria:
- Inflicts bodily or serious bodily injury on or causes the death of a person or domestic animal (meaning any dog, cat, or other animal kept as a household pet or livestock);
- Demonstrates tendencies that would cause a reasonable person to believe that the dog may inflict bodily or severe bodily injury or cause the death of a person or domestic animal;
- Engages in or is trained for animal fighting
Under the Colorado statute, it is a crime to own a dangerous dog, and punishment can range from a fine to jail time, depending on the nature of the accident and the number of previous violations. Further, the court may order the owner of a dangerous dog to pay restitution if the dog causes someone physical harm or damages a person’s property.
If the court finds that a person who owns a dangerous dog violated the statute and does not confiscate it, the dog owner must take certain precautions to confine the dog and register it with the state.
What Are the Steps in a Denver Dog Bite Lawsuit?
To pursue compensation for your injuries following a dog bite accident, you may need to file a dog bite lawsuit against the dog owner. Listed below are several necessary critical steps that comprise the process of filing a lawsuit after a dog bite accident. Make sure you contact our dog bite lawyer in Denver, CO, right away.
- File a report: The first step to filing a dog bite claim is to file a formal report as soon as possible following the accident. Notably, a formal report will allow you to provide your recollection of the events that led to and caused the accident.
- Contact an Attorney: Your next step should be to contact a Denver dog bite lawyer. Filing a lawsuit is an intensive process that requires diligence and knowledge of essential timelines and procedures, so review our case results and FAQs today to learn more.
- Investigation: The investigation phase of filing a dog bite lawsuit involves the attorney gathering facts and evidence to establish that the dog’s owner is liable for your injuries. One component of this process involves accounting for each of your damages, such as medical bills, lost wages, and property damages.
- Settlement and Lawsuit: Before litigation, you may have the option of accepting a settlement from the dog owner or the dog owner’s insurance company. If it is not in your best interest to accept the settlement offer, your case will go to court.
You Can Get Help from a Denver Dog Bite Attorney Today
A dedicated Denver dog bite lawyer can help you with your claim today. Our team at Zinda Law Group can help you seek the maximum compensation you may be entitled to as a victim of an animal attack. Call or fill out our online contact form today for a free consultation with one of our injury attorneys.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation