Pit bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds often get a bad rap for being large, aggressive breeds, but the truth is, any dog has the potential to attack someone. Dog bite injuries can range from mild to catastrophic. For dog bite victims experiencing the aftermath of a traumatic attack, the Zinda Law Group has skilled dog bite lawyers in Colorado that can help you file a bite claim.
Pet owners are responsible for properly securing their animals on public and private property. If you are an attack victim seeking financial compensation, our Colorado personal injury attorneys can file a bite accident claim on your behalf while you focus on recovering.
There is a statute of limitations to meet in order to receive fair compensation, so connect with us for a free consultation to discuss the worth of your claim and the steps needed to maximize your settlement.
Is Filing a Dog Bite Report Always Necessary?
No, filing a dog bite report is not always necessary, but if you suffered medium to severe injuries, it is advantageous to file a dog bite report for the following reasons:
- Creating official evidence: Making a report aids in creating an official record of the incident, which may be used as evidence connecting your wounds to the dog bite occurrence.
- Promoting public safety: By letting authorities know that there may be a dangerous or violent dog present, reporting the occurrence helps to safeguard everyone’s safety, including children. It enables them to look into the issue and take the necessary steps to avert repeat occurrences.
- Strengthening your legal defense: Submitting a report will help you stand stronger in court should you decide to file a personal injury lawsuit. It establishes a formal record of the incident, which might help you in court if you later ask for money for your suffering, medical bills, or other losses.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages Available for the Injured Party
If you are having a difficult time doing the things that you used to do before the animal attack or are missing work due to injury, our Colorado animal attack lawyer can work with medical and vocational specialists who will calculate the economic and non-economic damages that are due to you. This may include:
- Medical bills
- Lost income
- Property loss
- Reduced benefits
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment
- Permanent disability or scarring
- Punitive damages
An experienced dog bite attorney will calculate the worth of your dog bite settlement during the risk-free consultation. If you have additional accident-related expenses, bring receipts to be sent in a demand letter to the plaintiff.
Tips for Maximizing Your Bite Injury Claim
Before delving into ways to increase your bite injury settlement, it should be understood that no case is the same, so individual factors will ultimately determine your claim’s value. By taking the following steps, you mitigate substantial risks and help to maximize your personal injury settlement:
1. Get Medical Care Immediately
Get medical help as quickly as you can following an animal attack. Any injuries you may have sustained can be diagnosed and treated by a medical practitioner. Save copies of your medical notes and billing statements, as they can be included in your final dog bite settlement award.
2. Compile Facts of the Animal Attack
If you are able to record the scene following the accident, including the conditions such as the dog being off a leash and any injuries sustained, these will be used in the investigation process. Remember to collect witness contact information, as their statements can be used in court.
3. Contact Animal Control to Report the Dog Attack
You should also inform your neighborhood animal control officials about the dog bite. If you report the dog bite, you might learn the owner’s identity as well as if the same animal has had a previous history of attacking people.
4. Find an Experienced Dog Bite Lawyer Near You
Lastly, finding an experienced dog bite injury attorney near you is a beneficial step in obtaining the compensation needed to fully recover. You should contact an attorney with proven results to help you consider your options. During the initial consultation, your lawyer can evaluate if you are eligible for compensation by filing a personal injury claim.
CASE RESULTS
Common Physical Injuries of Dog Bite Victims
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that there are nearly 4.5 million dog bite victims each year, with over 800,000 receiving medical care for dog bite wounds. With one in five people requiring medical attention, it’s safe to say that bodily injury is common in these bite incidents.
Some of the injuries that our Colorado dog bite attorneys typically see include:
- Puncture wounds that may lead to nerve damage, infection, or permanent scarring
- Lacerations that may require the medical treatment of stitches or skin grafts
- Broken bones or fractures, commonly in places like arms, hands, or legs
- Facial injuries that may result in permanent scarring, nerve damage, or vision loss
- Rabies or other diseases spread from the bacteria found in a dog’s saliva
- Emotional trauma, such as anxiety, post-traumatic stress, and depression
This list is not exhaustive of all the possible injuries a dog bite victim may sustain. The extent of your harm, your health status prior to the animal attack, and how costly your treatment is post-accident will contribute to the amount of your personal injury settlement package.
Determining Liability in a Bite Injury Lawsuit
Determining another person’s responsibility for a dog bite will first depend on whether it is a case of negligent conduct or strict liability. If the dog owner’s reckless action resulted in you being bitten or attacked, then the negligence law will more likely apply.
Under Colorado dog bite law, the burden of proving that the pet owner had an obligation to exert reasonable care to regulate the dog’s behavior and prevent bites rests with the victim. Next, it must be proven that the owner violated that obligation, maybe by improperly leashing the dog. Finally, the victim can show the harm that resulted from their carelessness.
Get Help from Colorado Dog Bite Lawyers Today
At Zinda Law Group, our dedicated Colorado dog bite attorneys are here to help you with your claim. We have the knowledge and resources necessary to help you build the strongest case possible and pursue maximum compensation for medical bills, lost income due to missed work, pain and suffering, and much more.
We also believe dog bite victims should never have to worry about their ability to afford adequate legal representation. That is why we offer 100% free consultations, and you will pay nothing unless we win your case. That’s our no-fee guarantee.
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog, contact the Zinda Law Group today to schedule your free case evaluation with our experienced Colorado dog bite lawyers.
Our Awards
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)
AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020)
LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA
