Were you seriously injured in a dog bite attack in Boulder, Colorado? You may have the right to file a claim for compensation against the dog’s owner. Ferrell Injury Law can help. Contact us today at (720) 687-2795 for a free consultation with a Boulder dog bite lawyer.
Our personal injury law firm has years of experience and has recovered millions of dollars on behalf of injured victims in the area to date. You’ll have peace of mind from the start as your case moves forward if you hire our Boulder dog bite lawyer to represent you.
How Ferrell Injury Law Can Help After a Dog Bite in Boulder, CO
Ferrell Injury Law takes dog bite cases in our local community personally. Our Boulder personal injury attorney knows how Colorado’s strict liability statute works as well as anyone and will do everything possible to maximize the value of your claim.
If you hire us, we can:
- Investigate the attack and gather evidence to support your claim
- Identify the dog’s owner and any other parties who may share liability
- Document the full extent of your injuries and calculate your damages
- Handle all of the communications with the insurance company
- Negotiate for a settlement that reflects what your case is actually worth
- File a lawsuit and take your claim to trial if needed
Call or send us a message online today to schedule your free case review with a trusted Boulder dog bite attorney.
How Colorado’s Dog Bite Law Works
Colorado law creates a two-track system for holding dog owners accountable. Which track applies to your case depends on how severe your injuries are.
Strict Liability for Serious Injuries
If a dog bite causes serious bodily injury or death and the victim was lawfully on public or private property at the time, the dog’s owner is strictly liable. That means you don’t have to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. You just have to show that the bite happened and that your injuries meet the legal threshold.
Under the statute, “serious bodily injury” includes injuries that involve a substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement, long-term impairment of a body part, broken bones, fractures, and second- or third-degree burns. If your injuries qualify, the owner is on the hook for your economic damages regardless of whether the dog ever bit anyone before.
However, the strict liability statute limits your recovery to economic damages only. That covers things like medical bills, lost wages, and rehabilitation costs, but it does not include non-economic damages like pain and suffering.
Negligence Claims for Full Compensation
If you want to recover non-economic damages on top of your financial losses, you’ll need to pursue a separate negligence claim. This requires showing that the dog’s owner knew or should have known the animal had dangerous tendencies and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack.
A negligence-based claim can also apply in situations where the dog caused injuries through behavior other than biting. If a dog knocked you to the ground and you broke a bone, for example, that wouldn’t fall under the strict liability statute but could still support a negligence case.
Exceptions to Liability
There are situations where a dog owner may not be held responsible under the statute. These include cases where the victim was trespassing, knowingly provoked the dog, or was on property marked with “no trespassing” or “beware of dog” signs.
The statute also carves out exceptions for veterinary workers, dog groomers, and professional handlers who are injured while performing their duties.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Colorado?
Colorado’s statute of limitations typically gives you two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you don’t file within that window, the court will almost certainly refuse to hear your case.
However, note that there are exceptions to this time limit for some cases. Contacting our dog bite lawyer as soon as possible is the best way to protect your legal rights.
Contact an Experienced Boulder Dog Bite Attorney for a Free Consultation
Were you bitten by a dog in Boulder, CO? You may be entitled to significant compensation from the animal’s owner. Colorado law provides real protections for victims, and Ferrell Injury Law can help you take full advantage of them.
Our Boulder dog bite attorney has recovered millions for our clients and is ready to fight for you next. Contact us today to schedule a completely free initial consultation.
