Boulder Dog Bite Lawyer

In 2023, Denver Animal Protection recorded a staggering 838 dog bites in our county. Since most of these reports are voluntary, this number is likely much higher, and many more bites went unrecorded. Disease control efforts play a crucial role in tracking and preventing dog bite-related infections and complications, helping to reduce public health risks.

If a dog attacks you, you may feel overwhelmed and confused. While the law will hold the owner accountable, getting compensation for your losses isn’t always easy. While most bites are non-fatal, dog bite fatalities do occur, underscoring the importance of legal and public health measures to prevent such tragic outcomes.

At The Ferrell Law Firm, we understand the devastating impact a dog bite can have. Our team is committed to fighting for your rights and holding the liable party accountable. If you’re ready to learn your options for getting justice, call today to speak with a Boulder dog bite lawyer.

Introduction to Dog Bite Law

Dog bite law in Colorado is specifically designed to protect dog bite victims and ensure that dog owners are held accountable for the actions of their pets. Under Colorado’s dog bite statute, dog owners can be strictly liable for serious bodily injuries caused by their dog, regardless of whether the dog has shown aggressive behavior in the past. This means that even if the dog’s owner was unaware of any risk, they can still be held responsible for the damages their dog causes.

The law applies to dog bites that occur on both public and private property, as long as the dog bite victim was lawfully present at the time of the attack. This broad protection ensures that individuals who suffer bodily injuries from dog attacks have a clear path to seek fair compensation.

Victims of dog bites may be entitled to recover damages for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress resulting from the incident. Going through the complexities of Colorado’s dog bite law can be challenging, but a skilled dog bite lawyer can help guide victims through the process. With the right legal support, dog bite victims can pursue compensation they need to recover and move forward after a traumatic event.

Basics of Colorado Dog Bite Law

Colorado dog bite law is designed to protect victims and sets out specific responsibilities and liabilities for dog owners. Under Colorado law, Colorado dog owners are subject to strict liability statutes, meaning they can be held liable for injuries caused by their dogs regardless of prior behavior.

Colorado’s dog bite statute (CRS § 13-21-124) defines liability for injuries caused by dogs and clarifies that the law applies to all dogs, regardless of breed or size. Whether bitten while walking down the street or visiting a friend’s home, you have rights under Colorado law.

Additionally, Colorado law includes provisions for designating a dog as a dangerous dog, which can significantly impact owner liability and legal responsibilities. Here’s what you should know.

Colorado’s Strict Liability Statute

Colorado law follows a “strict liability” rule regarding dog bites. Factors that determine strict liability include:

• Serious bodily injury. If you suffered serious harm from the bite, the dog’s owner can be held liable for your economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, etc.) regardless of the dog’s past behavior.
• Lawful presence. You must have been lawfully on public or private property at the time of the bite.
• No bite history. Unlike some states, you don’t need to prove the dog’s history of aggression or that the dog’s owner had prior knowledge of aggressive tendencies. If the bite caused injury, the owner is generally liable.

However, strict liability won’t apply if you trespassed onto private property or provoked the dog. While these incidents may be easier to prove than regular negligence claims, you still need a skilled Boulder dog bite lawyer to build the strongest case.

Understanding Strict Liability Law in Colorado

Strict liability law makes dog bite cases different from other personal injury claims. Pet owners don’t need to have known their dog was dangerous for you to recover compensation. The law holds them responsible simply because their animal caused harm.

This strict liability law applies when the dog bite results in serious injury. You don’t have to prove the owner knew about dangerous propensities or prior aggressive behavior. The dog’s owner is automatically responsible for economic damages like medical expenses and lost wages.

Strict liability protects victims who suffered injuries on public or private property where they had legal permission to be. Our Boulder dog bite attorney can explain how this law applies to your specific situation and what compensation you may recover.

Negligence Claims

In addition to Colorado’s strict liability system, the “one-bite” rule applies in negligence cases. Generally, you can recover compensation from a dog owner if you show the owner knew or should have known their dog had a tendency to bite. A dog owner’s negligence, such as failing to properly restrain their dog, can be the basis for an injury claim.

To prove negligence, you must show:

• Duty of care. Dog owners have a legal duty to control their animals and prevent harm. The standard is whether the dog owner used reasonable care to prevent harm.
• Breach of duty. The owner failed to meet the standard of care. For example, they didn’t restrain their dog or knew it had prior aggressive behavior.
• Causation. The owner’s breach of duty directly caused your injury.
• Damages. You suffered actual harm as a result of the bite. This can include physical injuries, economic harm, and psychological trauma.

In these cases, the law considers what a reasonable person would have done in similar circumstances to determine if the dog owner’s actions were negligent.

If you believe negligence played a role in your dog bite injury, contacting an experienced dog bite lawyer is essential. The Ferrell Law Firm can investigate the circumstances, gather evidence, and fight to protect your rights, including filing an injury claim based on the dog owner’s negligence.s, gather evidence, and fight to protect your rights.

Common Injuries From Dog Bites and Animal Attacks

Dog bites can cause many types of injuries depending on where the attack happened and the size of the animal. Puncture wounds are among the most common injuries, occurring when a dog’s teeth pierce the skin. These wounds may look small on the surface but can cause deep tissue damage and infection.

Serious dog bite injuries can affect any body part. Facial injuries are particularly concerning because they can lead to permanent scarring and nerve damage. Hand and arm injuries are also frequent as people try to protect themselves during an animal attack.

Other injuries include torn muscles, broken bones, and nerve damage. Some victims develop infections that require extended medical treatment. Children face high risk for severe injuries because of their smaller size. Our Boulder dog bite lawyer understands how these injuries impact your life and will fight to get you full compensation.

What to Do After a Dog Bite 

Being bitten by a dog is a frightening experience, and these steps apply after any dog attack, not just a bite. Extra caution should always be taken around unfamiliar dogs to prevent bites and other injuries.

Injuries can also occur if a dog knocks someone down, and these incidents may be handled differently under Colorado law compared to dog bites. Knowing what to do immediately after the attack can help protect your health and preserve crucial evidence for your case.

Seek Immediate Medical Attention

Your safety comes first. Even if the bite seems minor, seeing a doctor or visiting an emergency room as soon as possible is vital. Dog bites can lead to infections, nerve damage, or other complications. If left untreated, dog bites may result in prolonged pain and further complications. It’s crucial that you get professional help to assess your injuries, clean the wound, and provide necessary treatment.

Report the Bite

Contact Boulder Animal Protection to report the incident. Provide them with as much information as possible about the dog, its owner, and the circumstances of the bite. Doing so will help protect others in the community and create an official record of the attack. You should also report the incident to local animal control so they can investigate whether the dog poses a danger to others.

Gather Evidence

Document what you can while at the scene of the dog bite, including taking photographs of your injuries from multiple angles, capturing images of the dog, and writing down the location where the attack took place. The injured party should gather as much evidence as possible to support their claim. Be sure to get the names and contact information of the dog’s owner and any witnesses who saw the incident.

If you receive treatment for your injuries, keep copies of all medical records related to your care. This information will be valuable for your Boulder, CO personal injury attorney as they build your case and seek the compensation you deserve.

Speak with a Dog Bite Lawyer

Don’t wait to seek legal advice. You only have two years from the date of your bite to file a lawsuit. A court will likely dismiss your claim if you miss this deadline.

Dog bite attorneys have the expertise to handle these complex cases and can help maximize your compensation. Contact a Boulder dog bite lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights. The Ferrell Law Firm can help you understand your legal options, navigate the complexities of insurance claims, and ensure you receive the full compensation you deserve. Call today to schedule your free consultation with our team.

When to Take Legal Action After a Dog Bite

Deciding whether to take legal action depends on the severity of your injuries and circumstances. If you face mounting medical bills, missed work, or ongoing pain and suffering, filing a dog bite lawsuit may be your best option. Legal action helps you recover compensation for both current expenses and future losses.

You should consider legal action if the dog’s owner refuses to accept responsibility or their insurance company denies your claim. Some pet owners may try to minimize what happened or blame you for the attack. Taking legal action protects your rights and holds them accountable.

Our experienced dog bite lawyers can evaluate whether legal action makes sense for your situation. We handle all types of dog bite injury cases throughout Boulder and surrounding areas including Fort Collins. Contact us to discuss your options during a free consultation.

Filing a Claim

Filing a dog bite claim in Colorado involves several important steps to protect your rights and maximize your chances of receiving fair compensation. The first priority for any dog bite victim is to seek medical attention immediately, even if the injuries seem minor. Prompt medical care not only safeguards your health but also creates a record of your injuries, which is crucial for your claim.

After receiving medical attention, it’s important to document everything related to the dog bite. This includes gathering evidence such as photographs of your injuries, statements from witnesses, and copies of your medical records. These details can make a significant difference in the strength of your dog bite claim.

A Denver dog bite lawyer or experienced dog bite attorney can help you navigate the claims process from start to finish. Typically, this process involves filing a lawsuit against the dog owner and negotiating with their insurance company to reach a fair settlement. If a settlement cannot be reached, your bite attorney can represent you in court and advocate for your rights before a judge or jury.

The primary goal of filing a dog bite claim is to recover damages for your medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. A successful claim can provide the financial support you need to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life. With the guidance of a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer, you can focus on healing while your legal team works to secure the compensation you deserve.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you’ve suffered a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. Dog bites can result in serious injuries, including severe injuries that may require extensive medical treatment. These damages will help you recover from the attack’s physical, emotional, and financial impact. Here are some of the common types of compensation you may be able to recover:

• These can include all costs related to your medical care, such as hospitalization and surgeries. It will also cover ongoing needs like medications and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages. A dog bite can cause you to miss work and lose out on potential income. Your lawsuit can seek compensation for all past and future wages due to the injury.
• Dog bites can cause significant physical pain and emotional distress. You may be entitled to compensation for enduring this unnecessary pain due to the attack.
• Emotional distress. These damages address the psychological impact of the dog bite. Many victims experience anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder after these incidents.
• Scarring and disfigurement. If the bite results in permanent scarring or disfigurement, you can recover damages due to the impact this has on your self-esteem and quality of life.
• Loss of enjoyment of life. Dog bite injuries can limit your ability to engage in activities you once enjoyed. You may be entitled to compensation for this loss.
• Punitive damages. In some cases, if the dog owner’s behavior was particularly reckless or malicious, a court may award punitive damages to punish the owner and deter future similar conduct.

Under Colorado law, a serious injury is defined as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of any part of the body. Some dog bites can result in severe injuries that meet this legal definition.

Certain breeds, such as the German Shepherd, are statistically more likely to be involved in severe injury or fatality cases.

Understanding Economic and Non Economic Damages

Dog bite cases involve two main types of damages: economic damages and non economic damages. Economic damages cover measurable financial losses like medical bills, lost wages, and property damage. These damages have specific dollar amounts you can calculate and prove with documentation.

Non economic damages compensate you for losses that don’t have a clear price tag. This includes pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life. Non economic damages recognize that dog bite injuries affect more than just your bank account. They acknowledge the psychological trauma and life changes you experience.

Both types of damages are important for fair compensation. Our Boulder dog bite lawyer will calculate your total economic damages and work with experts to determine appropriate non economic damages. We make sure your settlement or verdict covers all your losses, not just the obvious ones.

How Dangerous Dogs Are Classified in Colorado

Colorado law allows courts to declare certain dogs as dangerous dogs based on their behavior. A dangerous dog is one that has bitten, attacked, or endangered people without provocation. Once labeled as dangerous, the dog’s owner faces stricter requirements for keeping the animal.

Dangerous dog designations happen after an investigation by local animal control or through court proceedings. The dog’s owner may need to keep the dog confined, post warning signs, carry liability insurance, or take other safety measures. If a dangerous dog injures someone, the owner may face enhanced penalties.

If you were attacked by a dog with a history of aggression or one previously designated as dangerous, this strengthens your dog bite case. It shows the owner knew about the risk. Our Boulder dog bite attorney will investigate whether the dog had dangerous propensities or prior incidents that support your claim.

Why Every Dog Bite Case Is Different

Remember, every dog bite case is unique. The specific damages you can recover will depend on the severity of your injuries, the circumstances of the attack, and the applicable laws in Colorado. In personal injury cases, it is important to file a personal injury lawsuit within the statute of limitations to protect your right to compensation. Speak with the professionals at The Ferrell Law Firm so we can assess your situation, calculate your damages, and fight to get you a full and fair recovery.

Dog bite injury cases involve many factors that affect the outcome. Where the attack happened, what you were doing at the time, and the dog’s owner’s actions all matter. Our experienced attorneys review every detail to build the strongest possible case.

Some dog bite cases settle quickly while others require legal action in court. The insurance company may offer a fair settlement, or they might fight your claim. Our Boulder dog bite lawyers handle dog bite cases of all types and complexities. We adapt our strategy based on your specific situation and needs.

How a Boulder Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help

After a dog bite, navigating the legal process can feel overwhelming. You need an experienced Boulder dog bite lawyer to guide you through every step and advocate for your rights. The Ferrell Law Firm works tirelessly for our clients, and we will do all we can to secure the maximum compensation available. Here’s an overview of our process.

Free Case Evaluation

Colorado’s dog bite laws can be complex. We know you likely have questions and might not have the funds to pay for a lawyer’s opinion. That’s why we offer no-cost consultations for all dog bite victims. During this conversation, we’ll listen to your story, explain the law, and assess the strength of your case. This consultation is free, and you have no obligation to hire our firm if you don’t want to proceed. 

Thorough Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in building your case. Our team will delve into the incident, gathering all relevant evidence to help your claim, including requesting medical records, taking witness statements, and collecting documentation related to the dog’s history. If necessary, we’ll work with experts to assess the full extent of your injuries and their long-term impact.

Aggressive Negotiation

Many dog bite cases end with a settlement, but getting fair compensation can take time. With The Ferrell Law Firm, you can rest assured that we will do our best to get you the best outcome possible. Attorney Mike Ferrell will handle all communication with the other side and their insurance company. He knows how to negotiate against common insurance tactics to push for the maximum settlement possible. As always, we will only suggest accepting a settlement if it is your best option.

Trial Representation

Although many cases settle out of court, our firm will take your case to trial if necessary. As a former Deputy District Attorney, Mike Ferrell spent many hours in court and is always ready to go to trial. He will build a compelling case, present the evidence of the attack, and show the judge or jury why you deserve compensation.

Schedule a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite, don’t face the legal complexities alone. Speak with a compassionate Boulder dog bite attorney at The Ferrell Law Firm. We are ready to fight for your rights and seek the compensation you deserve. Our team has a proven track record of success and never charges a fee unless we get compensation for you. 

Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case.