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.
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.
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.
Basics of Colorado Dog Bite Law
Colorado dog bite law is designed to protect victims. Whether bitten while walking down the street or visiting a friend’s home, you have rights. 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 owner is responsible 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. 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.
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.
To prove negligence, you must show:
- Duty of care. Dog owners have a legal duty to control their animals and 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.
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.
What to Do After a Dog Bite
Being bitten by a dog is a frightening experience. 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. 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.
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. 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.
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.
What Damages Can I Recover?
If you’ve suffered a dog bite, you may be entitled to compensation for a wide range of damages. 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:
- Medical expenses. 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.
- Pain and suffering. 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.
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. 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.
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.