While most dog owners in Colorado take great care to properly train their pets, some unfortunately do not and this sometimes results in serious injuries caused by a dangerous dog, such as an untrained pit bull or other aggressive breeds. It is important for dog bite victims to understand their rights to access justice and in many cases recover compensation. Whether an animal attack occurred on public or private property, if you are one of the people who suffer serious bodily injuries every year from dog attacks, you may be entitled to seek compensation.
The trusted Denver dog bite attorneys at Zobel Legal Group are dedicated to ensuring you receive the compensation and justice you and your family deserve. If the negligence of a pet owner has resulted in bodily injury, we want to level the playing field for dog attack victims and their families. Let our extensive experience handling dog bite cases and other services in Denver strengthen your personal injury case during this challenging time.
Personal injury attorney Wade Zobel founded his law firm to support clients through every step of the legal process. No dog bite victim should have to navigate this complex system of Colorado law alone. We will be glad to do a thorough comprehensive case evaluation of your dog bite case to determine how the dog owner acted negligently and how to best acquire fair compensation to cover your economic damages.
Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Denver
Colorado’s dog bite law indicates that owners of a dangerous dog may be held liable for the economic damages and costs of reasonable care for any serious bodily injury suffered by the victim. Strict liability under Colorado’s dog bite statute states that the dog’s owner did not need to be aware of potential aggressive behavior from the dog for the victim to have the right to full and fair compensation. If the Colorado dog owner knew of prior aggression or poor behavior from the dangerous dog, this could strengthen the claims of your case. Either way, the one-bite rule means strict liability applies to pet owners, especially when a dog bite injury results in permanent disfigurement.
Even when there is no history of prior aggression, dog bite injuries requiring medical care could entitle a victim to recover compensation. The severity of bodily injury is the standard to which strict liability is held. Strict liability when the negligence of a dog owner causes serious injury to another means a victim’s dog bite claims must prove some of the following occurred:
- Dog attack
- A dog bite occurred
- Serious bodily injury
- Negligence by the dog’s owner
- Second or third-degree wounds
- Permanent disfigurement
- Aggressive behavior
Why Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Denver?
Denver dog bite legal services should be high on your list of priorities after a dog bite because a knowledgeable personal injury attorney will be your best advocate for strategic negotiation with insurance companies. Choosing Zobel Legal Group ensures you get the highest quality personalized legal advice and representation. Contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss the details of your case and learn about the other services in Denver we offer.
We will provide victims of an animal attack with representation by a dog bite attorney who understands Colorado law and will use skilled legal representation to fight for the justice their client deserves. In this state, dog bite law allows you two years after serious injuries are incurred from a dog bite to seek compensation for your dog bite claim.
Choose a Denver dog bite lawyer at Zobel Legal Group who can navigate the complexities of any dog bite law. They will work hard to prove you suffered catastrophic injuries that require the insurance company to cover the economic losses caused by your subsequent medical bills.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite Incident
Oftentimes when dogs bite an unsuspecting victim, the person injured is left in a state of shock and does not know what to do next. The first and most immediate thing that needs to be done is to identify the dog’s owner or the person who was responsible for the dangerous dog at the time of the attack. Ask for their name, address, and phone number, as well as proof of the animal’s most recent rabies vaccination. If this record cannot be obtained, it will be vital for your attending physician to be made aware of this as you may need to undergo a series of rabies shots to be safe.
Infection of wounds carries substantial risk and must be avoided. Seek medical care immediately. The severity of bodily injuries determines whether you must call 9-1-1 for the quickest medical attention from first responders or if it would be best to have someone drive you to a nearby emergency room or urgent care facility. Do not attempt to drive yourself as you may be in shock from the serious injury and may not be fully aware of this at first.
You must always seek professional medical care after a dog bite injury as this is not a situation in which self-evaluation and treatment is a safe choice. Deep wounds can lead to a serious life-threatening infection and must be treated quickly and properly. Some victims of dog bites worry about expensive medical bills. Avoiding timely, professional medical treatment could hurt your dog bite claim if the insurance company finds a way to use that as evidence in their defense.
Further Steps After a Dog Attack in Colorado
These include the following:
- Seeking a Denver dog bite attorney: Contact a Denver dog bite lawyer for a free consultation right away. It will be difficult to adequately navigate the complex legal issues surrounding a Colorado dog bite case. The best person to help you through the complex legal maze is an experienced and caring personal injury lawyer. From this point forward, you can breathe easier knowing a knowledgeable dog bite attorney at Zobel Legal Group will be fighting for your best interests from this point forward.
- File a dog bite report: Your dog bite injury claims are only valid if you and your dog bite attorneys are able to show proof of the attack. The dog bite statutes will be in your favor if you have properly filed an official report with the authorities. If animal control is involved in the situation, be sure to acquire reports from them as well. Always file a report, even if your injuries seem minor. If the same dog attacks again, this paper trail can help not only you but also other potential victims in the future.
- Photograph your injuries: Images of your dog bite injuries will go a long way in supporting your claims of serious bodily injury after a dog bite. Consult your doctor to be sure you are taking proper care if documentation of images requires removing your bandages to expose your wounds. Keep an ongoing photographic journal of your injuries and the progression of your recovery. It is also helpful to photograph the location of the attack as this can strengthen your claim.
- Gather more information: With the guidance and assistance of your Denver dog bite attorney, gather as much information as possible about the dog and its owner. Colorado dog owners are held to certain responsibilities regarding their animals, especially when their dog bites someone without provocation. While dog bite law is there to protect your rights, you and your legal team will need to prove the claims of your case for a court to decide you are owed compensation for economic damages and non-economic damages.
Common Challenges in Dog Bite Cases
Dog bite injuries resulting in claims for compensation for economic and non-economic damages are seen in Colorado courts regularly. It is the responsibility of dog bite victims and their lawyers to prove the fault of negligent dog owners, which can be a complex challenge sometimes. A few examples of challenges in proving liability in a dog bite claim include cases involving:
- Police dogs
- A dog trainer
- Premises liability
- A humane society worker
- A professional dog handler
- A predator control dog
Dog bites involving these people and animals can prove more complex to hold the dog owner or handler liable and this is why seeking the counsel of a Denver dog bite attorney could be very valuable in your case. Another complication to your dog bite claims could be raised if the victim was trespassing on private property. Premises liability requires significant evidence and it’s important that your Denver dog bite attorneys are skilled in understanding Colorado dog bite law so that you may recover what you deserve in economic and non-economic damages.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims
Q: When should I contact an attorney for a free consultation on my case?
A: As soon as possible! Call Zobel Legal Group today. We can consult with you by video chat or would be glad to visit you to talk in person at your home, at work, or while you are recovering in the hospital.
Q: What should I post on social media after a serious dog attack?
A: Nothing! You should definitely avoid posting anything related to the dog bite incident. It may even be ideal to suspend all social media use for the time being. If the opposing party or insurance company finds posts, comments, or photos that they can use to weaken your personal injury claims, they will not hesitate to do so.
How Zobel Legal Group Can Help You
Litigation for dog bites resulting in serious injury is a complex process to navigate and there’s no need to do it alone. The guidance and advice of a Denver dog bite lawyer at our firm can help you get the fair compensation you deserve after a dog attacks you or your loved one. We will gladly provide you with a free consultation to let you know how we can help you get what you deserve from the insurance company for your damages. Dog attack victims should not have to feel alone after a dog owner acted negligently. Contact the Zobel Legal Group to get the legal help you need.