Colorado is a “strict liability” state for dog owners in cases of serious bodily injury. Dog owners can be held liable for damages caused as a result of a dog bite. We are a nation of dog lovers, with an estimated 77.5 million dogs in the United States, according to the U.S. Humane Society. However, dog bites are a serious danger, with more than 4.5 million people reporting a dog bite each year, or about 1 in every 50 U.S. residents.
The Colorado dog bite attorneys at Rosenthal & Heymann fight for the rights of residents who have been seriously injured or killed in a dog attack. Tragically, children are the frequent victims, and specific steps should be taken to protect their rights and identify possible current and future medical and emotional needs in the wake of a dog attack.
|
Dog Attacks
- 4.5 million people bitten each year in the U.S.
- 885,000 will require medical treatment.
- An estimated 31,000 will undergo reconstructive surgery as the result of a dog attack.
- Children ages 5 to 9 are at greatest risk.
|
Colorado law requires a dog bite victim in many cases to prove one of the following causes of action:
- Negligent or intentional conduct on the part of the dog owner.
- Violation of dog laws or allowing a dog to run at large.
- Ownership with knowledge that the dog had a history of biting or threatening people.
Colorado’s dog bite law is not among the nation’s fairest when it comes to compensating victims for their injuries. The law places a $350,000 cap on some damages and creates 5 classes of victims.
- Victims are not entitled to damages if they were unlawfully on public or private property; were attacked on property clearly posted with signs warning of the dog’s presence; knowingly provoked a dog; or were working as some sort of professional dog handler.
- Victims who did not suffer serious bodily injury also cannot recover damages under the law without proving a cause of action; although they may bring a separate legal action for negligence.
- Those suffering serious bodily injury may recover economic damages, such as medical bills and lost wages.
- Regardless of the degree of injury, the victim can recover damages in cases where the owner had a history of aggression or another cause of action is present, such as violation of a leash law. Economic damages and non-economic damages may be obtainable up to $350,000.
- Victims who are seriously injured by a dog with a history of aggression or as a result of another cause of action, and who suffered impairment or disfigurement, can recover unlimited damages.
The complexity of Colorado’s dog bite law, and its cap on damages in many instances, can make it necessary for a Denver dog bite attorney to pursue a separate claim for negligence against the dog-bite owner.
Frequently, a dog accused of biting can be a family pet, or the beloved pet of a family member, friend or neighbor. In such cases, the dog bite attorneys at Rosenthal & Heymann can work with you and your family to file a claim against the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy in as amicable a manner as possible. However, it is important to document the injuries, seek appropriate medical attention and to pursue a claim in as timely a manner as possible. Dog bite injuries, especially those involving small children, may result in long-term medical issues associated with growth and scaring and can also lead to emotional or developmental issues.
If you or a family member has been seriously injured in a dog attack in the Denver area, including Aurora, Boulder, Englewood and Lakewood, contact the Denver dog bite lawyers at Rosenthal & Heymann for a free and confidential consultation to discuss your rights.
Call Today - 303-825-2223
