Average Dog Bite Settlement in Colorado
Factors like injury severity, medical expenses, and lost income all play a role in determining how much you may recover after a dog bite.
At Boesen Law, we’ve spent over a decade helping clients maximize their compensation in dog bite cases. This article covers average settlement amounts, key factors that affect payouts, dog owner liability under Colorado law, and what you can do to strengthen your claim.
What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in Colorado?
Dog bite settlements in Colorado range from several thousand dollars to hundreds of thousands, depending on the circumstances of the case. More severe injuries, permanent scarring, or long-term medical complications often result in higher payouts.
For example, one of our clients was attacked by a dog while biking and sustained significant ankle injuries. The insurance company initially offered a low settlement, but the team at Boesen Law successfully negotiated a $500,000 compensation, covering medical treatments and addressing permanent scarring (as shown in our case results).
A dog bite lawyer can help you establish liability by collecting evidence, obtaining witness statements, and proving that the attack was unprovoked. Our legal team will fight to ensure you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Key Factors That Impact Dog Bite Settlement Amounts
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur each year in the United States, with children being the most affected.
While there’s no fixed payout amount as no two cases are the same, several factors influence how much a dog bite victim can recover in a settlement. These include:
Severity of Injuries
The more severe the injury, the higher the settlement. Puncture wounds, nerve damage, deep lacerations, and permanent scarring typically lead to greater compensation. Victims must provide detailed medical records to prove the extent of their injuries and justify their claim.
Medical Expenses
Medical costs significantly impact settlement values. A victim may recover compensation for emergency room visits, surgeries, physical therapy, and even psychological counseling for trauma. Extensive medical treatment often results in higher settlements (due to increased expenses).
Lost Wages and Future Earnings
A dog bite injury can force victims to miss work, leading to lost wages. If the injury prevents you from returning to your previous job or limits your future earning potential, settlements may include compensation for lost earning capacity.
Emotional Trauma & Pain and Suffering
Dog attacks can cause severe emotional distress, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and a lasting fear of dogs. Settlements consider psychological harm, pain, and suffering, especially if you end up requiring ongoing therapy or struggle with daily activities.
Dog Owner’s Legal Responsibility in Colorado
Colorado law classifies a dog as dangerous under C.R.S. § 18-9-204.5 if it causes injury, kills a person or animal, or shows aggression that suggests it could attack. Owners of dangerous dogs must follow strict containment rules, and failure to comply can lead to criminal charges ranging from misdemeanors to felonies, depending on the severity of the injury.
On the other hand, C.R.S. § 13-21-124 applies strict liability when a dog bite results in serious bodily injury. This means the owner is automatically responsible, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. If the injury is less severe, the victim must prove negligence to recover damages.
Some exceptions limit a victim’s right to compensation. Owners may not be liable if the injured person was trespassing, provoking the dog, committing a violent crime, or bitten by a police or military dog performing official duties. These defenses can impact a claim and reduce or eliminate potential compensation.
What to Do After a Dog Bite to Maximize Your Settlement
- Get medical treatment immediately: Even small bites can cause infections or nerve damage. A doctor can assess the injury, provide necessary treatment, and create medical records that link the bite to the attack.
- Report the bite to Animal Control: Contact local authorities to file a report. This creates an official record, helps track dangerous dogs, and may reveal past incidents involving the same animal.
- Gather witness statements and evidence: Speak with bystanders who saw the attack, take notes on what happened, and collect the dog owner’s contact information to support your claim.
- Take photos of injuries and the scene: Capture clear images of your wounds, torn clothing, and the location where the bite occurred. This visual evidence helps document the severity of the attack.
- Consult a dog bite injury lawyer: An attorney from Boesen Law can evaluate your case, gather expert testimony, and negotiate with insurance companies to secure the full compensation you deserve.
How Much Should I Settle for in a Dog Bite Claim?
The value of a dog bite claim depends on medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. Some cases settle for a few thousand dollars, while severe injuries can lead to hundreds of thousands of dollars in compensation.
Speaking with a dog bite lawyer from our team is the best way to determine a realistic settlement amount.
What Is the Lowest Settlement for a Dog Bite?
Minor dog bites with minimal medical treatment may settle for a few thousand dollars. However, insurance companies often attempt lowball settlements to close cases quickly. You should avoid accepting an initial offer without consulting an expert dog bite attorney to ensure you receive fair compensation.
Contact Boesen Law for a Free Dog Bite Case Evaluation
If a negligent dog owner is responsible for your injuries, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Our attorneys can provide the legal support you need to handle every aspect of your claim and improve your case’s outcome.
At Boesen Law, our personal injury services include representing dog bite victims across Colorado. We have a proven track record of securing fair settlements, even in the most complex cases.
Contact Boesen Law today for a free consultation. A lawyer from our team will review your case, explain your options, and fight for maximum compensation.
