How to Report a Dog Bite in Colorado
Colorado’s dog bite laws hold owners accountable when their pets cause harm. Besides being important for public safety, reporting a dog bite will also strengthen a potential legal claim if you decide to pursue legal action to recover the incident’s costs.
At Boesen Law, we help dog bite victims navigate the legal process and seek fair compensation for their injuries. This post explains how and when to report a dog bite in Colorado, the legal implications, and how our team can assist with your claim.
Why Filing a Dog Bite Report Matters for Your Case and Community Safety
Under C.R.S. § 18-9-204.5, a dangerous dog is one that inflicts injury, kills a person or animal, or shows aggressive behavior that could lead to an attack.
Colorado law requires owners of dangerous dogs to take precautions, such as keeping the dog in a secure enclosure and using a muzzle in public after an attack. Violating these regulations can lead to misdemeanor or felony charges, depending on the severity of the injuries.
Reporting a dog bite helps officials evaluate public safety risks and investigate whether the owner has complied with Colorado’s dangerous dog laws. Additionally, a formal report will strengthen a personal injury claim by creating a documented record of the attack.
How to Report a Dog Bite to Animal Control in Colorado
Knowing what to do after a dog bite in Colorado will protect your rights and support community efforts to prevent future incidents. To report a dog bite in Colorado, follow these steps:
- Contact local Animal Control: Call the nearest Animal Control office or law enforcement agency to report the bite, providing accurate details about the incident.
- Provide the dog owner’s information: If known, share the owner’s name, contact details, and address to help authorities track the dog’s vaccination history.
- Describe the incident: Include the date, time, and exact location of the attack, specifying whether the dog was on a leash or roaming freely.
- Give a physical description of the dog: Note the breed, size, color, and any distinguishing features that can help Animal Control identify the dog.
- Submit medical and witness information: Provide details about the injuries, medical treatment received, and contact information for witnesses who saw the attack.
- Request a copy of the report: Keeping a copy of the report as evidence will be valuable for legal claims and insurance purposes later on.
Reporting a dog bite is a legal requirement under C.R.S. § 25-4-603, which mandates that medical professionals or anyone with knowledge of an animal bite report it to health authorities. This process helps monitor rabies risks, document dangerous dogs, and ensure victims receive proper medical attention.
What to Expect After Filing a Dog Bite Report
After filing a dog bite report, Animal Control investigates the incident and sometimes orders a quarantine to monitor the dog for rabies and other diseases. Officers question the owner about past attacks and ensure compliance with local regulations. If the dog has a history of aggression, authorities may impose restrictions to prevent future attacks.
The evaluation process helps determine whether the dog poses a continuing danger. If the dog is classified as dangerous, the owner may need to secure the dog or use a muzzle in public. In severe cases, officials may also order the dog’s removal or euthanasia if it poses a significant public safety risk.
Dog attack victims have legal options to seek compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and emotional distress. Our team at Boesen Law can help you sue after a dog bite attack in Colorado, gather evidence, and build a strong case against the responsible party.
Common Dog Bite Injuries and Why Medical Care Matters
Dog bite injuries range from minor wounds to severe trauma, including:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Infections
- Nerve damage
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Emotional trauma
Seeking immediate medical care helps prevent infections and ensures proper documentation of your injuries. By linking your injuries directly to the dog bite, medical records serve as crucial evidence to strengthen any potential legal claim.
Who is Liable for a Dog Bite in Colorado?
In Colorado, dog owners are strictly liable for bites that cause serious bodily injury under C.R.S. § 13-21-124, regardless of whether the dog has bitten someone before. If the victim was lawfully on public or private property, they have the right to seek damages.
However, there are some exceptions:
- Trespassing: A dog owner isn’t liable if the victim was unlawfully on private property when the bite occurred.
- Provocation: If the victim teased, harmed, or provoked the dog, the owner may not be responsible for the attack.
- Committing a crime: Individuals bitten while committing a felony or violent crime cannot seek damages from the dog’s owner.
- Police or service dogs: Bites from working dogs performing official duties, such as law enforcement K-9 units, aren’t covered under Colorado’s strict liability law.
After a dog bite in Colorado, Boesen Law can thoroughly investigate your case, gathering medical records, witness statements, and past incident reports to establish liability. Our team also works with experts to demonstrate the attack’s impact on your life and build a strong claim that secures full and fair compensation.
Get Help from Our Colorado Dog Bite Lawyers – Contact Boesen Law
Dealing with insurance companies after a dog bite can be frustrating, but we fight to ensure you receive a fair settlement reflecting your injuries’ full impact. Our dog bite lawyers in Colorado are ready to help you recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional distress.
Boesen Law has over a decade of experience securing favorable outcomes: Our case results show how we’ve successfully held negligent dog owners accountable and recovered the compensation our clients deserved.
We’re here to answer your questions and guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today for a free consultation.
