Who to Call When a Dog Bites You
With approximately 4.5 million people bitten by dogs annually in the United States, it’s clear these incidents are unfortunately common. In Colorado, knowing who to call when a dog bites you, as well as the steps you should take immediately after, is crucial to protect your rights and have the best chance of securing compensation.
If you decide to pursue legal action, having a dedicated Denver dog bite lawyer is your best bet. At Boesen Law, our attorneys can handle your claim effectively and build a strong case to secure maximum compensation on your behalf. In today’s post, we’ll outline your rights under Colorado’s dog bite laws and explain what to do after being bitten by a dog.
Immediate Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Taking the right steps after a dog bite in Colorado will strengthen any legal claim you may pursue. We recommend you follow these steps to preserve relevant evidence and protect your health:
- Call emergency services: Dial 911 if the injury is severe or life-threatening. Immediate medical attention is vital to address potential infections and assess the severity of the wound.
- Report the incident: Notify local animal control authorities, who will investigate the dog’s vaccination and behavioral history. This ensures the attack is officially documented.
- Document the scene: Take detailed photos of the injuries, the dog involved, and the location of the attack. If witnesses are present, gather their contact information for future reference as well.
These initial steps will help establish a strong foundation for a legal claim. Next, reach out to an attorney to ask any questions, understand your rights under Colorado law, and discuss the best strategy to move forward.
Who to Notify After a Dog Bite
Immediately after the attack, report the dog bite to the appropriate authorities to ensure they investigate the incident properly. You should notify the following parties:
- Medical professionals: Seek immediate care, even for minor injuries. Medical records document the extent of your injuries and provide essential evidence for your case.
- Animal control authorities: Animal control officers will assess the situation to determine if the dog threatens public safety and may enforce measures like quarantine.
- Local law enforcement: If the attack involves serious negligence or reckless behavior by the dog owner, file a police report. This may be vital for holding the owner accountable in a future legal claim.
After reporting the incident, working with an experienced attorney will help streamline the whole legal process.
Understanding Colorado Dog Bite Laws
Under Colorado dog bite laws, you can hold dog owners accountable for attacks and seek compensation to cover the costs of your injuries and other losses resulting from the incident. In some cases, you may also consider pressing charges against dog attacks, depending on the severity of the situation.
Colorado operates under strict liability laws, which means dog owners are automatically liable for injuries their pets cause. In these cases, you don’t have to prove negligence. However, according to C.R.S. § 13-21-124, this only applies to dog bites resulting in serious bodily injury or death if the victim was lawfully on public or private property.
Exceptions to strict liability include cases where the victim provoked the dog or trespassed on private property. Additionally, if the dog bite didn’t result in serious injuries, strict liability doesn’t apply.
However, you can still seek compensation by proving the owner acted with negligence, such as failing to control the dog, ignoring leash laws, or not addressing the dog’s known aggressive behavior. In such cases, you may also be able to sue the dog’s owner for damages caused by their negligence.
In these cases, seeking the help of a personal injury lawyer with in-depth knowledge of Colorado’s personal injury law becomes essential. At Boesen Law, we can help you gather relevant evidence, prove negligence, calculate damages, and build a strong claim with compelling arguments that secure maximum compensation for your injuries.
Compensation for Dog Bite Victims in Colorado
Under Colorado law, you can file a claim to recover the following damages after a dog bite:
- Medical expenses: Covers emergency treatment, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical care required due to the attack.
- Lost wages: If the injuries prevent you from working, you can seek reimbursement for lost income and reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and suffering: Non-economic damages address the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the incident.
- Property damage: Victims can seek compensation for repairs or replacements if the attack resulted in damaged personal property.
As shown in our case results, we know how to build strong cases and create tailored legal strategies, guiding victims in their pursuit of justice and holding the responsible parties accountable.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney Today – 24/7 Available for Our Clients
With decades of experience and a proven track record of success, Boesen Law is equipped to handle even the most complex dog bite cases. Our experienced lawyers are available 24/7 to provide guidance, helping you understand your rights and available options.
During a free consultation, we can assess your case and start strategizing the best way to move forward. Plus, we operate on a contingency basis, meaning there are no fees unless we win your case.
Don’t wait to take action. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can help you secure fair compensation for your injuries.
