Denver Dog Bite Lawyer

Denver’s dog population is massive – we love our dogs in Denver with over 150,000 dogs. However, with the good can come the bad, and sometimes it can be frightening. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) reports that more than 800,000 persons are treated for dog bites in the United States every year, and dog bite deaths have been increasing over the last decade. How is Denver faring when it concerns dog bites? The United States Postal Service (USPS) ranked Denver among the top 20 cities with the most dog bite incidents recently. As wonderful as pet ownership and dogs can be, that sentiment can leave your mind the moment a canine bites you or your child.

If you or a loved one has suffered a dog bite, know that these cases are complex, and the details and how the case is presented are significant when recovering economic damages.  Contact The Frickey Law Firm for a free consultation with an experienced Denver dog bite attorney at 303-237-7373.

Colorado Dog Bite Law Overview

Colorado follows a strict liability dog bite law, which means owners maintain responsibility for injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of a dog’s history of aggression or prior incidents.

In the context of Denver, this legal framework provides a reliable basis for victims to obtain compensation for injuries incurred. See Colo. Rev. §13-21-124.

Dog Bites and Owner Liability: The dog owner may be liable if the dog bites a person (lawfully) on the pet owner’s public or private property where the injury transpired. The dog owner can also be liable if the bite results in a severe injury or death. The strict liability stance makes it generally easier for dog bite victims in Denver to establish the owner’s liability than in other states with different standards.

Notably, there are some dog bite liability exceptions, as stated in Colo.Rev.§13-21-124(5) including:

•   Dog owners may not be responsible if a victim was actually trespassing on public or private property.
•   An owner may not be liable if the property where the incident occurred was marked by explicit signage signaling “no trespassing,” “no trespassers,” or “beware of dog.”
•   Working canine incidents with dogs used by peace officers or military personnel during official duties are generally exempt from liability concerning dog bites.
•   Owners may not be liable when a victim knowingly incites or provokes an altercation with a dog.
•   Cases involving victims who are vets, other health care professionals, dog trainers or handlers, groomers, or dog show judges are all exceptions to dog bite liability law.
•   A dog owner may not be responsible if their working dogs on the owner’s property bite someone during an incident, like a hunting or herding dog.

Real-World Examples of Colorado Dog Bite Liability

Understanding the standards and exceptions of dog bite liability law while weighing the individual case’s surrounding circumstances is imperative. Never assume or dismiss an incident as a lost cause or get too hung up on one detail of the incident when viewing dog bite liability. It is important to have the facts of your case analyzed by a dog bite lawyer in Denver who is experienced with Colorado dog bite claims.

For instance, the exception concerning provocation typically does not stand in cases involving very young children. Hypothetically, a four-year-old girl sets out with her parents for a walk around her complex. On her tricycle, she waves and even excitedly shouts “doggy” while pedaling past a yard in her complex when the dog lunges at the girl’s arm. If the owner tries to claim that the child was baiting the dog by motioning or identifying the animal, this defense is not likely to be successful.

Examining the public trespassing aspect, let’s say our victim took a shortcut through a city park after hours, ignored posted signage, and startled a dog walking with its owner. The dog then defensively bit the victim. Despite suffering an injury, one may assume the victim has no room for legal recourse, as they are trespassing on public property after hours. However, you still may be able to recover if all the parties were trespassing and the dog was not on a leash.

Other details in the case can also impact the outcome. Dog owners are expected to be fully responsible for their dogs in public. If owners unleash their dog at the park, even if they believe or claim he is “friendly,” they assume all responsibility and could be breaking leash ordinances. The dog owner may be liable if the dog runs up to a bench in the public area and bites a person enjoying their afternoon sitting on the bench.

Dog Bite Compensation

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Denver, you have the right to pursue compensation for diverse damages, including:

• Medical Bills: Coverage for past and future medical expenses originating from the bite.
• Lost Wages: Income lost because of the injury, including potential future earning capacity, falls under compensation for lost wages.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages due to the physical and emotional distress caused by ordeal and the animal bite injury would be considered under pain and suffering.
• Rehabilitation Costs: We see many cases where coverage is necessary for rehabilitation or therapy needs resulting from injuries.
• Psychological Counseling: Compensation for mental health support, especially in cases involving trauma or post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). PTSD does not only result from the most severe attacks. Many victims struggled to go back to their regular routines following a dog bite due to stress, anxiety, and trauma derived from the incident.

Settlement amounts can vary based on factors such as the extent of your injuries, whether there are aggravating pre-existing conditions, the dog owner’s behavior and the victim’s potential shared responsibility for the accident.

Statute of Limitations

Victims of dog bites in Denver must be aware of the statute of limitations, which is the time limit for filing a lawsuit. In Colorado, the general time frame you have to file is two years from the date of the bite itself. Waiting beyond the period could result in losing your window for taking legal recourse, emphasizing the importance of timely action and avoiding procrastination.

Contact Our Denver Dog Bite Attorney

Denver’s dog bite victims have a foundation for seeking compensation and protecting their rights under Colorado’s strict liability law. The legal complexity of a dog bite case can be demanding, especially if you’re dealing with any of the above-mentioned potential exceptions to liability and determining appropriate compensation. Contact The Frickey Law Firm for a free consultation with a trusted, experienced dog bite lawyer at 303-237-7373.