Did you or someone you love sustain injuries from a dog bite or animal attack? If so, you need to contact an experienced Colorado Spring Dog Bites & Animal Attacks Attorney. We want to help you secure your right to fair compensation after such a traumatic injury.
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Dog bites and animal attacks happen every day in Colorado. While we often call dogs a “man’s best friend”, they can also be dangerous – even deadly – animals. According to the American Veterinary Medical Foundation (AVMF) over 4.5 millions of people get bitten by dogs in the US annually, with about half of bite victims being small children.
Furthermore, about a quarter of all dog bites end in severe injuries that require medical attention. If you or a loved one was bitten or injured by a dog, contact our Palmer Lake dog bite and animal attack attorneys today. We will discuss your legal options and help you devise the best course of action to proceed with your case.
Colorado’s Dog Bite Law: Strict Liability
Dog Bite victims in Colorado have a right to recover compensation under the following circumstances:
- Owner negligence
- Violation of animal control regulations
- If the owner had previous knowledge of their animal’s propensity to attack
Colorado also upholds strict liability laws for dog owners. Meaning, dog owners are strictly liable for the actions of their dog if a victim suffers serious bodily injury due to the bite.
What Are the Most Common Types of Dog Bite Injuries?
Dogs can be sweet, friendly, and cuddly. But they can also impose violent attacks on people and other animals. Dog bites often result in serious injuries, especially when the victim is a small child. Some of the most common dog bite & animal attack injuries include:
- Mental distress and Emotional Trauma – a dog attack is a terrifying experience that often leaves victims with post-traumatic stress (PTSD) and a lasting fear of dogs. They may also experience anxiety and other mental conditions due to the attack.
- Scarring and Disfigurement – the fierce biting and scratching of a dog attack can leave permanent scarring and disfigurement on the injury victim.
- Nerve Damage – when dogs bite through delicate tissues, they can potentially hit nerves and cause nerve damage.
- Puncture Wounds – Dogs have sharp teeth. If they bite you with full force, their teeth can be deadly weapons. A fierce dog bite can leave severe puncture wounds on a person’s flesh and their nails can cause deep puncture wounds as well.
- Arm and Hand Injuries – it’s a natural instinct to put your hands out to brace yourself if a dog attacks. Many people try to cover their face, resulting in bites and attack marks on the hands and arms. Or, they can injure their arms and hands from getting tackled to the ground by a dog.
- Death – sometimes, a dog attack can be so extreme that the victim dies. There are a few cases when a dog attack causes a person to die from a secondary injury. For example, a dog could jump on the victim and knock them down, causing the person to hit their head on the concrete and sustain a traumatic brain injury.
No matter what type of injury you sustain, as an innocent dog bite or animal attack victim, you have a right to seek compensation. The best way to secure your rightful compensation is by working with a skilled Palmer Lake Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorney.
Dog Bites in Colorado Can Burden Victims With Overwhelming Medical Bills
A dog bite or animal attack that results in severe injuries is a serious incident. If the injury victim requires medical treatment, it will be very costly. In the most severe cases of dog bites and attacks, victims need to undergo reconstructive surgery to make their face and other physical features somewhat normal again. The best way to secure the financial recovery you deserve is by working with a Palmer Lake Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorney who can help you secure maximum financial compensation.
Dog Bites Are Dangerous and Require Professional Medical Care
All dog bite victims should get prompt medical attention as dog bites can become infected quickly. Dogs can carry serious diseases such as rabies, so it’s best to get medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t have life-threatening injuries.
It’s not advisable to try to treat a dog bite wound at home, as you may accidently worsen your injury and increase risk of infection. After you get the necessary care and treatment plan from a doctor, call a Palmer Lake Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorney for advice on what you need to do next to protect your rights.
Tips For Preventing Dog Bites in Colorado
There’s no guaranteed way to prevent a dog bite from happening. Many dog bite victims are innocent and have not done anything to warrant an attack. Still, there are some steps you can take to reduce your odds of getting bitten or attacked by a dog.
Respect Boundaries and Maintain a Safe Distance
Dogs are not humans, but they are living creatures and need space, just like we do. Never approach a dog you don’t know or a dog that is eating, drinking, feeding puppies, sleeping, or playing with a chew toy.
Even if you know the animal, give the dog plenty of space and let them see and smell you before you touch them.
Watch For Warning Signs
Dogs will display warning signs if they are agitated, and they are more likely to attack if they feel that way. A dog who is yawning, licking, or has a stiff tail might be anxious, so do not approach it. Pacing, raised fur, and stiff body posture all imply that the dog is in a state of agitation so stay away from it.
Stay Calm
It’s important to stay calm around animals and try to avoid screaming or overly animated movements. They might perceive these as threats and react by attacking you.
Colorado Dog Owners Have A Responsibility to Prevent Dog Attacks
Dog owners in Colorado should be aware of their duties and responsibilities as dog owners. They are legally obligated to take steps to prevent their animals from harming others. Some of those responsibilities include:
- Keeping their dog on a leash whenever they are not on the owner’s property
- Training the dog by addressing aggressive behavior as soon as it happens, from the start
- Placing warning signs of a dog on their property that is clearly visible to visitors
- Getting their dog properly vaccinated
- Limiting their dog’s contact with strangers
If you believe a dog owner failed to uphold their responsibilities, reach out to a Palmer Lake Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorney for legal help. We can look into your case and help find out if the dog owner was somehow negligent and we will help you hold them accountable.
Are There Exceptions to Dog Owner Liability in Colorado Dog Bite Cases?
While Colorado’s dog bite statute implements strict liability for dog owners, there are some exceptions and common defenses owners use. For example, here are some circumstances wherein the owner would not be liable for the bite victim’s injuries:
- If the victim was trespassing when the bite occurred
- If the bite occurred on the owner’s property and warning signs were posted of a dangerous dog
- If the victim provoked the dog
- The animal was officially assisting military or law enforcement officers
- If the bite victim was a professional dog groomer, dog handler, veterinarian, or performing typical duties involving dogs
- If the animal was on the owner’s property herding, farming, or any other type of work
If you believe any of these circumstances apply to your dog bite case, contact our Palmer Lake Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorneys for sound legal counsel.
What Type of Compensation Is Available for Dog Bite Victims in Palmer Lake?
A vicious dog attack can leave victims with life-long damages and permanent consequences. The good news is that dog bite and attack victims can seek financial recovery from the liable parties. Typical damages a dog bite injury victim can recovery in Colorado include:
- Current and future medical bills
- Physical therapy
- Reconstructive surgery costs
- Rehabilitation
- Emotional therapy
- Lost income and reduced earning potential
- Lost of consortium
- Ongoing care and medical services
A Palmer Lake Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorney can help ensure you get fairly compensated for all possible damages you are entitled to.
What To Do After a Dog Bite or Attack In Palmer Lake
There are some crucial steps to take immediately after the attack, first, identify the dog’s owner. Try to get their insurance information (dog bite claims are usually filed through the owner’s homeowner’s insurance). Gather as much evidence as you can, including pictures of the dog, your injuries, and witness statements and contact information. You should also file a police report and contact animal control services to start an investigation.
Avoid delaying medical treatment and get attention as soon as possible. immediate medical treatment.
Lastly, the best thing you can do to secure your compensation is work with a Palmer Lake Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorney. They can help explain your rights and determine what the next best stop will be for your unique case.
Contact A Palmer Lake Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorney Today
If you were bitten and attacked by a dog as an innocent passerby, you may be eligible to seek damage compensation from the dog owner. Rather than trying to handle a legal proceeding alone during these trying times, get help from experienced Palmer Lake Dog Bite and Animal Attack Attorneys.
Dealing with insurance companies on your own can be a headache and might jeopardize your chance at getting full financial recovery.
Call us today for a free initial case review. We want to help you.
