Dog Bites Attorney in Denver, Colorado

According to statistics from DogsBite.org, about 12,480 persons in the United States are hospitalized due to dog bite injuries annually. A dog bite or attack could result in minor or severe injuries, hospitalization, disfigurement, reduced productivity, or inability to work. Fortunately, Colorado dog bite laws allow victims of dog bites or dog attacks to seek compensation for their injuries by filing a claim or lawsuit against the dog's owner.  

If you or your child was attacked or bitten by a dog, you may be eligible to recover damages through an injury claim. At the Law Offices of Malcolm B. Seawell, we have the diligence, expertise, and background to support and represent clients in their dog bite cases. As knowledgeable Colorado personal injury attorneys, we have the resources necessary to fight on your side, help you hold the dog's owner responsible, and attempt to pursue your deserved financial compensation.  

The Law Offices of Malcolm B. Seawell is proud to serve clients across Denver, Colorado, and surrounding areas throughout the Denver Metro area, including Arvada, Golden, Aurora, Lakewood, Boulder, Littleton, Highlands Ranch, Castle Rock, Englewood, and Brighton.

Colorado Dog Bite Law  

Dog bite statutes and rules are designed to protect individuals from potential dog bites, dog attacks, or other dog-related injuries. Also, victims will be able to recover damages for their injuries caused by dogs. However, these dog bite laws usually vary from state to state. 

According to Colorado dog bite law – Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-21-124 – the owner of a dog is strictly liable if a person suffers serious bodily injury or death from a dog bite while legally on private or public property. 

What's more, under Colorado law, "serious bodily injury" constitutes any physical injury that results in: 

• High risk of death. 

• Fractures, broken bones, or second or third-degree burns. 

• A major risk of serious permanent disfigurement. 

• Significant risk of loss of use of anybody organ or part. 

A strategic Colorado dog bite attorney can evaluate the magnitude of your injuries, help establish liability, determine case value, and file your personal injury claims. 

Liability in a Dog Bite Case  

Additionally, Colorado is a strict liability dog bite state. The dog bite laws in the state are favorable to individuals who are bitten, attacked, or harmed by a dog. Consequently, the dog bite victim or plaintiff doesn't have to prove fault or negligence in order to recover damages for their dog bite injuries. 

When the Owner Is Not Liable 

However, a dog's owner is not liable for injuries in a dog bite incident if: 

• The victim was on the property unlawfully. 

• A warning sign – such as "dangerous dog" or "beware of dog" was posted on the property. 

• The dog is used as a military or police dog. 

• The victim provoked the dog intentionally. 

• The claimant is a dog groomer, vet, or other professionals that work with dogs. 

• The dog was trying to hunt, ranch, farm, herd, or control predators on the dog owner's property. 

If you or someone you know has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you need to reach out to an experienced personal injury attorney immediately. Your legal counsel can review all of the facts of your unique situation and determine the best way to proceed with your injury claims. 

Filing a Personal Injury Claim  

To seek damages for your dog bite injuries, you can:  

• File a first-party claim with your own insurance provider.  

• File a third-party claim directly with the dog's owner's insurance company.  

• File a personal injury lawsuit in civil court against the dog's owner.  

Additionally, the civil statute of limitations for dog bite cases in Colorado is two years from the date of the dog bite or attack. This means that you will have two years from the date the dog bite occurred to bring a civil action against the dog's owner. A practiced lawyer can walk you through the dog bite claims process and help you seek the maximum possible compensation for your injuries. 

Available Damages  

The following damages may be recovered by filing a dog bite claim in Colorado:  

• Medical costs, including the cost of future medical treatment  

• Lost wages and other benefits  

• Permanent disability  

• Physical impairment and disfigurement 

• Psychological trauma  

• Physical therapy  

• Emotional distress  

• Loss of enjoyment of life  

• Mental anguish  

• Reduced earning capacity  

• Pain, discomfort, and suffering  

• Out-of-pocket expenses related to the dog-bite injuries, including medications and personal care  

• Wrongful death damages, where applicable.  

A diligent dog bite attorney can represent you diligently in your dog bite case and help you seek the compensation you deserve and are entitled to for your injuries, damages, and losses you've suffered. 

Let an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Advocate for Your Legal Rights 

Dog attacks and dog bites are often overwhelming and traumatic experiences that can have devastating, long-lasting physical, financial, and emotional repercussions. However, you don't have to face the financial liability and challenges all by yourself. Therefore, you need to retain a personal injury attorney for detailed advice and to help pursue fair financial compensation.  

At the Law Offices of Malcolm B. Seawell, our firm is devoted to its clients, handling personal injury cases, and zealously advocating for the interests of dog bite victims. Also, we can guide you through the claims process and help you seek fair financial compensation for your injuries, property damages, physical therapy, lost income, pain, discomfort, and suffering.