Colorado Springs Dog Bite Attorney
Holding Negligent Animal Owners Responsible
A common misconception is that if an animal is on a leash, it poses no harm to the people around it. Many dog owners also assume that if they keep their animal in their yard or put up a warning sign on their property, they cannot be held accountable for anything their canine does. This is simply not the case, and victims of dog bites in Colorado may be eligible for compensation after an attack.
At Clawson & Clawson, LLP, we have full legal understanding of Colorado State dog bite and premises liability laws. If you need representation and a team of Colorado Springs personal injury attorneys who can go to court and fight for your rights through litigation, know that we are here for you.
Contact us today for more about our services.
One-Bite Rule in Colorado
Some states utilize what is called the “one-bite rule” that allows a dog owner to escape most of their responsibilities if their hound bites someone for the first time without showing any previous signs of aggression. Although Colorado does adhere to this rule, a dog owner can be held accountable for any injuries or damage their dog causes, regardless of its apparent tameness. It will require a civil lawsuit, though.
Injuries that may require medical attention after a dog bite include:
- Damaged nerves
- Lacerations
- Broken bones
- Serious illness (rabies)
Who is Liable for a Dog Attack?
Obviously, the animal itself cannot be taken to court and penalized for its actions. In order to determine liability, a careful examination needs to take place to establish the events that led up to the dog bite. In most cases, a dog owner in Colorado will be responsible, even if they attempt to control their animal and stop the attack.
There are a few acts that can put liability on the victim, such as:
- Trespassing onto property for criminal intent
- Intentionally provoking or injuring the dog
- Attacking the dog’s owner
It should be noted that “failure to recognize aggressive behavior” does not make the victim liable; how one dog exhibits aggression could be entirely different from another dog, so there are no legal statutes on what does or does not signify aggression. Simply being on the property uninvited also does not shift the blame onto the victim. Furthermore, dog breed does not excuse the animal’s owner – a little Chihuahua could still cause serious physical harm or significant emotional trauma to an innocent person, especially in cases involving children or elders.
Compensation for Dog Bite Injury Victims
Dog bite victims are eligible to recover full and fair compensation for a wide range of economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Wrongful death (if a loved one was killed)
100+ Years of Combined Experience at Your Disposal
Our Colorado Springs dog bite attorneys are ready to stand up for your rights and represent you in court, if necessary. We genuinely want you to be able to recuperate from your injuries in comfort, and not have to worry about how legislation and litigation will determine your future. Since we work for contingency fees – we do not get paid unless we win you a fair settlement – you can rest assuring in knowing that your maximum compensation is our priority.
Ready to work with a team that has earned an AV® Preeminent Rating by Martindale-Hubbell®? Request your free case evaluation today!
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