Colorado Springs Dog Bite Lawyers
Legal Help After an Animal Attack
Dogs are often touted as “man’s best friend.” While many of us do enjoy playing fetch with our furry companions, the truth is that dogs can be just as wild as any other animal. When their instinct kicks in, it doesn’t matter how well they’ve supposedly been trained. A dog attack can lead to dangerous, even fatal, injuries. On top of that, the emotional trauma caused by a vicious animal attack can last for years, potentially even the rest of your life. That is why you need the help of an experienced attorney.
If you've been bitten by a dog, you have the right to be fully compensated for your medical bills and other related losses. In order to ensure that you are properly compensated following a dog bite, it is imperative that you consult with a Colorado personal injury attorney who can advocate on your behalf. Since 1991, Timothy R. Bussey, of The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. in Colorado Springs, has been successfully representing injury victims throughout the state. To get the compensation you deserve, call our offices for a free case evaluation by dialing (719) 475-2555.
What Is Colorado Law Pertaining to Dog Bites?
The first consideration that people need to be aware of when it comes to dog bites is that Colorado law requires owners to be in full control of their dog at all times and that they are responsible for any injuries or damage they might cause. This is a legal concept known as "strict liability."
Furthermore, the law states, "A person or a personal representative of a person who suffers serious bodily injury or death from being bitten by a dog while lawfully on public or private property shall be entitled to bring a civil action to recover economic damages against the dog owner."
That being said, there are times when a dog's owner is exempt from liability when their dog bites someone. Those instances are as follows:
- The victim was trespassing
- The victim was provoking the dog
- The victim was acting physically aggressive toward the dog's owner
The owner may try to claim that one of the scenarios happened, thus making them exempt from liability. However, a good attorney will be able to look into your case for you and find evidence that helps prove that your attack was unprovoked.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?
The most likely liable party for your injuries would be the owner of the dog. If they did not properly restrain their pet, then they are responsible for the damages that their negligence caused. However, the owner may not be the only one responsible for your injury. If the landlord or property owner of the area you were attacked on did not do their due diligence in keeping you safe from the dog, then that could mean that they are also responsible.
A lack of due diligence could be if they rented an apartment to the dog owner, knowing that the dog was highly aggressive. Or, if they provided a fenced-in area for the dog to play in, but the fence was not built properly, making it easy for the dog to escape and attack someone. A dog attack could also be a premises liability case in the right circumstance.
What Injuries Can Dog Attacks Cause?
When dogs were first domesticated, it was with the purpose of using them to help us hunt. These days there are breeds for herding, guarding, or even just sitting on our lap. However, just because dogs have gotten smaller, does not mean they have lost their hunting instinct. A dog attack can result in serious and dangerous injuries. Even the smaller breeds can be deadly in the right set of circumstances. Some common dog injuries are:
- Crush injuries
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding
- Bruising
- Severe lacerations
- Puncture wounds
On top of the immediate wounds, a dog bite can also cause serious infections. A dog’s mouth is full of bacteria that are potentially dangerous to humans. Even if the bite wasn’t deep and came from a small dog that seems easy to fight off, an untreated bite could still make you incredibly ill. It could even be fatal depending on the kind of bacteria introduced to your system. Even worse, a dog, like any other kind of animal, could be carrying rabies. Rabies is a highly dangerous disease, that could easily kill you if it is not caught in time.
What Should You Do After Being Bitten by a Dog?
After being bitten by a dog, you should exchange information with the owner, if they are present, before immediately seeking medical attention. Your safety is of the utmost importance, so if your only option is to flee the scene without getting the contact information of the owner, then you should do so. Your attorney can help lead an investigation to find the party liable for your injuries after you have received treatment.
Once you get the medical help you need, you should make sure the doctor properly cleans and sanitizes your wound in order to prevent a possible infection. You should also follow all of the instructions they give you, as that will ensure as speedy a recovery as possible. When you know your life is no longer in danger, you should then contact an experienced dog bite attorney who can help you recover the damages you suffered.
What Compensation Are You Entitled to for a Dog Bite Injury?
If you have suffered severe bodily injury, including a physical impairment and/or disfigurement, due to a dog bite, then you are entitled to be fully compensated. This includes, but is not limited to, all medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, prescription medicine, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
In order to ensure that you are properly and fully compensated, you need to consult with an experienced Colorado dog bite lawyer. The legal team at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., has the experience and resources to build a strong case on your behalf and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact one of our knowledgeable and helpful legal representatives today at (719) 475-2555 to schedule a free consultation.
Additional Information
- A Dog’s Bite Is Always Worse Than Its Bark
- Why Do Dogs Bite? - American Veterinary Medical Association
