Aurora Dog Bite Lawyers
Have you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury that has resulted in lost medical bills, time off work, or even pain and suffering? At Bachus & Schanker, our attorneys are committed to representing dog bite injury victims just like you.
If you have suffered a dog bite injury in Aurora, Colorado, at the hands of another person’s negligent actions or indifference, you have legal rights and options. Even if the dog bite owner did not intend to have their dog injure you, you may still be able to recover compensation for your injuries.
The team at Bachus & Schanker is here to help you understand your legal rights and options. Our Aurora dog bite injury attorneys will evaluate your case and recover the compensation you may be entitled to.
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What to Do After Being Bitten by a Dog
No matter the circumstances, your age, or the injury you sustain, being the victim of a dog bite brings with it a slew of issues. Some of these issues include health concerns regarding infection, pain and suffering, and, of course, mounting medical bills after visiting a hospital and working with medical professionals.
If you have been bitten by a dog, it’s important to take immediate action. Do the following to ensure your health is protected after a dog bite:
- Get medical help immediately
- Keep up with your doctor’s appointments
- Keep a record
- Speak with an experienced dog bite injury attorney
What Are the Laws for Dog Bites in Aurora, CO?
Colorado is one of sixteen states with the “one-bite” rule. This rule is outlined in Colorado Revised Statute 13-21-124 and states that if a dog bites a victim, the victim does not have to prove that the dog was vicious or dangerous. Rather, dog owners can be automatically held liable regardless of the dog’s previous behavioral history or whether the dog owner was negligent.
Strictly Liability in Colorado
Victims of dog bites can bring a lawsuit in Colorado claiming strict liability. Strict liability applies in both criminal and civil cases and does not consider a defendant’s intent. In the case of a dog bite, a dog owner’s intent or actions are not considered.
If a victim experiences serious bodily injury or even death because of a dog bite while legally on public or private property, the victim or their representative can bring forward a lawsuit on the grounds of strict liability.
Serious Bodily Injury in Colorado
For a victim to seek damages under Colorado’s strict liability laws, a plaintiff must show they’ve suffered a serious bodily injury. For an injury to rise to this level, a victim must have experienced any one of the following:
- Faced a high risk of death
- There was a significant risk of severe, long-lasting, or permanent disfigurement
- There was a risk of organ loss/damage or body part impairment
- A victim suffered broken bones or fractures
Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Injuries in Colorado
A statute of limitations is a time limit that determines how long a victim has before they can no longer take legal action. Colorado gives dog bite injury victims two years from the date of their injury to bring forward a claim. After two years, victims may be barred from seeking compensation for their dog bite injury.
Common Injuries From Dog Bites
The nature of dog bite injuries brings with them their own set of complications. Dog bite injuries can range from mild scratches and bruising to more severe tears and even infections. The type of dog that causes the injury can also determine the severity of the injury.
Some common dog bite injuries include the following:
- Infections from diseases a dog may be carrying or are the result of complications during the healing process
- Eye injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Nerve damage
- Bone fractures
What Compensation Are Dog Bite Victims Entitled To?
Dog bite victims in Colorado are entitled to seek compensatory damages for both economic losses and non-economic losses. Compensatory damages are designed to compensate victims for their losses following an injury.
Economic damages refer to tangible, calculable losses. This can include:
- Loss of income or lost wages due to being unable to work
- Medical bills because of the injury
- The cost of hospital stays and prescriptions
- Cost of counseling and other mental health services
Non-economic damages refer to difficult-to-calculate and often intangible losses. This includes losses like:
- Loss of companionship
- Grief or sorrow
- Mental health struggles after the dog attack such as anxiety, PTSD, and depression
- Psychological harm and other instances of emotional distress
If you have suffered tangible and intangible losses following a dog bite attack, it’s important to speak with an experienced dog bite attorney right away. An attorney will assess your case to determine the best legal path forward so you collect the damages you deserve.
How Can a Personal Injury Attorney Help Me After a Dog Bite?
Many victims may feel they don’t have options after a dog has bitten them. Victims may feel uncomfortable seeking restitution or speaking with an attorney because they may be experiencing the following:
- They may feel they have a lack of knowledge about their legal rights and options
- They may feel they have provoked the dog
- They were bitten while on someone else’s property
Even if you do not think you have a case, you should still speak with a Colorado dog bite injury attorney. A dog bite lawyer can evaluate your case and help you pursue any damages you may be entitled to. When you work with a dog bite lawyer in Aurora, Colorado, you will have an experienced personal injury lawyer who will help you with the following:
- Help you understand Colorado’s dog bite laws and how they apply to your case
- Evaluate the circumstances of your case and help you determine what your rights and options are
- If an attorney takes on your case, they will collect pertinent evidence that can help support your claims
- Determine the damages you may be entitled to
- Determine who may be held liable for your injuries. Depending on the circumstances of your case, there may be third parties who can be held responsible for the injuries you have suffered.
If You’ve Experienced a Dog Bite in Aurora, Bachus & Schanker Can Help
At Bachus & Schanker, our team of personal injury attorneys is here to provide you with the legal guidance and support you need after a dog bite injury. Our attorneys thoroughly understand Colorado’s dog bite laws and will work diligently to ensure your rights are protected under Colorado law.
Need help determining if you have a case? Our team offers free case consultations, and an attorney will sit with you to determine the strength of your case. Schedule your free case evaluation and discover your options. You won’t know if you have a dog bite case until you speak with an experienced attorney, so contact our team today.
Sources:
Dog Bites Legal Reviews
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Written and Legally Reviewed By: Kyle Bachus
4.6 ★★★★★ 1,461 Google Reviews
Kyle is a member of the Colorado and Florida Bar associations and has served on the Board of Directors of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association for more than twenty years in total. Over the years, Kyle has achieved justice for many clients. He has served on numerous committees and repeatedly won recognition from his peers at both the state and national level. He is proud of the role he has played in the passage of state and national legislation to protect consumers and is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer.
