Dog bites can cause serious injuries that lead to high medical bills, emotional trauma, and even lost wages. If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to compensation. Our experienced legal team specializes in helping victims of dog bites in Colorado Springs file injury claims to recover medical costs, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Why File a Dog Bite Injury Claim?
Filing a dog bite injury claim ensures that you can focus on your recovery while we handle the legal complexities. Here’s why it’s essential:
- Medical Costs Recovery: Dog bite injuries can range from minor lacerations to severe infections, nerve damage, or disfigurement. We’ll help you recover the full cost of your treatment, including emergency care, surgeries, and rehabilitation.
- Lost Wages Compensation: If your injury has prevented you from working, you can claim compensation for lost wages. We’ll calculate the financial impact of your missed work and potential future lost earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering Damages: Dog bites can cause emotional distress and trauma, not just physical injuries. You may be entitled to compensation for the psychological impact of the attack, such as fear and anxiety.
- Long-Term Care: Severe bites can cause long-lasting physical damage, requiring ongoing medical attention. Our firm will seek compensation for any necessary future care, such as physical therapy or reconstructive surgery.
Colorado Springs Dog Bite Laws Overview
In Colorado, dog owners are strictly liable for dog bite injuries that result in serious bodily injury or death, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggression. This means that the dog owner can be held liable for these types of injuries even if the dog had no prior history of aggression.
For less severe injuries, the victim must prove that the dog owner was negligent, such as failing to control or restrain the dog or violating local leash laws. The law applies as long as the victim was lawfully in a public place or on private property, including the dog owner’s property. However, strict liability does not apply if the victim was trespassing or provoking the dog.
Exceptions to liability exist if the victim was trespassing, provoking, or tormenting the dog at the time of the attack, which can prevent the victim from recovering compensation.
How We Can Help
The aftermath of a dog bite can be overwhelming, especially when it comes to navigating the legal system. We’re here to relieve that burden. We’ll manage every step of your case, from gathering the necessary evidence, filing your claim, negotiating with insurance companies, and, if necessary, taking your case to court.
Our goal is to ensure that you receive full compensation for your injuries and losses. Whether you’re facing mounting medical bills, emotional trauma, or lost income, we have the expertise to guide you through the legal process efficiently and effectively.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
Follow These Key Steps After a Dog Bite Incident:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, seek medical care immediately. Dog bites can lead to infections, such as tetanus, bacterial infections, or in rare cases, rabies, if not treated properly. Follow up with all prescribed medical treatments and document your recovery process.
- Document the Incident: Take photos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and, if possible, the dog involved. Collect contact information for any witnesses.
- Report the Bite: File a report with local animal control or the police to create an official record of the attack.
- Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer: The sooner you consult a lawyer, the better. Early legal intervention can strengthen your case and increase your chances of recovering compensation.
By taking these steps, you protect your rights and improve your chances of successfully pursuing compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a dog bite injury claim in Colorado Springs?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is two years from the date of the incident. However, if your claim involves a government entity, you must provide notice of the claim within 180 days under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA).
What compensation can I receive from a dog bite injury claim?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and any long-term medical needs that arise from the bite.
Do I need to pay upfront legal fees?
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay any upfront legal fees. You only pay if we successfully recover compensation for you, allowing you to pursue your claim without financial stress.
Contact Us
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, don’t wait to get the help you need. We’re here to provide expert legal guidance and fight for the compensation you deserve. Contact us today for a free case evaluation – there’s no risk and no obligation.