What to Do After a Dog Bite in Colorado Springs

An experienced attorney can help you recover compensation

Colorado Springs is home to countless parks, trails, and neighborhoods where people and pets share spaces. Dogs are beloved companions for many, but even the friendliest pets can bite under the right – or wrong – circumstances. While any dog can bite some breeds are more commonly associated with bites due to their behavior or physical power. These include:

Pit bulls: Often involved in severe bite incidents due to their strength and tenacity.
German Shepherds: Protective instincts can lead to bites if they perceive a threat.
Rottweilers: Known for their loyalty but also for their powerful bite force.
Chow Chows: Tend to be territorial and less tolerant of strangers.
Boxers: Energetic and strong, which can lead to bites if not properly trained.
Labrador Retrievers: While typically friendly, their popularity and sheer numbers mean they occasionally feature in bite statistics.

It’s important to remember that breed alone does not determine a dog’s likelihood to bite – training, socialization, and the owner’s responsibility play a significant role. A bite that seems minor at first can quickly escalate into a medical and legal ordeal, leaving victims overwhelmed and unsure of what steps to take.

For victims, it’s not just about recovering from physical wounds. The aftermath of a dog bite or animal attack can impact every aspect of life, from emotional well-being to financial stability. Knowing what to do – and acting quickly – can protect a victim’s health, rights, and future.

Seek immediate medical attention

Dog bites often cause a wide range of injuries, depending on the severity of the attack and the size of the dog. Medical professionals in Colorado Springs frequently encounter:

Puncture wounds: Deep wounds from teeth piercing the skin, which are prone to infection.
Lacerations: Jagged cuts or tears in the skin, often requiring stitches or surgical repair.
Broken bones: Larger dogs can exert enough force to fracture or break bones, particularly in the hands or arms.
Nerve damage: Deep bites can sever nerves, causing chronic pain or limited mobility.
Scarring and disfigurement: Bites to the face, hands, or other visible areas often leave permanent scars that may require reconstructive surgery.
Infections: Conditions such as cellulitis, sepsis, and rabies can develop if the wound is untreated.
Soft tissue damage: Damage to muscles, tendons, or ligaments, which can impact long-term functionality.

Medical care should always be the first step after a dog bite, regardless of how minor the injury may seem. Bites can introduce bacteria deep into the tissue, causing infections such as cellulitis, sepsis, or even rabies. In Colorado Springs, emergency rooms and urgent care facilities frequently treat dog bite injuries, which can range from minor to life-altering. Medical professionals often administer tetanus shots, clean wounds, and provide antibiotics to prevent infections.

Victims who seek immediate treatment not only protect their health but also start the process of creating official records of their injuries. These records play a crucial role in proving the severity of harm if legal action becomes necessary, ensuring that all aspects of the injury are documented for potential compensation.

Report the incident to Colorado Springs animal control

Dog bite incidents in Colorado Springs must be reported to local authorities. Filing a report ensures the attack is documented and initiates an investigation into the dog’s behavior and vaccination history. Key reasons to report the bite include:

Rabies verification: Animal control will confirm whether the dog is current on its vaccinations, particularly rabies.
Behavioral investigation: Reports help identify dogs with a history of aggression, potentially preventing future attacks.
Official records: A formal report strengthens any legal or insurance claims by providing an unbiased account of the incident.

Victims can contact the El Paso County Public Health Office or the Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region’s Animal Law Enforcement (ALE) program. Including Colorado Springs, ALE serves El Paso County, Pueblo County, Douglas County, and the city of Centennial. In an average year, ALE receives more than 4,000 calls regarding dangerous animals.

Document the incident thoroughly

Evidence is critical in dog bite cases. Thorough documentation not only helps establish liability but also ensures victims can recover the full scope of their damages. Here are some steps you can take:

Photograph injuries and the scene: Take pictures of the bite wound immediately and continue documenting its progression as it heals.
Identify the dog: Note the dog’s breed, size, and any identifying features. If possible, photograph the dog as well.
Obtain the owner’s information: Request the dog owner’s name, address, contact details, and proof of vaccination.
Collect witness statements: If anyone saw the attack, ask for their contact information and a brief statement about what they observed.

In Colorado Springs, detailed documentation can also help demonstrate compliance with leash laws or disprove claims that the victim provoked the dog.

Understand Colorado’s dog bite laws and Colorado Springs’ local ordinance

Colorado’s legal framework provides clear protections for dog bite victims, but navigating these laws can be complex. The state follows a strict liability rule for serious injuries caused by dog bites. This means the dog’s owner is automatically liable if the bite results in:

Deep lacerations requiring stitches.
Fractures or broken bones.
Permanent scarring or disfigurement.

However, strict liability does not apply in every scenario. Exceptions include:

Trespassing: If the victim was unlawfully on private property, the owner may not be held liable.
Provocation: Owners are often not liable if the victim provoked the dog by teasing, hitting, or otherwise threatening it.

For non-serious injuries, victims must prove that the owner acted negligently. Examples of negligence include failing to leash the dog or ignoring a history of aggression. Colorado Springs’ leash laws prohibit dogs from roaming freely in public spaces, and violations can bolster a negligence claim.

In Colorado Springs, the local law holds dog owners accountable for preventing dangerous behavior, including bites and attacks.

Owners must prevent their dogs from attacking, threatening, or biting people or other animals, whether on or off their property. Exceptions include cases where the dog was provoked, protecting against a crime, or securely contained (for example, a fenced yard or kennel).
Animal control may seize dogs involved in biting incidents if they pose a danger to public safety. Owners may face legal consequences, including fines or impound fees.
Judges determine if a dog is dangerous based on evidence. Outcomes can include releasing the dog, requiring containment, or ordering euthanasia if the animal is deemed a public safety risk.
Surrendering a dog after a biting incident doesn’t absolve the owner of responsibility. Owners may still face fines, fees, or legal charges.

The city ordinance is designed to protect the public from dangerous dogs while ensuring owners are held accountable for their pets’ actions.

Know what compensation covers

Victims of dog bites in Colorado Springs may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and permanent injuries like scarring or disability. The average settlement for a dog bite typically ranges between $30,000 and $50,000 but can reach up to $100,000 or more in severe cases. Though amounts vary based on specific circumstances, key factors influencing compensation include:

Injury severity: Life-altering injuries, disfigurement, or nerve damage result in higher payouts.
Medical costs: Expenses for emergency care, surgeries, therapy, and future treatment impact the final amount.
Emotional trauma: Cases involving significant emotional suffering, such as PTSD, can increase awards.
Lost wages: Victims unable to work or with diminished earning capacity may receive additional compensation.
Owner negligence: Violations of leash laws or prior aggressive behavior strengthen the case for higher settlements.

While some claims may result in substantial settlements, actual amounts depend on the specific details of the case. Calculating compensation requires a careful assessment of both immediate and long-term impacts. A knowledgeable attorney can make sure that no damages are overlooked and fight back against insurance adjusters who often undervalue claims.

Challenges of dog bite claims in Colorado Springs

Pursuing a dog bite claim in Colorado Springs can present numerous challenges, particularly when dealing with insurance companies. Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policies often cover dog bite injuries, but insurers typically use different tactics to minimize payouts. These tactics include:

Shifting blame: Insurers may claim the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing, potentially reducing liability.
Lowball offers: Adjusters often propose settlements that fail to account for long-term costs, such as reconstructive surgeries or ongoing therapy.
Delays: Insurance companies may drag out the process, hoping victims will accept lower compensation out of frustration or financial necessity.

Claims involving children come with additional complexities. Children are more likely to suffer severe injuries, such as facial bites, which often require multiple reconstructive surgeries. The emotional trauma can also be significant, leading to anxiety, fear of animals, or PTSD. Colorado law allows parents to file claims on behalf of minor but ensuring a fair settlement that addresses both immediate and future needs can be challenging.

Navigating these challenges requires skilled legal representation. An experienced personal injury attorney understands insurance company tactics, advocates for the unique needs of child victims, and ensures compliance with Colorado’s two-year statute of limitations. With proper legal guidance, victims can overcome these obstacles and secure the full compensation they deserve.

It's important to act quickly after a Colorado dog attack

A dog bite in Colorado Springs can have lasting consequences, from physical injuries to financial strain. Colorado’s strict liability laws and leash ordinances hold negligent dog owners accountable, but navigating the claims process can be complex, especially when insurance companies push back.

As a trusted Colorado Springs dog bite lawyer, The Longo Firm is dedicated to helping victims recover the compensation they deserve. With years of experience, the firm provides aggressive representation and handles the legal complexities so clients can focus on recovery. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite in Colorado Springs, contact The Longo Firm for a free consultation to explore your legal options.

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