In Colorado, dog bite victims are rarely allowed to seek damages for minor wounds. However, a lot of serious injuries can result from a dog bite or another pet attack, including puncture wounds, broken bones, eye injuries, scars, head and neck damage, disfigurement, and even death.
In the Colorado Springs area, hundreds of injury-causing dog bites are reported every year.
If the dog has never bitten someone, you may be able to seek economic damages for your medical bills and other related expenses, but not noneconomic damages for things like pain and suffering. If a dog has a history of attacking others and the owner knows this, they may be ordered to euthanize the animal if it attacks someone again.
If you were seriously injured due to a dog bite or another type of pet attack in Colorado, contact The Longo Firm, LLC, to find out if you have a strong case for compensation. In Colorado, we provide free case evaluations to people injured by the negligence of others.
Can I claim compensation for a dog bite?
In Colorado, certain qualifications must be met to successfully claim compensation for a dog bite. Generally, you can file a claim or take legal action if:
- You were lawfully on public or private property.
- There were no posted "no trespassing" or "beware of dog" signs.
- The dog was not being used by police or military personnel in the line of duty.
- You did not knowingly provoke the attack.
However, obtaining compensation for a dog bite can be more challenging than it seems. The pet owner's insurance company may argue that you provoked the dog, ignored clear warnings, or that the dog was performing a legitimate task, such as hunting, herding, or providing security.
Other situations in which compensation may not be available are if the victim overreacted to a dog's presence or was working in the pet-care industry when injured. These factors can weaken your claim and reduce or eliminate the compensation you deserve.
That's why it's crucial to have an experienced dog bite lawyer on your side. An attorney can help build a strong case by gathering evidence, challenging the insurance company's arguments, and ensuring you meet all the legal qualifications for compensation.
Do I have to report a dog bite in Colorado?
All bites that rise to the level of medical care should be reported to the Humane Society by the victim and/or the person who provides medical treatment. Someone from the office will investigate the pet's bite history and medical and vaccination records.
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Colorado, here’s what you should do:
- Identify the owner: Immediately after the bite, try to find the dog's owner and ask about the dog’s rabies vaccination status and other relevant vaccinations.
- Seek medical attention: Regardless of the dog’s vaccination status, visit a doctor to clean and properly treat the wound. This helps prevent infections and assesses the need for stitches or further medical care.
- Report the bite: Reporting the bite to animal control is crucial. If you don't do it yourself, the medical professional who treated you will likely handle the report. Animal control will investigate the dog’s history and vaccination records.
- Preserve evidence: Keep all records and documents related to the incident, including medical bills, photographs of the injury, witness contact information, and any communication with the dog owner or their insurance company. Also, save the clothes you wore during the attack, as they may have bloodstains, tears, or other evidence that could support your case.
- Consult with a dog bite attorney: It is important to contact an experienced dog bite lawyer to review your legal rights and options. An attorney can help you navigate the challenges of Colorado's animal attack laws and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
Get the justice and compensation you deserve with a Colorado dog bite lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured by a dog bite in Colorado, don’t navigate the claims process alone. At The Longo Firm, LLC, we are committed to securing the compensation you deserve for medical bills, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Unfortunately, many dog bite claims and lawsuits involve attacks on young children. When a dog bites a child, the physical and emotional impact can be devastating. Children are especially vulnerable, and the consequences of a bite can be long-lasting.
Remember, pursuing a claim isn’t about taking legal action against a neighbor or friend—insurance companies are responsible for covering these costs. Our firm is here to fight for your family, ensuring you receive the full compensation needed to cover medical treatment, therapy, and other expenses.
Call our Colorado Springs office today for a free, no-obligation case evaluation and to learn more about how we can help you.
"If you are looking for honesty, integrity, and dependability from an attorney, give Mr Longo a call. He will meet your needs!" – Wayne