Dog Bite Injury Attorney in Boulder
Many Boulder families enjoy the company of dogs. But the truth is that every dog can bite ― even your faithful furry friend. Over 4.5 million dog bites occur in the U.S. every year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Around 1 in 5 victims require medical attention for their wounds.
In Colorado, people who sustain serious dog bite injuries can hold dog owners financially responsible if they are lawfully on the property where the bite occurred. Compensation can pay for a victim’s medical expenses and prevent them from suffering further financial hardships while they recover. A Boulder dog bite lawyer can help.
The Wilhite Law Firm can help you pursue justice after a dog bite attack in Boulder. For 40 years, our firm has provided quality and compassionate legal services to injured Coloradans. We center our legal work around five core values: determination, empathy, teamwork, professionalism, and honesty. You can count on us to uphold those values from case open to case closed.
Call or contact us today for a free consultation with a proven Boulder dog bite lawyer.
Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Boulder, CO?
Colorado dog bite law allows people to hold dog owners strictly liable for serious bodily injuries or death if the person was legally on public or private property when the attack happened. With strict liability, you don’t have to prove that the owner knew the dog was vicious or had aggressive tendencies to pursue compensation. The owner can be held liable as long as the victim was not trespassing or provoking the animal somehow.
A serious bodily injury from a dog bite is defined as one involving:
- Substantial risk of death
- Substantial risk of serious or permanent disfigurement
- Substantial risk of long-term loss or impairment of a body part or organ
- Broken bones, fractures, or second or third-degree burns
Compensation in a Colorado dog bite lawsuit can include money for economic damages such as medical bills, hospitalization, reconstructive surgeries, rehabilitation, and lost income or earning potential. The strict liability law does not allow dog bite victims to pursue money for non-economic damages like pain and suffering. However, people injured by dog bites may be able to seek compensation for non-monetary losses through a negligence claim.
In a negligence action, victims must show that the owner knew the dog had dangerous propensities and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack. Filing a negligence claim is also how individuals whose dog bite injuries do not meet the definition of a serious bodily injury can seek compensation in Colorado. Contact our Boulder dog bite attorney today.
Are Dog and Pet Owners Responsible for Their Animal’s Actions?
Pet owners are responsible for their dog’s actions most of the time. But there are situations where dog owners may not be held liable for a dog bite.
Situations when the owner can not be held liable for a dog bite injury:
- If the victim was trespassing
- If the person disregarded posted warning signs such as “Beware of Dog” or “No Trespassing”
- If the dog was purposely poked, teased, aggravated, or provoked
- If the animal was a “working” police or military dog
- If the victim was an animal care worker performing professional duties
- If the dog was working to hunt, herd, farm, ranch, or control predators on the owner’s property
What to Do If You’ve Been Bitten by a Dog in Boulder
Seek medical attention quickly after a dog attack. All dog bites carry a risk of infection, but you also may need to begin a series of rabies shots if the dog is unknown to you or behaving strangely.
Here’s what you should do if you suffer a dog bite injury:
- Get the name and information of the dog’s owner. You’ll need their name, address, telephone number, and homeowners insurance company information if you wish to file an injury claim later. If the dog is loose and unfamiliar to you, ask bystanders if they know the dog’s owner.
- Call the police. An officer will write an accident report and may be able to help locate the person responsible for a wandering dog.
- Report the dog bite. Colorado requires dog bites to be reported to the county animal control within 12 hours of the attack. Your doctor will also report the dog bite to the local Health Department.
- Take photos of your injuries. Visual evidence is compelling in a dog bite lawsuit. Taking pictures of your injuries throughout your recovery can help build a powerful case for compensation.
- Follow doctor’s orders. Serious dog bite injuries can be complex to treat. Protect your health and injury claim by following recommended treatment protocols, attending all follow-up appointments, and filling every prescription.
- Talk to a Boulder dog bite attorney. A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer can review your losses and determine what your case is worth.
Contact a Boulder, CO Dog Bite Attorney Today
You don’t have to deal with the aftermath of a dog attack alone. Let the experienced Boulder dog bite attorneys at The Wilhite Law Firm handle the legal legwork for you. We’ll investigate your case, gather evidence, interview witnesses, and put together a strong case that shows what happened and how the dog bite has impacted your life. Contact our Boulder dog bite lawyer today.
In many serious dog bite cases, victims need long-term treatment and repeated medical procedures to deal with complications caused by scarring and disfigurement. This is especially the case for children, who are the most frequent dog bite victims and most likely to sustain the worst injuries. Our lawyers will consult with top experts and financial planners to place a value on your case that accounts for your past, present, and future losses. Talk to a Boulder personal injury attorney at The Wilhite Firm today.
Don’t wait to find out how The Wilhite Law Firm can help. Your next steps are to call or contact us online today for a free initial case review.
