Dog Bite Lawyer in Greeley

Dog bites can leave more than physical wounds – they can cause emotional trauma, permanent scarring, and ongoing medical needs. If you or a loved one suffered a dog bite injury in Greeley, you do not have to face the legal and financial aftermath alone. Colorado law gives you the right to seek compensation for your losses. A Greeley dog bite lawyer from The Wilhite Law Firm can help you build a strong case, hold the dog’s owner accountable, and pursue fair compensation.

Let us help you move forward. Contact our injury attorneys today to schedule a free consultation.

Understanding Dog Bite Laws in Colorado

Colorado follows a strict liability standard for dog bite injuries. This means a dog owner is financially responsible if their dog bites someone, even if it’s never shown aggression before. There is no need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. As long as the bite caused serious bodily injury while the victim was lawfully on public or private property, strict liability applies under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-124.

That said, there are exceptions. For example, the law does not apply if the victim was trespassing, provoking the dog, or working in specific professional roles, such as veterinary care.

What to Do After a Dog Bite in Greeley

Dog bite incidents often happen fast, but how you respond can significantly impact your health and legal claim.

Seek Medical Care Immediately 

Even if the wound looks minor, dog bites carry a high risk of infection. See a doctor right away and document your injuries.

Report the Bite

Contact the Weld County Sheriff’s Office’s Animal Control Unit or the Greeley Police Department. Reporting creates an official record that can support your dog bite injury claim. 

Document Everything

Take photos of your injuries, the location of the incident, and the dog, if possible. Keep records of all related expenses, including medical bills, missed work, and any mental health treatment.

Avoid Speaking with the Dog Owner’s Insurer

Insurance companies often try to minimize claims or pressure victims into quick settlements. Direct all communication to your dog bite lawyer instead.

Taking these steps right away can protect your health and give your lawyer the tools needed to build a strong, compelling case.

Liability in Dog Bite Cases

While strict liability makes the process more straightforward, some cases still require deeper investigation, especially when the dog bite laws do not apply automatically.

Dog Owner Negligence

Outside of strict liability, you can still bring a case by showing the owner acted negligently. That could include letting the dog roam freely, ignoring leash laws, or failing to secure a known aggressive dog.

Dangerous Dog Breed Lawsuits

Some breeds have a reputation for inflicting serious harm. Though Colorado doesn’t ban specific breeds statewide, local ordinances may impose additional restrictions. If the dog owner violated these rules, it could strengthen your case.

Third-Party Liability

In some cases, property owners, landlords, or dog sitters may share liability if they contributed to the dangerous situation. A Greeley dog bite attorney can investigate every angle to identify all responsible parties.

An experienced attorney can help determine the most effective path forward based on how and where the attack occurred.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries can cause both short-term and long-term damage. Victims often require stitches, surgery, rehabilitation, and even psychological support for PTSD or anxiety.

A successful injury claim may recover compensation for:

• Emergency room visits and ongoing medical treatment
• Lost wages and reduced future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Permanent scarring or disfigurement
• Psychological trauma and therapy
• Out-of-pocket expenses

Every case is different. Your attorney will calculate your damages based on how the injury has affected your life.

Proving Fault in a Dog Bite Case

Even under strict liability, insurers might still try to shift blame. You will need to prove:

• The dog bite caused serious bodily injury
• You were lawfully on the property where the incident occurred
• You did not provoke the dog

If you are pursuing a negligence-based claim, additional proof is required. Evidence might include:

• Witness statements
• Security camera footage
• Animal control reports
• Photos of the scene or prior complaints about the dog

An experienced lawyer from The Wilhite Law Firm can gather, preserve, and present this evidence to support your case.

Dog Bite Insurance Claims

In most dog bite injury claims, compensation comes from the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance policy. These policies typically cover liability for injuries caused by pets.

However, getting the insurer to pay fairly can be an uphill battle. Adjusters may argue:

• The bite was not serious
• You provoked the dog
• The owner did not know the dog could bite

Let a Greeley dog bite attorney handle all communication and negotiations with the insurance company. We know their tactics – and how to push back.

Dog Bite Settlement Amounts in Colorado

There is no one-size-fits-all amount for dog bite settlements. Factors that influence value include:

• The severity of your injuries
• The cost of your medical treatment
• Whether you are left with scars or disabilities
• Emotional trauma and its impact on your quality of life
• The dog owner’s insurance coverage limits

While minor bites may settle for several thousand dollars, severe attacks involving surgery or long-term care can result in much larger settlements. The Wilhite Law Firm can give you a more precise estimate based on the details of your case.

Why Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer?

Hiring a lawyer gives you the power to focus on healing while someone experienced handles the legal process. Some advantages of working with The Wilhite Law Firm include:

• We know the local Greeley courts, laws, and animal control procedures
• Our firm has decades of experience with injury claims, including complex animal attacks
• We do not back down from insurance companies
• We only get paid if we win your case

With The Wilhite Law Firm on your side, you will have a trusted advocate fighting for the outcome you deserve every step of the way.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you have never dealt with a dog bite injury claim before, it is normal to have questions about your rights and what comes next.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Colorado?

Colorado law gives you two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Missing this deadline can prevent you from recovering compensation. If you are unsure how much time you have left, speak with a Greeley dog bite lawyer immediately.

What if the dog did not bite me but caused another injury?

You may still have a valid claim. For example, if a large dog knocked you over and caused a broken bone, the dog owner can still be held liable. A lawyer can help you pursue compensation even if the dog never bit you.

Can I sue if the bite happened on private property?

Yes, as long as you were lawfully on the property and not trespassing, you can still file a claim. Colorado law protects guests, delivery workers, maintenance professionals, and others who have a legal right to be on the premises.

Every situation is different. If you’re unsure whether you have a valid claim, a lawyer can review the details and provide guidance. Do not wait – your time to act is limited.

Speak with a Greeley Dog Bite Lawyer Today

Dog attacks can leave lasting physical and emotional damage, but you do not have to carry that burden alone. Whether your injuries were minor or severe, the legal team at The Wilhite Law Firm is ready to fight for accountability and compensation.

Start your free consultation with a Greeley dog bite attorney today. Call 970-782-2392 or fill out our online form to take the next step. You can also explore our full range of personal injury services to learn more.