Dogs are widely considered loveable and endearing pets, but they can also inflict a great deal of physical harm, stress, and emotional damage if they attack. The CDC reports that 2% of the U.S. population—or 4.7 million people—is bitten by dogs each year, even when the dog previously showed no signs of aggression. Fortunately, victims of dog bites are entitled to medical and financial compensation for their injuries and may even be able to seek punitive measures against the dog owner. Colorado law protects victims by requiring dog owners to take responsibility for any injuries inflicted upon others by their animals. The owners must cover all financial damages—medical and otherwise—for an attack that causes serious bodily injury. If you or someone close to you has been bitten by a dog in Denver, our experienced personal injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your losses. Let us help you heal by getting your case started today.
The History of Colorado’s Dog Bite Laws
It wasn’t long ago that fighting for justice in a dog bite case was difficult. As recently as 2003, dog bite injury victims were required to prove that the dog owner had prior knowledge of the dog’s dangerous behaviors and aggressive tendencies before the incident. This required extensive research into the dog’s past, which often included talking with neighbors, obtaining information from the animal control office in the appropriate jurisdiction, and consulting the canine’s veterinarian.
In 2004, however, Colorado laws regarding dog bite claims changed. Today, victims may immediately pursue justice against a dog owner anytime the dog causes serious bodily injury, regardless of whether the owner had any knowledge of prior incidents or aggressive tendencies. This makes the personal injury process much easier for victims to receive the care and compensation they deserve.
Understanding Colorado’s Current Dog Bite Laws
Colorado’s dog bite statute—C.R.S 13-21-124—states that an individual can be held liable if their dog bites someone who was lawfully on public or private property and if that bite caused serious bodily injury or death.
The statute defines bodily injury as, “any physical injury that results in severe bruising, muscle tears or skin lacerations requiring professional medical treatment or any physical injury that requires corrective or cosmetic surgery.” A serious bodily injury is defined as “an injury that involves a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, loss or impairment of a bodily function or organ, or a break, fracture, or second- or third-degree burn.”
Colorado has a statute of limitations that sets a time limit on filing a personal injury case. In the case of a dog bite, Colorado gives injured people two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit in the state’s civil court system. If the lawsuit is filed after this two-year deadline has expired, the court may throw out the case without hearing it.
The Most Common Injuries That Stem from Dog Bites in Colorado
Each year, thousands of Colorado residents are injured because of the negligence of dog owners. Dog bites can take a number of different forms and lead to a range of injuries. If you were attacked by a dog, it’s important that you know what kind of dog bite injuries you sustained. Here’s a look at some of the most common injuries that stem from dog bites:
- Puncture wounds: A puncture wound might not look as dramatic as some other dog bite injuries, but the complications can be life-threatening and can lead to serious nerve damage and infections.
- Infections: Because dog bites and scratches involve dog teeth and paws that are often covered in soil, waste, bacteria, and other unclean materials, there’s a high chance of infection.
- Scars and disfigurements: Even though most dog bites will heal, some could leave the victim with permanent facial or body scarring.
- Nerve damage: If the bite extends into the nerves, you may experience nerve damage.
- Rabies: Rabies is a viral infection that affects the central nervous system that’s typically transmitted through the saliva of an infected host.
- Wrongful death: Even the most well-trained dogs can become aggressive. Whether the incident was provoked or the victim did nothing at all, it’s important that Colorado residents get the help that they need after losing a loved one to a fatal dog attack.
Even the gentlest dogs can bite if they’re harmed, frightened, or overexcited. Likewise, no matter the size or breed of the dog, a bite from any animal can cause open wounds on the skin, leading to a risk of infection. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, visit a medical professional as soon as possible after the injury.
Dog Bites Are Common with Children
Victims of dog bite injuries are often children who play and move erratically around dogs. Children may misinterpret a dog’s behavior as playful when, in fact, an attack is imminent. When a dog bite does occur, small children are prone to serious physical damage and emotional scarring. In fact, dog bites are the second leading cause of visits to the emergency room for children.
While it’s important to educate children to approach strange dogs with caution and provide supervision when children and dogs are interacting, dog owners should still be held responsible for any physical or mental harm. When injuries of any kind are sustained—whether the victim is a child or not—get in touch with legal experts who can help. Our experienced dog bite lawyers in Denver may be able to prove that the dog owner was primarily responsible for any damage sustained.
Dog and animal bites are a major problem in the State of Colorado and throughout the rest of the country. More than 800,000 Americans get medical treatment for dog bites every year, and one in five dog bite incidents require medical attention to prevent dangerous infections for the victim. Fortunately, dog bite victims may be able to seek compensation for their medical bills and other accident-related expenses with the help of the trusted dog bite attorneys at Mintz Law Firm