Dog bites may cause devastating and long-lasting injuries, so you must protect your legal right to seek compensation if an animal attacks you. You can take this step with a Fort Collins dog bite lawyer from Zinda Law Group.
Our team can provide you with a risk-free consultation. A Fort Collins personal injury attorney can assess your situation and advise you during this difficult time. We guide clients through the legal system and help them secure financial compensation.
Learn more by calling or filling out our online contact form.
What Are Colorado Dog Bite Laws?
Almost 70% of households own a dog in Fort Collins, CO, which may increase the risk of dog bite injuries. Therefore, it’s essential to understand the laws surrounding animal attacks.
Colorado imposes strict liability on owners when their dog bites an individual who is lawfully present on private or public property. However, exceptions may reduce the owner’s liability. A Fort Collins dog bite attorney can help bite victims learn more about potential responsibility for their injuries.
For a free legal consultation with a dog bite lawyer serving Fort Collins, call 800-863-5312
What Should You Do After a Dog Bite in Fort Collins?
A Fort Collins dog bite injury attorney may suggest you take these steps after an attack:
1. Seek Medical Attention
You should seek medical attention immediately after being bitten in most cases. Medical treatments can help prevent infection and reduce the risk of death from a bite. Additionally, medical records may help prove that the dog bite caused your injuries.
2. Obtain the Dog Owner’s Contact Information
We recommend that you obtain the dog owner’s:
- Address
- Phone number
- Insurance information
The dog’s collar may provide information if you can catch the animal. Eyewitnesses may also know who owns the dog.
3. Gather Evidence
Keep and gather evidence. Do not throw away torn, blood-soaked, dirty clothing, backpacks, purses, or anything else worn during the attack. Additionally, make sure to take pictures of the following:
- Your injuries
- The dog
- The location where the attack happened
Your Fort Collins dog bite lawyer may use this evidence to hold responsible parties liable for their actions.
4. Report the Dog Bite
Victims may hesitate to call local animal control authorities after an attack by a dog they know. However, professionals must evaluate aggressive dogs to determine if they have dangerous propensities. Remember, if you fail to report a bite, the dog could bite another person.
5. Call a Dog Bite Attorney
You don’t have to deal with the complex process of filing a personal injury claim for a dog bite on your own. You can hire an experienced dog bite attorney to help you through the traumatic time after a dog attack.
At Zinda Law Group, our experienced dog bite attorneys have the resources and knowledge to help you build the strongest case possible and seek a favorable settlement.
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How do Dog Bite Injury Lawyers Prove Liability?
Under Colorado’s dog bite statute CRS 13-21-124, a victim may file a claim under the statute if:
- They have suffered severe bodily injury
- Due to the dog bite
- While lawfully on private or public property.
If a victim has suffered injuries resulting from a dog bite, but their injuries do not rise to the level of “serious bodily injury,” the victim may still collect both economic and non-economic damages through filing a negligence lawsuit.
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Why do Dogs Bite People in Fort Collins?
Usually, dogs bite people when they feel threatened. It’s an instinct for dogs to try and defend themselves in threatening situations. Dogs often bite because:
- They want to protect themselves
- They’re startled
- They think they’re playing
- They’re frightened
- They’re sick or injured
You may work with a dog bite lawyer in Fort Collins regardless of the cause of the dog’s aggressive behavior.
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What Are Common Dog Bite Injuries?
The most common injuries sustained from a dog bite may include:
- Puncture wounds
- Broken bones
- Scars
- Eye injuries
- Facial injuries
- Infections
- Head and neck injuries
- Rabies
- Nerve damage
- Tetanus
- Emotional effects
An experienced dog bite attorney in Fort Collins, CO, can help you deal with the insurance company as you recover from these injuries.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?
The court usually holds pet owners liable when their dog bites someone, but other parties may also face liability, including:
- Temporary caretakers
- Landlords and property owners
- Children and parents
You can learn more about liability with a Fort Collins dog bite lawyer.
CASE RESULTS
What Compensation do You Get for a Dog Bite?
Under Colorado statute CRS 13-21-124, a victim may only collect economic damages, which may include:
- Medical bills
- Future medical bills
- Costs of physical or psychological therapy
- Loss of income
- Loss of future income
A victim may still be able to recover damages for non-economic losses or losses when they bring a negligence action. Non-economic damages can include:
- Mental anguish
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Physical impairment
- Loss of consortium
- Lowered quality of life
- Physical disfigurement
An experienced attorney can help with your financial recovery.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Dog Bite Case in Fort Collins?
The statute of limitations for a dog bite claim in Colorado is two years. Therefore, a victim has two years from the date of the attack to file a lawsuit against the owner. If you wait too long to file your claim, the court may dismiss your case.
How Long does a Dog Bite Case Take?
Most dog bite cases take about the same amount of time. Once you file the lawsuit, it is up to the court to decide how long the case may take. Your case may be ready to go to trial within six months of filing with the court, but if the court has many cases already, your case may take years to resolve.
Contact a Fort Collins Dog Bite Attorney Now
Our team uses our experience and knowledge to help injured victims seek compensation after a dog bite. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you don’t have to worry about paying legal fees as we address your legal concerns.
Call or complete our online contact form for a free initial consultation. You can work with a Fort Collins dog bite lawyer now.
Meetings with attorneys by appointment only.
Our Awards
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA BY THE NATIONAL TRIAL LAWYERS ASSOCIATION (2016-2020)
AWARDED TO JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA (2009, 2011-2012, 2014-2021), JOE CAPUTO (2019-2021), BURGESS WILLIAMS (2019-2020), & NEIL SOLOMON (2020-2021)
AWARDED TO JACK ZINDA (2016-2020), JOE CAPUTO (2016 – 2020) & BURGESS WILLIAMS (2016-2017)
LIFETIME MEMBERS JOHN C. (JACK) ZINDA & JOE CAPUTO
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