Dog attacks happen unexpectedly and often cause severe or catastrophic injuries. Many people require emergency medical attention, surgery, and ongoing medical care to treat injuries sustained from a dog bite. As a Denver-based personal injury law firm, Chalat Hatten & Banker has heard numerous stories of previously peaceful dogs (and other pets) who suddenly lashed out without warning or provocation. We happen to be dog lovers around here ourselves, but we also understand that pets must be controlled to prevent them from hurting others.
If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog or injured in a dog attack, talk to our team of experienced dog bite lawyers in the Denver area today. Our personal injury lawyers have over 30 years of experience holding negligent dog owners responsible and guiding injured victims across Colorado through the aftermath of a dog bite attack. Contact us today.
Colorado has a state law that specifically addresses a dog owner’s liability for their pet. This statute, commonly called The Colorado Dog Bite Statute, is found in C.R.S. § 13-21-124(6). The law holds dog owners liable for any “serious bodily injury or death” caused by their dog attacking someone else.
Dog owners are liable under this statute even if the dog never previously showed vicious or dangerous behavior. Similarly, the owner is liable even if they had no knowledge that the dog was likely to attack. This state statute sets Colorado apart from other states with a “one-bite rule” that gives dog owners the benefit of the doubt for the first attack by a pet. Instead, dog owners in our state are strictly liable for any serious injury their dog inflicts on someone else by biting or attacking them.
The statute of limitations for a dog bite in Colorado is two years. Or in other words, you have two years from the date the injury or attack occurred to file a lawsuit against the attacking dog’s owner.
Besides the state law, many of Colorado’s cities and counties have enacted dog bite rules of their own. Examples include leash laws, muzzle laws, and regulations regarding specific breeds. When a dog owner ignores local rules, they are considered “negligent per se.” Essentially, this is a legal concept that will deem an owner negligent (and therefore liable for damages their dog causes) simply because they violated a local law. In negligence per se cases, it isn’t necessary to prove that the dog owner was negligent or that they owed you a duty of care. Rather, you only need to prove that they violated a local dog attack ordinance and that you suffered an injury in the attack.
Sometimes, dogs attack without biting. While the Colorado Dog Bite Statute addresses dog bites, we want victims of animal attacks in our state to understand that even if you weren’t bitten, you still have rights. Dogs can inflict serious damage through scratching, pouncing, charging, and other means of attack.
In some cases, dogs can cause severe or fatal injury with no physical contact. For instance, Colorado recognizes a dog fright claim, where a dog acts so aggressively that an individual reacts out of fear and is injured. Such cases include dogs charging at bicyclists who then crash while trying to avoid the animal or pedestrians so startled by a dog hurling itself against a fence that they back into oncoming traffic.
Many cases are burdened by the relationship between the dog owner and the victim. Often the dog owner is a friend or family member, but keep in mind that many dog attacks are covered under a homeowners’ insurance policy.
Begin your case review process
Start with a free, no-obligation conversation with one of our experienced attorneys. We’ll listen to the details of your accident, answer your questions, and provide initial guidance on your legal options.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll get to work gathering the evidence needed to support your claim. This may include reviewing incident reports, speaking with witnesses, and assessing any medical documentation.
Once we’ve reviewed your case, we’ll explain your rights and provide a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your situation. You’ll always know what to expect next.
Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or going to court, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, working to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Begin your case review process
Start with a free, no-obligation conversation with one of our experienced attorneys. We’ll listen to the details of your accident, answer your questions, and provide initial guidance on your legal options.
If you decide to move forward, we’ll get to work gathering the evidence needed to support your claim. This may include reviewing incident reports, speaking with witnesses, and assessing any medical documentation.
Once we’ve reviewed your case, we’ll explain your rights and provide a clear, step-by-step plan tailored to your situation. You’ll always know what to expect next.
Whether it’s negotiating a settlement or going to court, we’ll be by your side every step of the way, working to secure the best possible outcome for you.
Our dog bite lawyers in will take care of all the complicated work involved with your case. We will start by getting the answers you need, and then we’ll work tirelessly to ensure wrongdoers are held accountable.