Denver Dog Bite Lawyer

The Denver dog bite attorneys at Lamber Goodnow have a proven track record in successfully managing dog bite cases, achieving notable victories for our clients.

By launching a legal action against the dog’s owner, you could potentially secure compensation for the damages you’ve endured due to the incident.

Our specialized team of Denver dog bite lawyers stands prepared to manage your case, allowing you to concentrate on your recovery and well-being.

While man’s best friend is generally an accurate statement, the fact is that when dogs bite, they can cause extensive physical and emotional damage.

If you, or someone you love, have been bitten by a dog or suffered a dog-bite injury, it’s important that you seek the best Denver dog bite attorney team in the state of Colorado, as well as medical assistance. There are laws to protect you, and the public  in general, from dogs that might be a danger.

The Lamber Goodnow injury Denver dog bite attorney team is the best in CO and, with one call, can help you, and your family, through this process.

Expertise that Makes a Difference

When seeking legal assistance, you’re not just looking for any lawyer – you need a dog bite lawyer with a unique skill set tailored to dog bite cases. Our Denver team at Lamber Goodnow, along with our partnered law firms, deeply comprehend the substantial life-altering effects these incidents can cause. Our dog bite law firm is unwavering in our mission to fight for the financial compensation you rightfully deserve.

Your claim may see resolution through a trial verdict, arbitration, settlement, or mediation. Each of these methods has its unique benefits and the optimal path for your case will hinge on its distinct circumstances. As your dog bite lawyers, we make it our top priority to fully understand your situation, dedicating time to listen to every detail of your case. This in-depth understanding enables us to devise the most effective legal strategy to represent your interests.

At our dog bite law firm, we are equipped with the specialized expertise to ensure your voice is heard and your rights are fully upheld. Our unwavering commitment and seasoned experience in dog bite cases set us apart, allowing us to advocate fiercely on your behalf.

Dog Bite Stats and Data

Distressing nationwide data on dog bites undoubtedly impact local communities, such as Denver and the broader Colorado region. While a large percentage of dog bites may not require medical care, the remaining instances often involve significant physical and emotional trauma. In 2022 alone, homeowners’ insurers in the US paid out an astonishing $1,136 million in liability claims related to dog bites and other dog-related injuries.

Unsurprisingly, such large payouts have an explanation. The average cost per dog bite claim nationally has dramatically risen by 131.7% from 2013 to 2022. The upward trend reflects increased medical expenses and the growing size of settlements, judgments, and jury awards to plaintiffs. These factors collectively signal the growing acknowledgment of the severity and complexity of dog bite incidents.

Around the United States, close to 1,000 individuals per day visit hospital emergency departments due to nonfatal dog bite-related injuries. These injuries’ severity can range widely, with some resulting in severe consequences. For example, in 2018, approximately 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery following dog bites.

In Colorado, a noteworthy fact is that 70% of dog bites stem from unneutered male dogs, according to state-specific data. This aligns with a trend that holds true nationwide, making spaying and neutering an essential aspect of mitigating dog bite incidences.

Annually, the United States experiences about 4.5 million dog bites. Alarmingly, almost one in every five of these bites ends up infected, adding to the long-term repercussions endured by victims. From 1993 to 2008, there was an 86% increase in hospitalization stays related to dog bites in the United States, further underscoring the problem’s magnitude.

As a part of the broader national community, Denver and Colorado must confront these unsettling statistics. Ensuring responsible pet ownership, educating the public about safe dog interactions, and ensuring awareness of victims’ rights are crucial steps to address this widespread issue effectively. The experienced dog bite lawyers at Lamber Goodnow are committed to navigating these complex legal situations for their clients in Denver and across Colorado.

Laws Pertaining to Dog Bites

Dog bite laws in Colorado operate under a combination of “strict liability” and “one bite” rule. Let’s delve into what these mean in the context of Colorado’s specific dog bite statutes.

Strict Liability

According to Colorado’s strict liability statute, the dog owner is liable for any damages a victim incurs due to a dog bite when the victim is lawfully on public or private property, regardless of the viciousness or dangerous propensities of the dog known by the owner C.R.S § 13-21-124. This means that the dog owner’s knowledge of the dog’s potential to bite is not relevant under this statute, which is a departure from the traditional “one bite” rule prevalent in many other states.

Colorado’s “One Bite” Rule

However, Colorado law still applies the “one bite” rule for other types of dog-related injuries that are not bites. For example, if a dog jumps on someone, causing them to fall and get injured, the owner is only held responsible if they knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive or excitable nature C.R.S. § 13-21-115.

Exceptions to these rules exist. For instance, the strict liability statute doesn’t apply if the victim was unlawfully on the property, provoked the dog, or if the dog was performing law enforcement or military functions.

Therefore, understanding Colorado’s specific dog bite laws is crucial when navigating a dog bite claim. It helps to have a dog bite lawyer well-versed in Colorado’s dog bite statutes to ensure that victims receive the compensation they are entitled to under the law.

Dog Bite Liability and Insurance Information

Dog Owner Liability in Colorado

Dog owner liability in Colorado, as mentioned earlier, operates under a mixed system of “strict liability” and “one bite” rules. But understanding how these rules apply to specific situations can be a complex matter.

Under Colorado’s strict liability law, dog owners are held financially responsible for bites, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior or the owner’s knowledge of such behavior. This responsibility extends to paying for a victim’s medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

However, the “one bite” rule comes into play for injuries not related to dog bites, such as knockdowns or scratches. In these cases, owners can only be held liable if they knew or should have known about the dog’s aggressive or unruly behavior.

Exceptions exist for these rules too, such as if the dog was provoked, or if the dog was performing its duties as a police or military dog at the time of the incident.

Insurance Coverage for Dog Bites in Colorado

Regarding insurance, many homeowners’ or renters’ insurance policies in Colorado cover dog bites, often up to the liability limits of the policy, and may provide some legal defense coverage. The liability portion of the policy would cover damages for which the policyholder is legally responsible, including medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

However, it’s worth noting that some insurance companies may exclude certain breeds from coverage or may not cover dogs at all. Therefore, dog owners should carefully review their insurance policies to understand what is and isn’t covered.

In cases where the dog owner’s insurance doesn’t cover the dog bite, or if the damages exceed the policy’s limits, the dog owner is still responsible for compensating the victim for the full amount of their damages.

Engaging a knowledgeable dog bite lawyer can be beneficial to navigate through the intricacies of dog bite liability and insurance coverage in Colorado.

Effects of Dog Bites

When a dog bites someone, the physical effects can vary. Regardless of the reason for the bite — many say that the dog was just protecting itself — the fact is that a bite on a hand, your arm, or your face can cause significant damage. It’s common to receive stitches, antibiotics, and possibly require reconstructive surgery.

Those sound serious enough, but the emotional trauma from dog bites can be perhaps the most troubling. Children and adults who’ve been bitten by a dog face a lifetime of fear of household pets. When they visit a friend’s house, they don’t know how to identify a friendly dog. It can take years of therapy to regain confidence around dogs and feel safe in a room with a dog.

Hiring A Dog Bite Law Firm in Colorado

You shouldn’t feel guilty about talking to an attorney after you’ve been bitten by a dog. This is why there are laws — dog bite incidents are so frequent, legislators had to pass dog bite laws to protect the general public. Whether you were jogging through a park or attending a friend’s Broncos party, you have the right to not be attacked by someone else’s dog.

The Lamber Goodnow Denver dog bite attorney team has professionals on staff with experience in dog-bites cases who can help guide you through Colorado law. Dog owners have an obligation to keep their pets on leashes, and the dogs aren’t permitted to bite people. Often, we have clients who are friends of the dog owner — you don’t need to feel hesitant about your situation. By working with us, we’re generally making sure that the dog owner’s personal insurance is covering your physical and emotional wounds. We’re not harming the dog. Every case is different, which is why you need an expert on your side with your best interests in mind.

But if the dog is a danger — if, for example, you filed a police report — we’ll assist you through the process and will make sure you’re protected and receive the compensation you deserve.

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