Dog bites are unsettling, and the impact on your life often goes far beyond a simple wound. In Colorado, unexpected dog attacks bring frustration, fear, and mounting expenses that most victims never saw coming. No matter what type of injuries you’re facing, you shouldn’t have to handle it alone, and you certainly shouldn’t be responsible for the expenses. Colorado law provides pathways for compensation after a dog bite case, and the best way to get what you deserve is to speak with an experienced attorney. Call our Arvada personal injury lawyer today to schedule a free consultation at (720) 812-1047.
What Makes Ridder Law Right for Arvada Dog Bite Cases
Being bitten or attacked by a dog can lead to serious injuries – physically and psychologically. When you find yourself in this situation, it’s essential to work with the right legal team. Here’s what we offer at Ridder Law:
- An honest assessment about your case and what you can expect going forward
- More than a decade of experience handling personal injury cases, including dog bite incidents
- A 99% success rate for cases we handle, meaning you’re likely to obtain compensation if you choose to work with us
If you’ve been injured and have questions about what you can do to improve your chances of recovery, we’re here. Call us today to schedule a free case evaluation.
What an Arvada Dog Bite Attorney Can Do for Your Injury Recovery
Picking up the pieces after an unexpected dog bite isn’t just about physical recovery; it’s about understanding your rights and getting answers. Consulting with a dog bite attorney in Arvada gives you:
- Insight into responsibility under local and state dog bite laws
- Protection from tricky insurance questions that risk your settlement if you say the wrong thing
- Realistic calculations for all long-term needs resulting from your injuries
With the support of the right lawyer, you can ease stress and confidently fight for proper compensation.
Strict Liability Dog Bite Laws in Colorado
Unlike some states, Colorado doesn’t give dog owners a “free pass” just because their pet seemed harmless before a bite. State dog bite law follows a strict liability policy, making an owner financially accountable if their dog bites someone who had a legal right to be on the property, even if it was the dog’s first time showing any signs of aggression.
A person or a personal representative of a person who suffers serious bodily injury or death from being bitten by a dog while lawfully on public or private property shall be entitled to bring a civil action to recover economic damages against the dog owner regardless of the viciousness or dangerous propensities of the dog or the dog owner’s knowledge or lack of knowledge of the dog’s viciousness or dangerous propensities.
Exceptions to Strict Liability When The Owner is Not Liable
While strict liability usually holds dog owners responsible for most injuries, there are circumstances where that rule does not apply. Here are situations when a dog owner generally won’t be held financially liable if their dog bites or injures someone:
Trespassing or Unlawful Entry
No responsibility falls on the owner if the person bitten was illegally on any private or public property at the time of the incident.
While the person is unlawfully on public or private property;
Warning Signs and Posted Notices
If the bite happened on the owner’s property that was clearly marked with signs like “no trespassing” or “beware of dog,” and these warnings were obvious and visible, the owner is typically not liable.
While the person is on property of the dog owner and the property is clearly and conspicuously marked with one or more posted signs stating “no trespassing” or “beware of dog”;
Law Enforcement or Military Dogs Doing Their Jobs
A dog owner won’t be held liable if the bite occurred while the animal was under the control of police officers or military members carrying out official duties.
While the dog is being used by a peace officer or military personnel in the performance of peace officer or military personnel duties;
When Someone Provokes the Dog
If the injured person was blatantly provoking, teasing, or mistreating the dog leading up to the attack, strict liability may not apply.
As a result of the person knowingly provoking the dog
Performing Professional Animal-Related Work
Dog owners are protected from claims if the person bitten was a vet, groomer, trainer, humane worker, handler, or dog show judge performing their job duties with the animal.
If the person is a veterinary health-care worker, dog groomer, humane agency staff person, professional dog handler, trainer, or dog show judge acting in the performance of his or her respective duties; or
Dog Working on Owner’s or Controlled Land
Liability usually does not extend if the dog is actively working – as a hunting or herding dog, farm dog, or used for managing wildlife – while on the owner’s property or under direct control.
While the dog is working as a hunting dog, herding dog, farm or ranch dog, or predator control dog on the property of or under the control of the dog’s owner.
Understanding these exceptions is important for anyone who has been bitten by a dog. It gives you an idea of when you might be able to bring a claim against the owner.
Contact Our Arvada Dog Bite Lawyers For a Free Consultation
An experienced dog bite lawyer can handle the complicated insurance claims process while you focus on getting better. Our Colorado firm is there for victims throughout the entire process, from beginning to end. We understand that every case is personal, and we treat you and your family like we’d want our own family to be treated. If you’ve been hurt by a dog and have questions about your next steps, we’re always available. Contact us to schedule a free consultation at (720) 812-1047.