Even though many people look at pets as members of the family, some animals can be unpredictable. In some cases, this could result in a dog bite. Dog bites can lead to significant injuries, and some of them can lead to permanent complications. After you have been bitten by a dog, you need to see a doctor as quickly as possible. Then, reach out to our experienced personal injury attorneys at Ridder Law for a case review at (720) 812-1047.
Who Is Responsible For a Dog Bite Injury in Aurora?
Owners are responsible for their dogs. If you own a dog, you must make sure it is on a leash when it is out in public, that your dog is properly trained, and that it is not a threat to other people.
If you are bitten by a dog, then the owner of that dog should be held responsible for your injuries. You need to get your injuries treated as quickly as possible, but you also need a lawyer who can review your case. We can help you do exactly that.
Colorado Laws on Dog Bite Incidents
Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-21-124 establishes the rules for civil actions against dog owners. That means it is the law that governs whether you can sue the dog’s owner after a bite incident.
Under this law, “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.”
This rule is called a strict liability rule. It means that it does not matter if the dog was ever violent or aggressive in the past, or if the owner had reason to know that the dog was likely to bite. This is distinct from the rules in some other states, where dog owners will not be liable unless they had reason to know their dog could cause harm. Those states are said to have a “one bite rule.”
Since dog owners are strictly liable for your losses, you should be able to recover compensation as long as you were lawfully on the property and did not provoke the dog or ignore no trespassing signs to enter into a space where you did not belong.
It’s still important to have an experienced attorney representing you, though, as you will need evidence about how and when the bite happened, as well as proof of the extent of your losses and damages.
Many insurance companies representing dog owners try to underpay for these types of claims or try to deny liability in cases where it is clear that compensation for losses is appropriate. Ridder Law is ready to stand up to these insurance companies for you and to fight for the justice you deserve.
What Should You Do Following an Aurora Dog Bite?
If you have been bitten by a dog, there are several steps you need to follow. They include:
- You should always call animal control as quickly as possible to alert them to the attack. Make sure you answer all of their questions.
- You need to see a doctor as quickly as possible. If you feel like you cannot get yourself to the emergency room, you should call 911.
- After you are done with the doctor, make sure to ask for a copy of your medical records. You may need them to support your injury case.
- Reach out to us at Ridder Law for a case review. There may be a statute of limitations on your case, so we need to conduct an evaluation as quickly as possible.
Let our team help you following a dog bite injury.
Are You Entitled to Compensation From a Dog Bite in Aurora?
The costs of care after a dog bite can sometimes be very high, especially if you require multiple plastic surgeries as a result of disfiguring injuries. You should be entitled to have all of your medical expenses paid. The owner’s insurance policy should cover your medical expenses.
In addition to payment of your medical costs, you may be entitled to other compensation as well. This can include payment for:
- Lost wages if any injuries cause you to miss time from work or to take sick leave, or if the bite injuries affect future earning potential on an ongoing basis
- Pain and suffering, as bite injuries can often be excruciating.
- Compensation for reduced quality of life. If you experience permanent disfigurement, this can also change your life in adverse ways. You should be paid fair compensation for the change to your appearance.
- Emotional distress damages. Many people experience lasting mental harm after a dog bite attack. You may have post-traumatic stress disorder and relive the incident, or you could develop anxiety around dogs or depression due to your injuries and the change in your lifestyle.
While you should be paid for all of these losses, unfortunately, these cases are usually contested. That is why you need to reach out to a dog bite lawyer in Aurora who can assist you. At Ridder Law, we can help you.
Contact Our Aurora Dog Bite Attorney Today
We are Ridder Law, and we always put the needs of our clients ahead of our own. Make sure you see a doctor as quickly as possible following a dog bite injury, and then reach out to us for a case review. Allow our team to review your case to see if you are entitled to compensation. Contact us today at (720) 812-1047 to speak to our team.