Establishing Liability for a Dog Bite in Denver
When establishing liability, the injured party must prove, by a preponderance of the evidence, that the incident occurred and the individual was injured because of the alleged dog bite. Failure to do so could negatively impact your claim, causing you to lose out on the compensation you deserve. Retain the services of a seasoned attorney for help with filing a claim, or for more information about establishing liability for a dog bite in Denver.
Process of Establishing Liability in Dog Bite Cases
The process of establishing liability starts from the date of the attack. When a case is settled out of court, the process can resolve after the injured party reaches maximum medical improvement. The entire process could take up to one year from the date the complaint is filed in court or the lawsuit is initiated. By having the appropriate paperwork and evidence necessary to establish liability, a claim could be quickly processed.
Investigative Tactics Involved when Establishing Liability in Denver
The investigative tactics used in establishing liability for a dog bite in Denver include:
- Eyewitness statements
- Video footage
- Any available police reports
- Expert testimony
- Investigation of the characteristics about the dog involved
A determination is made regarding the types of aggression previously displayed by the dog, socialization, and whether the dog is an indoor or outdoor dog. Additional factors in the investigation include whether the dog was chained outside, whether the dog is a stray or rescue, the dog’s training, and whether the dog was allowed to exercise appropriately.
Denver Leash Laws
In Denver, dogs are required to be on a leash and under control of their owner at all times. Denver leash laws are intended to protect the health and safety of the people and the pet who enjoy visiting Denver’s many parks and open areas. Pet owners who violate this ordinance are subject to fine. Failure to keep a dog on a leash can be used when establishing liability for a Dog bite in Denver. This means that the dog owner violated a law that was meant to protect someone from the type of injury they received.
Exceptions
The exceptions to the Denver leash laws are dog parks that allow off-leash recreation for dogs. A person can visit the Parks and Recreation website to find the closest dog park. It is important that all Denver citizens are safe, so Denver animal protection asks that dog owners respect their fellow citizen and leash their dogs within the City and County of Denver.
Failure to Prove Liability in a Dog Bite Claim
Failing to establish liability could cause the injured party to lose the case. This could happen when there is not enough evidence or information to prove the incident took place. That is why it is imperative to prove liability and is one of the elements in negligence.
When the injured person is found to be partially liable, that may reduce their recovery by the percentage they are deemed liable. The plaintiff is still entitled to compensation if they are 50 percent or less at fault for causing the alleged dog bite incident.
