Brighton Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog ownership is popular all over the United States, and Colorado is no exception. Unfortunately, while dog owners often form strong bonds with their pets, dogs can sometimes lash out at other people. If you were injured by someone else’s dog, you have legal recourse for compensation and could benefit from speaking with a Brighton dog bite lawyer.
Even if your injuries are apparent, navigating the legal system to file a claim can be frustrating and overwhelming. By working with a dedicated injury attorney, you could work to gather evidence and build a persuasive case for compensation.
What is the Role of Strict Liability in Dog Bite Accidents?
Most dog bite claims revolve around establishing liability for the injuries sustained by the injured person. According to the Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-124, dog owners are strictly liable for injuries inflicted by their pet in many circumstances.
This means that a claimant and their attorney must demonstrate that the owner had a legal duty of care to others, that they neglected this care, and that this neglect led to the claimant’s injuries. If negligence can be established, liability could be proven.
Exceptions to Liability
There are exceptions to this strict liability rule, however. For example, if a claimant is a dog handler, veterinarian, or other dog-related professional and were performing their job duties during an attack, they may not be able to seek compensation. Additional factors that are considered include:
- Trespassing — If the person was on the property legally when they were attacked by the dog
- Signage — If there were signs on the property stating the danger of the dog or warning members of the public to stay away
- Provocation — If the person provoked the dog to attack
- Military Work — If the dog is actively working as a peace officer or military dog
- Farm Dog — If the dog is being used as a hunting animal, predator control dog, or for a similar job on the dog owner’s ranch or farm
If any of the above criteria are met, the dog owner may not be required to pay for the damages suffered by the injured party. To help determine that a claim is well-documented and has ample grounds for legal action, it could be helpful for a claimant to turn to a skilled Brighton dog bite lawyer.
Which Damages are Limited in a Dog Bite Claim?
The law in Colorado places some limits on certain amounts of compensation that can be requested by claimants from at-fault parties. While there is no limit on the amount of economic damages that can be requested — such as those for medical bills loss of income due to the injury — non-economic damages are capped.
These damages can be requested for their mental and physical anguish, as well as loss of enjoyment of life. Colorado limits the amount of non-economic compensation to a maximum of $250,000. By collecting and preserving evidence like medical care receipts and bills, employer records, and testimony from expert witnesses, a dog bite attorneys may be able to form a convincing case for adequate compensation in Brighton.
Work with a Brighton Dog Bite Attorney Today
While no dog is legally at fault for their actions, an owner could be held responsible for their pet’s actions. If you were injured in a dog attack, you may be recovering from a trauma and wondering how to proceed. By speaking with a Brighton dog bite lawyer, you could learn about your legal rights to seek compensation.
Instead of navigating the legal system alone, a dedicated injury attorney could guide you through the complex process of filing a claim. For more information on how you could benefit from legal counsel, call today.
