Denver Dog Bite Damages
When someone has been injured in a dog bite accident, they may be able to recover economic and non-economic damages. Economic damages include medical expenses, lost wages, and any other out-of-pocket expenses. Non-economic damages include pain, emotional anguish, and loss of enjoyment of activities. If you have been injured in a dog bite incident, reach out to a lawyer who is experienced in helping injured victims recover Denver dog bite damages. A skilled dog bite attorney could work aggressively to ensure that you are able to get the compensation that you deserve.
Severity of Injuries Impact on Compensation
The severity of the dog bite and the permanency of the injury can dramatically increase the amount of the possible recovery of an injured person. If an injury resolves quickly, the potential for recovery is reduced as opposed to an injury that is permanent or long-term. The presence of multiple or catastrophic injuries can increase the amount an injured party might recover. When a person has multiple or catastrophic injuries, the severity of the dog bite and the permanency of the injuries are evaluated, and the amount of damages in a Denver dog bite case increases.
This is why it is essential for an injured individual to seek medical attention. This is not only important for the victim’s health, but it is also vital to their claim. Medical records help prove the severity of the injuries and the expenses the person had to pay following the dog bite.
Comparative Negligence
Colorado is a modified comparative fault state, which means the injured victim’s compensation can be reduced if they are found to be at fault too. For example, if someone has been awarded $10,000 in damages but was found 30 percent at fault, then their recovery would be reduced to $7,000. However, if the plaintiff is deemed at least 50 percent at fault, then they cannot recover any damages. Therefore, it is essential for an injured person to contact a seasoned dog bite lawyer in Denver who is experienced in assigning negligence.
Damage Caps
Damage caps establish limits on the total amount of recovery that could be pursued in a personal injury lawsuit. Damage caps are in place to protect runaway juries and to prevent juries from awarding more money than they should. Non-economic damages are more difficult to calculate, which means it is often up to a jury or judge to order damages according to their experience. For this reason, Colorado law puts a cap on non-economic damages as follows: $468,010 which can be increased to $936,030 for incidents occurring after January 1, 2008. Although there are caps for non-economic damages, there is no cap on economic damages.
Punitive Damages
Punitive damages are used to punish the at-fault party and are awarded to stop the type of behavior. Punitive damages are awarded when the at-fault party acted in a very egregious manner. It is important to remember that when recovering Denver dog bite damages, punitive damages are rarely awarded. However, if an attorney feels punitive damages apply to the case, then the lawyer will fight to ensure the injured victim is able to recover punitive damages.
Importance of Contacting a Denver Dog Bite Attorney Immediately
When someone has suffered a dog bite, they should call an attorney as soon as possible. Failure to do so could hurt the dog bite case and reduce the amount the injured party is entitled to recover. If you have been injured in a dog bite incident, reach out to a skilled attorney who is experienced in recovering Denver dog bite damages.