Evans Dog Bite Lawyer
Dog, as the popular saying goes, is man’s best friend. The problem with this adage is that it isn’t always true, as approximately 800,000 dog bites requiring medical treatment take place in the United States each year. Though rarely fatal, being bitten or attacked by a dog can result in serious bodily injury, as well as a diagnosis of rabies, tetanus, and various other potentially harmful diseases dogs are known to carry.
Think of contacting an Evans dog bite lawyer in the event you or a family member has fallen victim to an aggressive canine. With the right help, it may be possible for you to identify the dog’s owner (if not known) and hold them accountable for their animal’s behavior. A seasoned personal injury lawyer who handles dog bite cases can likely tell you whether you have a strong case for obtaining compensation under the Colorado dog bite statute.
Determining Liability in Colorado Dog Bite Cases
Colorado dog bite law mixes elements of negligence and strict liability. For example, in cases where a dog bite causes serious bodily injury or death, the animal’s owner would be automatically or strictly liable. Strict liability in this context simply means that liability applies even if the owner did not know the dog had the potential to act aggressively.
Seriously bodily injury is defined as any injury that causes:
- A substantial risk of death
- A substantial risk of serious physical disfigurement
- A substantial risk of loss or impairment of the use of a bodily organ
- Broken bones or 2nd- or 3rd-degree burns
It is important to note that the strict liability rule pertains to canine bites only. Should a dog cause injury by any other means – such as by knocking over a child – compensation can be obtained only after a finding of actual negligence.
A finding of negligence is likewise required if a dog bite causes less than serious bodily injury, as defined above. The victim looking for compensation, in such cases, is generally required to show that a dog bite injury resulted from failure on the part of the owner to control their animal. An experienced lawyer could help establish liability to help a victim recover damages.
Dog Bite Injuries
While dogs could attack people of any age, it is children who suffer the most dog bite injuries, representing more than 50 percent of all reported cases. In addition, children who are bitten by a dog typically suffer serious injuries to their head and face, often leading to permanent scarring and the lifelong psychological effects that can have on an individual.
Injuries frequently suffered by victims include:
- Puncture wounds
- Lacerations
- Nerve damage
- Sprains
- Infections
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
It stands to reason that suffering a serious dog bite injury may present both immediate and long-term challenges not just to the victim, but also their family. The job of an Evans dog bite lawyer is to diligently pursue all avenues of compensation that a victim is potentially entitled to under state law. Dog bite victims are often eligible for damage awards covering medical expenses, lost wages – even specialized services such as long-term in-home care.
Schedule a Consultation with an Evans Dog Bite Attorney Today
While most dogs are friendly and present little-to-no risk of harm, some can be vicious or simply prone to attacking without warning. The law is clear that, under most circumstances, the owner of a dog that bites another person can be held liable for all expenses stemming from the injury. Sadly, it is children who suffer the majority of dog bite injuries in the United States.
You are encouraged to contact an Evans dog bite lawyer to begin exploring your legal options in the wake of a severe dog attack. Obtaining legal representation is an essential early step on the road to seeking compensation under the applicable state dog bite laws.
