Greeley Dog Bite Lawyer

Dogs are one of the most widespread and popular pets in the United States. Though most dogs are beloved pets who are seen as animals who pose no threat to people, sometimes dogs can attack others causing serious injury.

The APPA estimates that more than 4.5 million people are bitten by a dog annually in the United States. Dog bites can range from relatively minor to life-threatening. However, bites that are minor can still result in extensive personal and financial loss. If you have been bitten by a dog, you may require the services of an experienced personal injury attorney. A Greeley dog bite lawyer may be able to help you with filing a compensation claim for your injuries.

Effects of a Dog Bite

Dog bites have the potential to cause physical, personal, and financial damage to those who have been bitten. In most cases, a dog bite could require medical attention, which can result in expensive medical bills. Victims could also experience a loss of income due to an inability to work following the bite.

Physical damages from a dog bite can be extensive. Sometimes surgery may be required to repair the bitten area. Usually, injections and other preventive treatments may be required to ensure those who are bitten do not contract a disease.

In addition to the physical damage from a dog bite, the attack can cause severe psychological and emotional trauma for those bitten. Sometimes prolonged therapy may be required to respond to this trauma. Those who have been bitten may experience continued psychological and emotional strain as a result of the dog bite.

Dog bites can cause serious personal, physical, and financial burdens for those who have been attacked. An experienced Greeley dog bite attorney may be able to help in retrieving compensation for any loss.

Filing a Personal Injury Claim

Colorado is a ‘strict liability’ state in regard to dog bites. This means that dog owners could be held liable for their pet’s attack even if they had no prior knowledge of their propensity for violence, according to Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-124. However, if a dog bite occurred under certain conditions, the plaintiff does not have grounds for a damages suit. These conditions are:

• Trespassing on public or private property
• If the plaintiff is on the property of the dog owner and the property is clearly marked with “no trespassing” or “beware of dog” signs
• If the dog is being used by a peace officer or military personnel in the professional line of duty
• If the plaintiff provoked the dog
• If the plaintiff professionally works with dogs
• If the dog is being used for certain agricultural duties on the owner’s property, such as hunting, herding, and predator control

If the attack did not involve one of the above conditions, then the victim may have grounds to file a personal injury claim. An experienced attorney may be able to offer professional assistance when determining grounds to file a claim for damages.

However, it is essential that those who have been bitten by a dog file a personal injury claim as soon as possible. C.R.S. §13-80-102 allows for a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Those who have been bitten by a dog must file their claim quickly in order to avoid the statute of limitations expiring. A knowledgeable dog bite lawyer in Greeley could take the lead and ensure that all legal deadlines are met.

Speak with a Greeley Dog Bite Attorney

If you or a loved one have been bitten by a dog, a Greeley dog bite lawyer may be able to help you. An experienced attorney could help guide you through the complex process of filing a damages claim. Call today to get started on your claim.