Johnstown Dog Bite Lawyer

Many Johnstown residents have dogs, whether working dogs or beloved family pets. Their companionship can bring great joy to life. Sadly, not all dogs are friendly and loving. A bite or attack can happen while interacting with dogs or while minding your own business, leaving you wounded and possibly with a personal injury claim for damages.

If you have been bitten, a Johnstown dog bite lawyer may be able to help. Legal counsel could understand the difficult situation facing a victim, whether it be medical and emergency services bills, loss of income due to inability to work, and time spent recovering ahead. A skilled attorney may be able to help you seek compensation for these expenses and more. To get started on filing an injury claim, schedule a consultation today.

Understanding State Dog Bite Law

The law describes dog owners as a person or entity owning, sheltering, having a financial interest in, or control or custody of a dog. Each case is individualized, for example, the definition may or may not extend to a person other than the owner walking the dog.

Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-124 sets forth the guiding principles of dog bite law in Colorado. A dog bite resulting in injury on public or private property can result in civil liability for the dog owner.

What is Strict Liability in Dog Bite Cases?

Many dog bites are strict liability offenses, meaning that it does not matter whether the dog’s owner was aware of the animal’s vicious tendencies. If the owner was aware of them, the plaintiff could ask the court to enter an order for the animal’s euthanasia.

Each case and exception is not necessarily clear cut. An experienced Johnstown dog bite lawyer could evaluate the circumstances under which a person was bitten and inform them on their legal options for pursuing recovery.

Exceptions to Strict Liability

There are several exceptions to Colorado’s dog bite law that exempt the dog owner from liability, as summarized below:

• The person bitten is unlawfully on private or public property
• The person bitten is on the dog owner’s property, and the property has clearly posted signs stating “beware of dog” or “no trespassing”
• The dog is working with a peace officer or military personnel
• The person bitten knowingly provoked the dog
• The dog bite occurred while the person was working as a member of the veterinary industry, dog walker, groomer, dog trainer or show judge, or dog rescue shelter staff
• The dog was working as a herding, hunting, ranch dog, or predator control dog at the time of the bite

When Should Someone File a Dog Bite Claim?

Colorado law prescribes a deadline that a Johnstown dog bite plaintiff must file a lawsuit by. If the person bitten fails to do so, they cannot bring legal action to recover their damages. Under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102 the statute of limitations for personal injury sustained in a dog bite is two years from the date of the incident.

Get in Touch with A Johnstown Dog Bite Attorney Today

You could seek compensation for the injuries you suffered after being bitten. It is in your power to take charge of the situation and explore the avenues for legal recovery.

An attorney could help you understand the legal process and fight for your rights in settlement negotiations or, if necessary, in trial. Reach out to a Johnstown dog bite lawyer today to get started on your case.