Longmont Dog Bite Lawyer
In an instant, a dog can change from being happy and playful to acting aggressive. If you find yourself on the receiving end of a dog attack, you may face serious injuries, a long recovery, mounting medical bills, and significant emotional trauma.
A Longmont dog bite lawyer could help you understand your legal rights, including when you can file a compensation claim and what amount you can expect based on your injuries. Contact Amy G Injury Firm today to consult with a personal injury attorney and begin seeking justice.
Dog Bite Laws
In Colorado, dog owners are held strictly liable for attacks caused by their pets, regardless of whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. This means that if a dog injures someone, their owner may be responsible for covering the injured individual’s expenses resulting from the accident. Many claims will be processed through the dog owner’s homeowners’ or renters’ insurance, including claims for incidents that occurred off the owner’s property.
Exceptions to Dog Bite Liability
While Colorado does apply strict liability to pet owners, there are some exemptions, including situations in which:
- The victim was trespassing or did not have the right to enter the property where the attack occurred
- The victim provoked the dog
- The accident took place during some type of professional activity involving the dog, including some training activities
During a consultation, a dog bite lawyer could help you understand whether your Longmont dog attack case falls under strict liability laws.
Compensation Following a Dog Attack
Many individuals who suffer injuries from a dog attack experience significant losses, including substantial medical bills. Colorado law specifically addresses serious bodily injury or death resulting from a dog bite, which includes injuries that cause permanent disfigurement or the loss or impairment of a body part.
A dog bite claim may seek compensation for both economic damages and, in some cases, non-economic damages related to the incident. Claims commonly include compensation for:
- Medical treatment, including the cost of emergency care and ongoing care, and plastic surgery if needed
- Wage losses if the dog attack victim could not work following the injuries they sustained in the accident
- Pain and suffering, such as trauma, anxiety, and other emotional and non-financial losses related to the injury
A Longmont dog bite attorney could help you fully assess the damages related to your accident and file a claim for fair compensation.
The Statute of Limitations on Dog Bite Claims
In Colorado, the statute of limitations allows two years after the date of a dog bite to file a claim against the dog’s owner. Filing after this period may result in the court system refusing to hear your case. However, there are exceptions to the statute of limitations, including cases that involve injuries sustained by a minor. A Longmont lawyer could help you review your specific dog bite claim and ensure you do not miss important case deadlines that affect your right to compensation.
Contact a Longmont Dog Bite Attorney Today
If you have suffered injuries in a dog attack that occurred on property you had a legal right to enter, a Longmont dog bite lawyer could help you file a claim and recover compensation for your losses. At Amy G Injury Firm, we understand the challenges that can accompany a devastating dog attack, and we strive to advocate on your behalf. Contact us today for your free consultation.
