Dog Bite Liability in Loveland
Enduring painful and infected wounds from an unprovoked assault by a canine can put you out of work and place an immense toll on your life.
Taking decisive action by filing a personal injury lawsuit against the pet’s owner could compensate you for your medical bills, pain, and reduced wages during the healing process.
Instead of navigating the rules surrounding dog bite liability in Loveland by yourself, consider partnering with a determined legal professional. Our reliable dog bite attorneys could provide personalized assistance and serve as your representative throughout the legal process.
Does a Dog Have To Be Dangerous for an Owner To Be at Fault for an Assault?
Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-124 contains the statewide rules about when a casualty can recover damages for the harm they sustained from a dog attack. Under this law, the pet’s caregiver may be responsible for compensating the injured person regardless of whether they knew the animal was dangerous or if it was the first time it harmed someone.
Additionally, Loveland has its own rules regarding defining a canine’s viciousness (found in Loveland Municipal Code § 6.20.030) and how it might impact an owner’s liability if the animal harms someone. Under these regulations, a dog may be dangerous if it hurts a human or another animal by using its claws or teeth or attempting to injure someone in this way.
When the Injured Party is Liable
In some situations, the injured person may be unable to accuse the owner of wrongdoing or liability under the above rules. For example, if the person committed a crime or trespassed onto the dog’s property at the time of the incident, they may be ineligible to take legal action.
Similarly, an adult may be unable to receive compensation if the court believes they abused or knowingly provoked the animal, such as by hitting or yelling at it. A Loveland lawyer could explain these dog bite liability laws in more detail during a consultation.
Forms of Damages for a Dog Bite Injury
Someone harmed by a dog attack may qualify for a range of compensation if they can establish the owner’s liability. Some forms of economic damages or tangible monetary awards that a person could receive include the following:
- Property damage
- Medical bills
- Lost work
- Loss of earning capacity
Additionally, under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-102.5, a casualty could ask for a settlement that addresses non-economic damages, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional trauma
- Loss of quality of life
- Loss of consortium
When the court determines that the animal’s caregiver acted maliciously or willfully in causing or allowing the attack, the casualty might also receive punitive damages under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-102. Speak with a dog bite liability lawyer in Loveland today to learn more about available compensation.
Call a Loveland Attorney for Help Proving Liability for a Dog Bite
When an animal assaults you unexpectedly, you may feel the effects of this incident for days, weeks, or even years to come. But the laws concerning dog bite liability in Loveland may equip you with the tools to stand up against this injustice. If you successfully bring a claim, you may recoup much-needed funds to pay your medical bills and begin moving forward.
Our legal team could provide vital support, including helping to steer negotiations, filing important documents, and taking the negligent dog owner to trial. When you are ready to learn more, contact our compassionate personal injury attorneys today for an initial consultation.
