Dog bites can cause physical injuries, emotional trauma, and unexpected financial burdens for victims and their families. If you or your loved one suffered an injury in a canine attack, a Longmont dog bite lawyer can help.
At Hull & Zimmerman, our experienced personal injury attorneys understand the serious impact these incidents can have on your life. We are committed to holding negligent dog owners accountable and pursuing the fair and just compensation you deserve through compassionate, results-driven representation.
Dog Bite Liability Laws
Colorado follows strict liability rules for dog bite injuries. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-124, dog owners are automatically responsible when their animals bite someone who is lawfully on public or private property, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge of their aggression. You do not need to prove negligence, as the bite itself establishes liability.
However, the state also recognizes claims for injuries other than bites, such as when dogs knock people down or cause injuries through other types of aggressive behavior. In these non-bite cases, victims must prove the owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous propensities. You can discuss liability for your dog attack injuries with our attorneys in Longmont.
Costly Injuries and Losses Resulting From Dog Bites
Dog bite injuries often result in devastating consequences that extend far beyond initial wounds. You might require emergency room treatment, surgical intervention for deep lacerations, and reconstructive procedures for facial injuries or scarring. Infection risks necessitate antibiotic treatments and tetanus injections, while severe attacks may cause nerve damage, broken bones, or permanent disfigurement requiring ongoing medical care.
If you are the victim of a dog attack, in addition to immediate medical expenses, you might face substantial economic losses. Time away from work during recovery leads to lost wages, and permanent injuries may reduce your future earning capacity. Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety around animals, and emotional distress can significantly impact quality of life. Additional costs incurred over time may include:
- Cosmetic procedures to minimize visible scarring and disfigurement
- Facial reconstruction, skin grafts, and laser therapy
- Physical therapy to restore your mobility and functions after serious attacks that have caused muscle or tendon damage.
- Therapy and counseling for lasting psychological trauma, especially for children
You need a dog attack lawyer in Longmont who can accurately calculate your losses and seek full compensation from the dog owner.
How Do You Prove a Dog Bite Claim?
While the dog bite itself proves negligence, if you are to win compensation for the full costs of care, you need evidence to prove the extent of the harm you suffered. This evidence may include:
- Physical evidence: Animal control reports, torn clothing, photos of the scene, and leash law violations can demonstrate potential owner negligence
- Medical records and documentation: Hospital reports, emergency room visits, and treatment records can establish the severity of the bite and link your injuries directly to the incident
- Witness statements: Testimonies from individuals who witnessed the attack provide credible accounts of the dog’s behavior and whether the owner had control of the animal
- Dog’s history: Prior bite incidents, complaints to animal control, or records showing the dog’s aggressive tendencies prove the owner knew or should have known about the danger their pet posed
Our experienced Longmont legal team can use these sources of evidence to prove your need for monetary recovery in your dog bite case.
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Longmont Today
Do not allow a dog bite to disrupt your life. At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., our experienced attorneys understand dog bite laws and can fight to secure the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Contact us today for a free consultation to discuss your case and explore your legal options. A Longmont dog bite lawyer from our team is ready to help.
