Have you been bitten by a dog? You’re not alone. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, dog bites and animal attacks occur with shocking regularity in the United States. Nearly five million people are attacked by dogs every year, and medical expenses can quickly add up to thousands of dollars. Nearly 800,000 of these attacks require medical attention, potentially leaving victims with costly medical bills and other expenses.
However, if you are bitten due to a negligent pet owner, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Let the compassionate Northglenn dog bite lawyers from Hull & Zimmerman, P.C. help with your case. Our personal injury attorneys provide one-on-one attention and strategic guidance throughout your case.
Common Injuries from Dog Attacks
Many dogs, including aggressive breeds like Pit Bulls and German Shepherds, have strong, powerful jaws and sharp teeth that can cause devastating injuries during dog attacks. Dog bites can leave a victim with serious repercussions, including:
Dog owners are responsible for properly restraining their pets so they do not attack and cause these terrible injuries. Owners who fail in this primary duty can be held liable for any injuries caused by their animals. A knowledgeable Northglenn attorney familiar with local pet laws could help you prove liability and pursue compensation in a dog bite case.
What Makes Dog Bite Claims Different?
Dog bite claims can involve more than simply showing that an injury occurred. Our Northglenn dog bite attorney may need to investigate the circumstances surrounding the attack, including where the incident happened, who owned or controlled the dog, whether the owner knew about the animal’s behavior, and whether witnesses saw the attack.
Evidence can become especially important when the dog owner disputes what happened. Evidence that can help establish the facts includes:
- Torn clothing
- Medical records
- Photos of your injuries
- The location of the attack
- Photographs of the animal
Reports made to local animal control or law enforcement can also provide valuable documentation.
The circumstances of the attack may affect your legal claim. For example, the investigation may consider whether you had permission to be on the property, whether the dog was properly restrained, and whether someone else contributed to the incident. Children can also face unique challenges after an attack because they may suffer more significant physical and emotional consequences.
Our lawyers can gather available evidence, identify potentially responsible parties, and communicate with insurance companies on your behalf. This can allow you to focus on medical treatment while your legal team works to build your claim.
Compensation for Medical Bills and Other Losses
A dog attack can create expenses that extend far beyond the initial emergency room visit. Depending on the severity of the injuries, victims may require follow-up appointments, medication, physical therapy, reconstructive procedures, or other medical care. Our dog bite lawyers in Northglenn can review these losses when determining the potential value of a claim.
Medical expenses represent only one part of the financial impact. If your injuries prevent you from working, you may lose wages while you recover. Severe injuries could also affect your ability to perform your job in the future. A strong claim should account for these economic losses when the facts and applicable law support recovery.
Mental and Emotional Side Effects
Dog bites can also cause lasting pain, emotional distress, fear, and visible scarring. Some victims develop anxiety around dogs or experience emotional trauma after an unexpected attack. When an injury changes a person’s appearance or ability to participate in everyday activities, those consequences can significantly affect quality of life.
Keeping detailed records can help document these losses. Save medical bills, receipts, wage information, appointment records, photographs, and correspondence related to the attack. You should also follow your health care provider’s treatment recommendations and keep records of symptoms that continue after the initial injury.
Building a Strong Dog Bite Injury Claim
Insurance companies may become involved quickly after a dog attack, particularly when the animal’s owner has homeowners or renters insurance. A dog bite lawyer in Northglenn can handle communications with insurers and help protect your interests during the claims process.
Insurance adjusters may ask questions about the incident, your injuries, your medical treatment, and whether you contributed to the attack. Statements made before you understand the full extent of your injuries could create complications later. Having legal representation can give you someone who understands how to evaluate those questions and respond appropriately.
Your legal team can also investigate whether additional evidence exists. This may include obtaining medical records, interviewing witnesses, reviewing photographs or video footage, documenting the dog’s ownership, and examining reports concerning the attack. In some cases, information about the animal’s prior behavior may become relevant to the claim.
Timing also matters. Injuries may continue to develop after the initial treatment, and important evidence can become harder to locate as time passes. Speaking with our attorney soon after an attack can help preserve evidence and identify potential sources of compensation.
How a Dog Bite Lawyer in Northglenn Can Help With Your Claim
At Hull & Zimmerman, P.C., we believe that owners should be held responsible for the actions of their pets, and you and your family should not be held financially responsible for an incident that was someone else’s fault.
If you or someone you love has been bitten or attacked by a dog, you may be eligible for financial compensation. We may be able to help you get it. To learn more about what our Northglenn dog bite lawyers may be able to do for you, reach out online or call us today at 303-647-1999 or Toll-Free 866-385-3505 for a free case consultation.
