CALL A ZINDA LAW GROUP DOG BITE INJURY ATTORNEY IN DENVER AT (800) 863-5312 TO DISCUSS YOUR CASE FOR FREE
How To File a Dog Bite Report in Denver
Dogs are known as “man’s best friend,” for they are most often loyal and friendly. Not only are dogs great companions, but many can be trained to detect high blood pressure, guide the blind, sniff out contraband, and more. Unfortunately, not all interactions with dogs are positive or even enjoyable. Some dogs may be frightened or have a propensity for violence and may bite. Victims of dog bites sometimes face substantial medical bills, and some even suffer from significant trauma.
If you or a loved one has been attacked by a dog in Denver, or any of the surrounding areas, contact an experienced Denver personal injury lawyer today. Call a Zinda Law Group personal injury attorney at (800) 863-5312 for your 100% free consultation. You will not be expected to pay us a thing unless we are able to win your case.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationCommon dog bite injuries
Most dog bites are relatively minor, especially if the bite does not break the skin. However, some may be extremely serious and may get worse if you do not seek immediate medical attention. Dog bites may easily become infected, so it is important to seek medical attention from a medical professional if the bite or attack subsequently punctured your skin.
Common injuries that have been reported after a dog bite include, but are not limited to:
Puncture Wounds
Although some puncture wounds may not seem serious, they have the potential to lead to something extremely dangerous. For example, an untreated puncture wound may be prone to infection. If you have been bitten by a dog and suffered from one or more puncture wounds, it is important to seek immediate medical attention. A doctor will be able to clean the wound, dress the injury properly, and decide whether or not to prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
Infection
If a dog bite pierces the skin, bacteria from the dog’s mouth may work its way into the victim’s body, causing infection. If left untreated, the infection could result in serious medical concerns, such as tetanus, rabies, or sepsis. In certain cases, this infection may also spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms of a dog bite infection include:
- Swelling and redness around the wound
- Drainage from the wound
- Long lasting pain
- Difficulty moving the injured body part
If you believe you may have an infection, you need to seek medical attention. A doctor may prescribe antibiotics to fight the infection or administer a vaccine to help prevent tetanus and rabies.
Nerve Damage
In serious cases, dog bite injuries may lead to nerve damage, especially if the dog’s teeth were able to tear into muscle tissue. Nerve damage may lead to a loss of sensation to the affected area, or even a complete loss of motion to an entire limb. If you believe you have suffered nerve damage as a result of a dog bite, you should seek immediate medial attention. Failure to treat the wound may result in permanent loss of sensation and movement in the affected area.
Emotional Damage
Dog bites and animal attacks may also leave the victim with significant emotional damage. Victims may be forced to undergo costly therapy or counseling and may be left with a lifelong fear of dogs. It is important for parents to teach their children to understand that when a dog is upset, fearful, or aggressive, it may try to defend itself. It is best to teach children how to avoid a dog bite rather than risk getting one, as a dog bite may cause injury, sleep disturbances, fear, withdrawal, and bed wetting.
If you were bitten by a dog, you may be suffering from severe physical or emotional trauma. Zinda Law Group dog bite lawyers in Denver are here to help guide you through this difficult time. We have the experience and ability to answer any questions you may have about your dog bite injury lawsuit.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWho is liable for my dog bite injuries?
After a dog bite or attack, you may be wondering who is liable for your subsequent hospital bills, pharmaceutical costs, or therapy expenses. Typically, the owner of the dog will be held liable for your injuries. When you hire an experienced Colorado dog bite lawyer, they will answer all of your questions and help guide you through the entire legal process. For example, they will inform you that there are two main legal premises for which you might bring your dog bite lawsuit: strict liability and negligence.
Strict Liability
Pursuant to Colorado law, a dog owner may be held strictly liable if another individual suffers serious bodily injury or death as a result of being bitten by the owner’s dog while lawfully on public or private property. The dog owner is not required to be aware of the dog’s viciousness or propensity to bite. The victim of the dog bite may be able to bring a civil action against the owner to recover economic damages, which may include hospital bills, loss of income, property damage, and more.
Negligence
If you were bitten by a dog but your injuries do not amount to “serious bodily harm,” the owner of the dog may not be held strictly liable for your damages. You may still be able to receive compensation for your dog bite, however, if you are able to show that the owner was acting in a negligent manner.
In order to successfully pursue a negligence claim, you must be able to show the following elements:
- The dog’s owner owed you a duty of care. This duty is typically proven by showing the owner failed to prevent the dog from attacking you on public property or while you were legally on the owner’s property.
- The owner breached the duty of care by failing to reasonably keep his or her dog restrained on a leash or adequate enclosure.
- The dog’s owner was negligent in allowing the dog an opportunity to bite you.
- Your injuries were a direct or proximate result of the owner’s negligence and subsequent dog bite.
If you believe the dog owner was negligent, you may be able to bring a claim for your injuries. Contact a Zinda Law Group personal injury attorney in Denver today to discuss your dog bite case value.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhen is the dog owner not liable for my injuries?
There are certain instances in which the dog owner will not be held liable for injuries caused by a dog bite. According to Colorado law, the dog owner will not be held responsible for your damages if one of the following situations occurs:
- If you are trespassing or otherwise unlawfully on public or private property.
- If you are unlawfully on the owner’s property despite clear signs reading “no trespassing” or “beware of dog.”
- If the dog is being used for peace officer or military personnel duties.
- If you knowingly provoked the dog.
- If you are working as a veterinary worker, groomer, humane agency worker, or in a similar profession.
- If the dog is working as a hunting dog, herding dog, farm dog, or predator control dog on the property of, or under the control of, the owner.
If you have been bitten by a dog and are unsure of whether or not the owner can be held liable for your injuries, contact an experienced Denver dog bite lawyer today. Zinda Law Group personal injury lawyers have the knowledge and ability necessary to discuss your case and help you determine who may be held responsible for your damages. Our experienced attorneys may also help to answer any legal questions you may have, such as:
“Should I file a claim for my injuries?”
“How much can I claim for a dog bite?”
“How much time do I have to file a lawsuit?”
Colorado’s Dog Bite Reporting Law
It is important to report a dog bite or animal attack as soon as you can following the incident. Not only will this help law enforcement investigate the incident and determine fault, but it is also required under the law. According to Colorado law, all dog, cat, or other pet animal bites must be reported within 12 hours to the local animal control agency. If you were bitten by a dog in Denver, you can report the incident in a number of ways, including:
- Online to Denver Animal Protection using Denver County’s bite reporting form
- By Calling Denver Animal Care and Control Division at (720) 913-1311
- By dialing 3-1-1
If you have questions regarding Colorado dog bite laws, contact a Zinda Law Group personal injury attorney today. We have offices across the state of Colorado and are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to discuss your case.
Contact an experienced zinda law group dog attack attorney in Denver today to discuss your case
At Zinda Law Group, we have a highly skilled team of dog bite injury lawyers available to discuss your case. We have years of experience helping the victims of dog attacks in Denver, Aurora, Boulder, Fort Collins, Colorado Springs, and the surrounding areas get the compensation they deserve for their injuries. The skilled attorneys at Zinda Law Group may be able to help investigate your case, determine who is at fault, and help you understand your legal options. This includes a discussion on what your case may be worth as well as how long it may take to reach a settlement agreement.
If you have been attacked by a dog in Colorado, contact an experienced Zinda Law Group personal injury attorney today at (800) 863-5312 for your 100% free consultation. As always, you will not pay us a thing unless we are successful in winning your case. That is our No Win, No Fee Guarantee.
Meetings with attorneys are available by appointment only.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
