Thornton Dog Bite Lawyer

Thornton Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs can be incredibly loyal and fun pets, but they can sometimes become aggressive and bite other people. Caring for a dog’s needs in Thornton can be challenging, yet you are responsible for ensuring your dog is not a safety risk. Should you or a loved one suffer a personal injury from a dog bite, you can experience not only physical pain but economic damage and emotional distress, as well. It is essential that you know your rights when it comes to dog bites throughout the Thornton area, as you may be entitled to compensation.

Dog bite laws can be complicated for the average resident to understand, but our team can assist you. Cheney Galluzzi & Howard takes pride in representing clients of all ages who have suffered from dog bites. Even if your needs are clear, some insurance companies may try to take advantage of your situation, and the dog owner may take these legal matters just as seriously to defend themselves. In any case, having the assistance of a dog bite attorney can ensure these matters are handled professionally and swiftly.

Dog Bite Laws in Colorado

The state’s dog bite laws tend to be strict and difficult to fully make sense of. The general laws describe a dog bite as an incident when a canine causes a severe bodily injury to another person. In this situation, the dog owner will be responsible for paying the damages caused by the injury, such as pain and suffering, medical costs, and more.

That said, the one-bite rule can protect an owner from liability if they can prove their dog was not dangerous or they were unaware their dog was a safety concern. This alone is hard to do, which is why having an attorney on your side is crucial. In fact, proving liability in any dog bite incident isn’t as easy as it may seem. For example, if you were trespassing on someone else’s property and become bitten, you most likely won’t be able to earn compensation. However, if you are injured by a known dangerous dog and did not instigate the attack, you may still be eligible for compensation.

Generally speaking, pet owners are responsible for paying the damages due to the animal attack. Colorado’s strict liability law makes it incredibly challenging for pet owners to avoid paying compensation to the victim, even if their dog had no history of attacking others.

What Can You Earn Compensation for After a Dog Bite?

There are multiple types of damages you can file a claim for after a dog bite in Thornton. If you have the required evidence to prove your case, you can earn compensation for multiple types of damages, including:

• Medical bills. Dog bites can be gruesome and result in lacerations, broken bones, and even traumatic brain injuries. Regardless of how intense your injury and recovery process are, you can seek compensation for these bills as you recover.
• Lost wages. Personal injuries can leave some workers unable to do their jobs. You shouldn’t have to miss out on wages you deserve due to a dog bite. You can request compensation for the wages you missed as a result of recovering from the incident, including paid time off you were forced to use after the incident occurred.
• Property damage. Dangerous dogs can also damage property when attacking others. When filing a claim, you may be able to earn compensation to replace or repair any property that was damaged during the attack.

Because there is no cap on pain and suffering damages for dog bite claims, you can seek as much as you feel is necessary to cover the severe damages and injuries sustained from the attack. While the average individual may struggle to determine how much they can earn, an attorney well-versed in dog bite laws can assist you during the process.

FAQs About Thornton, CO Dog Bite Laws

Q: How Much Compensation Can You Get for a Dog Bite in Colorado?

A: There is no set amount you can earn, as no dog bite case is the same. The national average settlement for a dog bite is approximately $32,000, but you’re not guaranteed to earn this much. In most cases, you can expect to earn as much compensation as it would require to pay back lost wages, medical bills, property damage, and other expenses as a result of this situation.

Q: What Happens if Your Dog Bites Someone in Colorado?

A: If your dog bites someone else, you will be liable for the damages it causes. It’s essential to meet with a dog bite lawyer as soon as possible if you find yourself in this situation. If your dog has no history of attacking others, you may be able to avoid paying compensation if you can gather the right evidence. You also must report the incident to animal protection services so they can quarantine your dog for at least ten days.

Q: Can I Sue for a Dog Bite in Colorado?

A: Yes, you can sue the dog’s owner if their dog attacked you and caused you to experience emotional distress, physical pain, and economic issues. You have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a claim in Colorado’s civil court system. Before filing, however, it’s highly advised to speak with legal representation so they can help you build a strong case.

Q: Do Dog Bites Have to Be Reported in Colorado?

A: Yes, you must report dog bites within 12 hours of the incident. To properly report the attack, call Thornton Animal Protection Services so they can investigate the situation and quarantine your dog. They can then determine how to prevent future attacks and why your dog might have attacked. You can report the incident through either the department’s website or by calling via phone.

Contact a Dog Bite Lawyer in Thornton Today

Our team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard has the experience and knowledge necessary to represent clients who have sustained dog bites. Rather than build a case on your own while also recovering from the injury, let our team gather the evidence we need for your case while you recover. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help.