Average Dog Bite Settlement in Colorado [2024 Updated]

Being bitten by a dog can be a traumatic experience that leads to expensive medical bills, mental anguish, and additional loss of income. If you were bitten by a dog in the state of Colorado, you probably want to know what the average dog-bite settlement in Colorado should look like overall.

Average Dog Bite Settlement Amounts in Colorado

The settlement for a dog bite in Colorado could be extremely high or very low, depending on many factors. Generally, settlements for a dog bite will be substantial enough to cover your medical bills, lost income, suffering, and any additional expenses that arise from the dog bite.

The outcome of the settlement could be influenced by various factors such as the severity of the injuries, your age, whether the dog bite impacted your ability to earn a living, whether your case can be proved and proven with certainty, and whether you were the victim of the unprovoked attack.

More severe injuries could garner higher settlement figures. Your age can also impact settlement amounts. For example, a child who suffers an injury can be compensated for their past, current, and future pain and suffering. How the dog attack occurred and whether the dog owner could have been more careful to prevent the bite will also affect the settlement.

Any factor that can be proven to increase a dog owner’s responsibility will likely increase the amount a victim can recover. Each situation is different, so you should discuss any potential settlement with an attorney.

Factors Influencing Settlement Amounts

Several key factors influence the settlement amount for a dog bite case. A few examples are:

• Injury severity. The more severe the injury, the larger the settlement, as more severe injuries yield higher medical expenses.
• Medical expenses. All related medical costs (including future medical care) are considered.
• Lost wages. Compensation for any income lost due to the inability to work.
• Pain and suffering. This non-economic damage compensates the victim for the physical and emotional suffering caused by the bite.
• Factors contributing to the incident. If the dog was known to be aggressive or the owner was negligent in some way, the settlement is likely to be higher.

Common Injuries From Dog Bites

Victims can have a variety of injuries, such as puncture wounds, lacerations, infections, and soft-tissue damage. Other victims experience more serious injuries like broken bones, disfiguration, and emotional trauma. With any injury, dog bite victims should head immediately to a doctor and have all their injuries documented should they decide to seek compensation.

What to Do if a Dog Bites You

If a dog bites you, it’s crucial to take the following steps:

• Seek medical attention. Immediate care can prevent your wounds from becoming infected. It is also important to document your injuries in the event you need to file a claim.
• Report the incident. Notify local law enforcement or animal control.
• Document everything. Take photos of injuries and gather witness statements.
• Contact a lawyer. A legal professional can guide you through the process of seeking compensation.

How to Prove Liability in a Dog Bite Case?

In a dog bite case, proving liability can be achieved either by showing that the dog had a history of aggression or was being handled negligently, or a combination of both. Witness statements, injuries documented in your medical records, and prior complaints from other people who came into contact with the dog can all be valuable in establishing blame. An experienced attorney can help to uncover the right evidence.

The Dog Bite Law

Colorado is a strict liability state for dog bites, which means that dog owners can be liable for bites regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or history of aggression. Specifically, if a person was lawfully on public or private property and did not provoke the dog, Colorado’s dog bite statute establishes that the victim is able to recover any resulting medical expenses, loss of work/wages, pain and suffering, and other related damages from the owner.

If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite in Colorado, it is important to understand this law so that you can properly file a claim for an injury and receive fair compensation.

FAQs

Q: How Much Should I Settle for in a Dog Bite Claim?

A: The amount you should settle for in a dog bite claim depends on the extent of your injuries, medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. An experienced dog bite lawyer can look at the facts of your case and give you guidance on how much to accept for your settlement. It is not a good idea to settle on your own without legal guidance.

Q: What Is the Lowest Settlement for a Dog Bite?

A: The lowest settlement for a dog bite can vary significantly depending on the circumstances of the case. Minor cases with minimal injuries might result in lower settlements, primarily covering basic medical expenses. Cases where the victims’ injuries are more severe or have longer-lasting effects will result in larger settlement amounts. Talk with an attorney to gain a better understanding of your exact options.

Q: How Long Does It Take to Get Money From a Dog Bite Claim?

A: The time it takes to receive money from a dog bite settlement can vary. It often depends on the complexity of the case, the severity of the injuries, and the willingness of the involved parties to negotiate. Settlements can take anywhere from a few months to over a year. Patience and thorough documentation can help expedite the process.

Q: Does Colorado Have a One-Bite Rule?

A: No, it does not follow the one-bite rule. Instead, Colorado has a strict liability statute for dog bites, meaning the owner can be held liable even without prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive behavior. If the bite victim was lawfully on public or private property and did not provoke the dog, they do not need to prove that the owner knew the dog could bite. This ensures victims can seek compensation without proving the owner’s prior knowledge.

Contact a Colorado Dog Bite Attorney

If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Colorado, understanding your legal rights and potential settlement can help you navigate this challenging time. You can improve your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries and related expenses by seeking legal advice and taking prompt action.

Contact our experienced legal team at Cheney Galluzzi & Howard today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can assist you in securing the settlement you deserve.