Even when properly trained, dogs can potentially cause serious injury to any other animal or person they think is encroaching on their territory or physically threatening them. Under state law, dog owners may even bear strict liability for injuries their dogs cause other people through a bite. However, there are several caveats to this rule and requirements claimants must meet to secure a positive result in cases like these.

Guidance from a Denver dog bite lawyer could make a huge difference in how effectively you could pursue compensation for losses sustained due to a dog attack. Whether your case involves strict liability or traditional negligence, our dedicated personal injury attorneys at Roberts Markland LLP could ensure you understand applicable laws and help build the strongest claim possible for your circumstances.

When Are Denver Dog Owners Liable for Bites?

According to Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-124, dog owners hold strict liability for civil damages if their dog causes a serious or fatal physical injury to someone lawfully on the owner’s private or public property when the incident happened. In this context, “strict liability” means the plaintiff in an ensuing claim does not need to prove that the dog owner was reckless or careless in a way that directly led to the bite. Instead, injured individuals must demonstrate that the facts are true and that the named defendant is the dog’s legal owner.

However, this statute lists six specific situations where strict liability would not apply to a canine bite injury:

  • The dog was performing work on its owner’s property, such as herding, hunting, or assistance with farming
  • The dog was performing official duties alongside a police officer or military servicemember
  • The injured person was performing duties for a professional job related to animal care, including grooming, veterinary services, or training
  • The injured person knowingly assaulted, taunted, or otherwise provoked the dog
  • The injured person was trespassing at the time of the incident
  • The dog’s owner marked their property with warning signs to ensure visitors were aware of a potentially dangerous canine

It may also be possible to file suit over an incident that occurred away from a dog owner’s personal property based on the owner’s failure to control their pet and protect other people from being bitten. A knowledgeable attorney in Denver could explain these concepts in greater detail during a consultation.

Recoverable Compensation After a Canine Bite

Economic and non-economic losses could be factored into a comprehensive dog bite lawsuit. For example, financial recovery can include short-term losses like emergency medical bills and physical pain, as well as long-term harm like lost working capacity, future medical expenses, and lost quality of life.

However, C.R.S. §13-21-102.5 limits how much money a plaintiff can recover for non-economic damages in a single case, with the applicable limit changing yearly to account for inflation. A seasoned lawyer in Denver could offer more guidance about available compensation during an initial meeting.

Contact a Dog Bite Attorney in Denver for Help as Soon as Possible

Dog attacks can leave life-altering physical and psychological scars, not to mention immense financial losses. Recovering fairly for these damages can be very difficult without guidance from a tenacious legal professional with a history of achieving positive results from similar claims.

A conversation with a Denver dog bite lawyer could offer you the clarity and confidence you need to demand fair civil recovery for your injuries. Call today to schedule a consultation.