Denver Dog Bite Attorney

Denver Personal Injury Lawyers » Denver Dog Bite Attorney

Dogs are a part of human life in different capacities. Some people keep them as pets and companions, while others use them to perform functions like security, hunting, or herding dogs. Domesticated dogs are generally safe to be around; however, dog bites are quite common. Dogs may bite to protect themselves, their territory, or while playing.

If a dog bite sends you to the emergency room, you might be able to get compensation for your medical expenses from the dog owner. If you have been injured by a dog bite, you should speak with a Denver dog bite attorney to explore your legal options at Fuicelli & Lee. Contact us today for a free consultation.

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Why Choose Fuicelli & Lee

Fuicelli & Lee is an accomplished Denver personal injury law firm, representing clients who have suffered catastrophic injuries as a result of someone else’s reckless or careless actions.
As a boutique law firm, we do not measure our success by the volume of cases we handle, but by the difference we make in our clients’ lives.
Many firms are intimidated to go to trial and don’t have the experience needed to win in court. Several of of our attorneys are former prosecutors with 20+ years of experience.
We truly care about our clients. We specifically limit our case docket to ensure every client receives our undivided attention.

Dog Bite Statistics

Each year, about 12,480 people in the United States are hospitalized due to dog bites. The average cost of a dog bite-related hospitalization stay is about $18,200—about 50 percent higher than the cost of the average hospital stay. In one recent year, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery due to dog bite injuries.

Additional dog bite facts

Dog bites are the most common form of animal bite in the U.S.
About 4.5 million people are bitten by dogs, with about 800,000 people receiving some level of medical care for their dog bite injuries.
Nearly 1,000 people receive emergency care for dog bite injuries.
One out of five dog bites becomes infected.
Children 5-9 years old have the highest incidence of dog bite injuries.
On average, 45 people die of dog bite injuries every year.

A dog attack can cause serious injuries that can leave you with mounting medical bills, especially if your dog bite injury leaves you unable to work for a period of time. If you have been attacked by a dog and injured, you could be eligible for compensation. Contact Fuicelli & Lee’s experienced dog bite lawyers today.

Colorado Dog Bite Law

Colorado’s dog bite statute imposes strict liability on Colorado dog owners whose dogs cause serious bodily injury or death to a person. Strict liability means that a defendant is held liable for a prohibited action regardless of their intention or any excuses they may have. As long as a person is lawfully on public or private property and a dog injures them, the dog owner will be liable for the injuries.

For example, Amazon delivery drivers or postal workers who suffer a dog bite while delivering a package to someone’s front door can hold the dog owners liable for their dog bite injury. A Denver dog bite attorney can review the circumstances of your injury to determine if you may have grounds for a dog bite injury lawsuit.

FAQ: How does Colorado define a dangerous dog?

Colorado law (18-9-204.5 of the Colorado Revised Statutes) makes owning a dangerous dog illegal. The law defines a dangerous dog as:

A dog that injures or kills a person or domestic animal

A dog that demonstrates tendencies that would cause a reasonable person to believe that the dog may injure or kill a person or domestic animal

A dog that engages in animal fighting or is trained to engage in animal fighting

FAQ: Are pit bull terriers illegal in Denver?

In November 2020, Denver residents voted to repeal the city’s ban on owning pit bulls. Now, under ordinance Sec. 8-67, you may own a restricted breed (American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier) with a permit. To receive a quick breed evaluation and permit, you must take your restricted breed to the Denver animal shelter Animal Shelter at 1241 W. Bayaud Ave. between 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. any day of the week.

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Types of Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bite injuries from a dog attack can vary in severity. Here are some common types of injuries we see in dog bite victims:

Broken or punctured skin
Broken bones or fractures
Eye injuries
Scarring
Nerve damages
Tissue damage
Disfigurement
Infections
Emotional trauma

A serious dog bite injury can require hospitalization, corrective or cosmetic surgery, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatment. If you or a loved one has suffered a serious injury in a dog attack, call Fuicelli & Lee to speak with an experienced dog bite lawyer about obtaining compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages or income, pain and suffering, and more.

What if the Dog Didn’t Have a History of Violence?

It doesn’t matter that the dog has vicious or dangerous tendencies. Colorado’s dog bite law applies regardless of whether or not the dog has a history of aggressive behavior. The law also applies whether or not the dog owner knew the dog’s viciousness or tendency to violence.

However, if the dog bite victim can prove that the owner knew about the dog’s viciousness, a court may order that a professional euthanize the dog at the expense of the dog’s owner.

Are There Any Exemptions to the Colorado Dog Bite Statute?

There are six exemptions under which a dog owner may be protected if their dog bites and injures someone. The six exemptions are:

If a dog bites a person who is unlawfully on public or private property. For example, a trespasser on private or public property.
The dog owner has conspicuous signs on their property that read “no trespassing” or “beware of dog.”
The dog is being used by law enforcement or military personnel to perform their duties.
The dog bites a person who knowingly provokes it.
The dog bites a professional dog handler, veterinary healthcare worker, trainer, or dog show judge performing their duties.
While the dog is working as a herding dog, hunting dog, or predator control dog on the property of or under the control of its owner.

How Much Compensation Can I Get for a Dog Bite Injury?

The Colorado dog bite law limits compensation to economic damages, such as your medical bills. But the law does not prohibit actions based on other legal theories, such as if the dog owner acted negligently or in the case of premises liability.

If you have been injured by a dog bite, call Fuicelli to speak with an experienced personal injury lawyer. We will help you understand your legal options and whether you can obtain compensation through a dog bite claim.

What Compensation is Available for a Denver Dog Bite?

Dog bites can cause serious bodily injury and require a lot of medical treatment. Depending on the severity of your injuries, compensation for Colorado dog bite claims can cover damages such as:

Medical bills, including hospitalization, corrective or cosmetic surgery, rehabilitation, ongoing medical attention, and other medical expenses.
Psychological treatment for emotional trauma.
Lost wages if you missed work due to your injuries.
Lost earning potential if you are unable to return to work due to your injuries.
Pain and suffering.
Emotional anguish.

Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Dog Bite Claim?

Denver Dog Bite Injury Lawyer, John Lee

Colorado law has a strict two-year time limit from the date of the dog attack for victims of dog attacks to file a personal injury lawsuit against the dog’s owner or another responsible party. If you choose to pursue compensation through a dog bite claim, contact a Denver dog bite lawyer with Fuicelli & Lee as soon as possible. Building a strong case that covers all your damages can take time.

Contact a Denver Dog Bite Attorney

Contact the Denver dog bite attorneys at Fuicelli & Lee for a free initial consultation and an honest assessment of your dog bite case. If we do not believe wholeheartedly in the merits of your case, we will tell you right away. You have nothing to lose, so call (303) 444-4444 today to schedule your free consultation with one of our expert Denver personal injury attorneys.

Client Testimonial

“I was the victim of an attack that left me with a severe head injury. The first legal team I worked with walked away from my case, stating “we do not see a clear case of recovery.” I felt hopeless, and thought that I would just have to accept this unfortunate fate. But then I was referred to Fuicelli & Lee. What a game changer! Fuicelli & Lee seemed less concerned with a source of recovery, and more concerned with righting an injustice. I can not express the relief I felt to have this team advocating for me on my behalf. Through out the entire process Fuicelli & Lee were professional, responsive, understanding, informative, and above all human, if you know what I mean. Through persistence, diligence, and professional acumen, Fuicelli & Lee succeeded where others had failed. I was incredibly fortunate to have Fuicelli & Lee fighting on my behalf. I give Fuicelli & Lee the highest marks possible. It was truly an honor and a pleasure getting to know someone of such great character and morality.” – Scott N. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

Fuicelli & Lee, PC – Denver Office

1731 Gilpin Street
Denver, CO 80218
P: (303) 444-4444