Denver Dog Bite Lawyer

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.

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 our 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 2018 alone, nearly 27,000 people underwent reconstructive surgery due to dog bite injuries.

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 a Denver dog bite lawyer 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.

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, you should speak with an experienced dog bite attorney.

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:

1. If a dog bites a person who is unlawfully on public or private property. For example, a trespasser on private or public property.
2. The dog owner has conspicuous signs on their property that read “no trespassing” or “beware of dog.”
3. The dog is being used by law enforcement or military personnel to perform their duties.
4. The dog bites a person who knowingly provokes it.
5. The dog bites a professional dog handler, veterinary healthcare worker, trainer, or dog show judge performing their duties.
6. 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, you should speak with a dog bite attorney to 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?

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, you should contact an attorney as soon as possible, as it takes time to build a strong case.

Contact a Denver Dog Bite Attorney

Denver Dog Bite Injury Lawyer, John Lee

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) 355-7202 today to schedule your free consultation with one of our expert Denver personal injury attorneys.

Client Testimonial

“Lori Tolle and her team are fantastic! They communicate well and are very compassionate. They made a complicated case go much smoother than anticipated. I highly recommend Fuicelli & Lee, P.C.” – Troy H. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

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Fuicelli & Lee, PC – Denver Office

1731 Gilpin Street
Denver, CO 80218
P: (303) 355-7202