Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyer
At Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we understand the trauma and pain a dog bite can inflict. If a dog has attacked you, causing injuries that necessitated medical treatment, you are not alone in this struggle. As your dedicated Lafayette dog bite lawyer, we commit to helping you navigate this challenging time with empathy and expertise.
From the moment you reach out to us, we focus on how best we can serve your needs and help you recover damages from the liable party. You deserve to pursue compensation for your suffering. Our approach combines a deep understanding of your ordeal with a commitment to assertive legal action. We recognize the severity of a dog bite claim and are here to offer the professional guidance and support you deserve.
Why Choose Us
We have over 100 years of combined experience
We provide personalized attention
We offer free initial consultations
We hold insurance companies accountable
We have recovered over $230 Million for our clients
Colorado Dog Bite Laws: Understanding Strict Liability
In Colorado, dog bites typically fall under the legal concept of “strict liability.” This rule significantly impacts how victims of dog bites pursue legal action for their injuries. Under Colorado dog bite law, the victim is not required to show prior knowledge or negligence by the dog’s owner. That means that if a dog bites and seriously injures someone, the owner is liable whether they were aware of the dog’s potential for aggression or not.
According to the statute, the owner of a dog can be responsible for damages if the dog bites a person who was in a public place or was lawfully on the owner’s private property at the time of the bite. It’s important to note that this liability applies specifically to the dog’s owner, not someone else handling or walking the dog.
The caveat is you must sustain serious injuries, which means injuries that create a substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of an organ or part of the body. Bone breaks and fractures also fall under “serious injury” for dog bite cases. Available damages in a strict liability dog bite case do not include compensation for pain and suffering or emotional distress.
Dog Bites and Negligence Claims
If your claim doesn’t meet the “serious injury” standard, it will not fall under the strict liability statute. However, victims can still pursue a negligence-based claim. You must show the dog owner knew or should’ve known the dog had dangerous tendencies and did not take reasonable precautions to protect you from the dog. Injuries that might be compensable under a negligence claim include sprain and strains, severe bruising, or minor skin lacerations.
Additionally, you will need to prove negligence if you want to seek compensation for noneconomic damages such as pain and suffering.
Defenses to Dog Bite Laws in Colorado
When pursuing a dog bite claim in Colorado, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with potential defenses. Colorado’s dog bite statute outlines specific situations where a dog owner is not responsible for injuries caused by their dog. Examples include the following:
- Trespassing. If you trespass on private or public property, the owner might not be liable.
- Warning signs on the property. Liability may not apply if the attack occurred on the dog owner’s property if it was clearly marked with warning signs indicating the presence of a dog.
- Dog used for official duties. Dog owners are not liable if the dog was used by police or military personnel for official duties during the incident.
- Provocation of the dog. If you knowingly provoked the dog, this could be a defense for the owner.
- Victim’s occupation-related risk. Professionals such as veterinarians, dog groomers, humane agency staff, dog trainers, or dog show judges performing their duties are assumed to understand and accept the risk of dog bites.
- Dog working on owner’s property. If the dog performed roles such as hunting, herding, or farming on its owner’s property and this activity led to the incident, the owner may not be held liable.
If you’re a dog bite victim in Lafayette, it’s crucial to understand these potential defenses to counter these arguments.
What to Do After a Dog Bites You
Your first priority after experiencing a dog bite should be to get medical care, even if the injury seems minor. Dog bites can lead to complications and serious infections. Get contact details for the owner and background on the dog’s vaccination records, if possible. If anyone witnessed the accident, it’s also good to ask for their contact information. Next, you can file a report with the police and local animal control so there is an established official record.
Take photos of your injuries, and keep a record of all medical treatments and expenses related to the bite. Document any lost wages if the injury affects your ability to work. It’s important to refrain from discussing compensation with the dog owner. Any admission or agreement could impact your legal rights. Instead, contact a Lafayette dog bite attorney to discuss your legal rights.
Why Hire a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
An experienced dog bite injury attorney knows Colorado’s dog bite laws and how to build a strong case. We will save you from the stress and confusion of handling your claim independently. When you hire Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C., we will thoroughly investigate your claim, gather crucial evidence, and build a strong dog bite case on your behalf. We are adept at negotiating with insurance companies, increasing your chances of receiving a fair settlement.
We also understand the emotional and physical trauma of dog bite incidents. We’ll provide legal advocacy and compassionate support throughout the process, prioritizing your recovery and ensuring your story is heard.
In Colorado, you have only two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit. This time frame is crucial; if you initiate legal action after this period, the court will likely dismiss your case, regardless of its merits. The sooner you retain a lawyer, the sooner we can protect your rights.
3 Reasons Why You Need a Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyers
While you may feel confident in your ability to handle your case without professional help, you’ll soon realize that presenting an injury claim requires a lot of hard work and legal expertise.
When you should be working your way back from painful disabilities, you’ll have to comply with insurance adjuster requests. Before you see a single dime of settlement money, there is a long list of procedures and issues to follow through. It will be your job to contact doctors for bills and reports.
Taking care of a serious injury case on your own involves focus on investigation, evaluation, and negotiation. Instead of taking on these new challenges, you should be working on your personal recovery.
When you are seriously injured, your financial future depends on obtaining adequate compensation for your injuries. You have a lot at stake. That’s why it’s important to seek help from a Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyers before you make a critical mistake. Here are 3 additional reasons to consider.
1. Liability Issues
Accidents often involve liability issues that can be difficult to resolve. Colorado’s comparative negligence statute plays a key role in liability assessments. You must determine whether or not you contributed to the circumstances which caused the accident and how it may affect the compensation you receive for your injuries.
2. Dealing with Insurance Companies and Adjusters
When you have a serious injury claim, the other driver’s insurance company adjuster will call and may want to visit your home. It’s an adjuster’s job to clear up any liability issues, so they must record your statement.
3. Calculating Damages
When you’re injured, you know the pain, disabilities, and scarring you are forced to endure, but do you know their economic value? Injury claims don’t have one-size-fits-all evaluations. If two different people sustain the same injury, the settlement value will be different due to a wide range of factors. Attorneys research your injuries to understand how they affect you.
Contact a Lafayette Dog Bite Lawyer at Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C.
After a dog bite, immediately reach out to Sloat, Nicholson & Hoover, P.C. Our team boasts over 100 years of combined legal experience and will aggressively defend your rights. We fight for you to get the compensation and justice you deserve. Don’t wait—every moment counts in a dog bite claim. Call or visit our website today to schedule a consultation. Let our skilled attorneys guide you through every step of the legal process with confidence and care. Start your journey toward recovery and justice with us by your side.