If you or someone you love has been injured in a Denver dog bite accident, the law firm of Kane Dulin McQuinn Young is here to help.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take on a person and their family. Our experienced dog bite attorneys in Denver are here to provide you with the legal advice and representation you need for your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of the members of our legal team.
How a Denver Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
Denver has strict laws regarding dog bites and liability for the damages those injuries cause. At Kane Dulin McQuinn Young, our skilled Denver dog bite attorneys want you to understand these laws, and how they can affect the outcome of your dog bite claim.
When you retain Kane Dulin McQuinn Young, you get a team of professionals working to build a trial-ready case on your behalf. We will put all of our resources behind you.
This could involve any of the following and more:
- Thoroughly investigating your accident;
- Hiring needed experts;
- Handling all insurance company correspondence;
- Negotiating a just and proper settlement; or
- Filing a lawsuit; and
- Moving forward toward trial.
Reach out to our Denver office today for a complimentary claim evaluation. At Kane Dulin McQuinn Young our primary focus is you.
Dog Bite Injuries and The City of Denver
Denver Parks and Recreation reported the city home to at least 158,000 dogs in 2021. Among Denver’s most registered breeds were: the Labrador retriever, Chihuahua, German shepherd, and golden retriever.
The city has no bans on specific dog breeds. However, Denver does require licensing of pit bull terriers as this breed has statistically accounted for more bites than other Denver dog breeds.
Denver classifies dog bites along the Ian Dunbar Dog Bite Scale. The city categorizes dog bites starting at a Level 2 and ending at a Level 5 as follows:
- Level 2. There is contact with the skin but no puncture. Or, there is a shallow puncture with slight bleeding;
- Level 3. There may be one to four punctures from a single bite. No one puncture is deeper than half of the dog’s canine tooth. There may be a laceration from the dog or the person pulling away from the dog;
- Level 4. There are one to four punctures from a single bite with at least one puncture deeper than half the length of the dog’s canine tooth. There may be bruising and lacerations in more than one direction; and
- Level 5. There are multiple bites and at least two Level 4 bites.
The Ian Dunbar Dog Bite Scale goes up to a Level 6 bite. These are dog bites that kill the victim.
Why Do Dogs Bite?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a dog does not have to be inherently mean-spirited or vicious to bite a human, dog, or another animal.
Dog bites can occur as a reaction to any of the following situations:
- Defending its territory
- Getting scared or startled
- Feeling sick, injured, or ill
- Responding to aggressive play (like wrestling or tug-of-war)
- Bicycle accidents, where dogs may react defensively or aggressively towards cyclists
While people can train a dog to be aggressive and protective, a dog’s breed does not determine whether it is more likely to bite.
Who is at the Greatest Risk of a Dog Bite Injury?
Although a dog’s breed does not determine whether it will bite, the most likely dog bite victims are children. Not only do children make up more than half of all dog bite victims, but they often sustain the most serious wounds.
Dog Bite Statute In Colorado
The AVMA states that a dog owner is responsible for preventing dog bites. But if the unthinkable happens and a dangerous dog bites you or a family member, knowing what legal recourse you may have in your dog bite case is important.
Dog bite victims can bring legal action under CRS 13-21-124 if specific conditions are met. As the statute is a strict liability statute, Denver dog bite victims do not have to prove the owner’s negligence, just that serious injury occurred.
Here are the conditions of CRS 13-21-124 that makes someone eligible to bring a case:
- A victim was bitten by a dog
- The victim was lawfully on public or private property
- This dog bite caused serious bodily injury or death
A serious bodily injury in Colorado is any injury that carries a:
- Substantial risk of death;
- Substantial risk of permanent scarring and/or disfigurement;
- Substantial risk of permanent loss or impairment of any body part or organ; or
- Substantial risk of bone fractures and/or breaks.
If the conditions are all present, the dog’s history and whether they had exhibited similar behavior before are completely irrelevant to this case.
What If Not All Conditions Are Present In My Denver Dog Bite Case?
If these conditions aren’t met, a dog bite victim in Denver can still bring a lawsuit under a standard negligence action. A standard negligence action hinges on if the plaintiff owed the victim a duty of care in their dog bite case.
Whether you believe your injuries or circumstances qualify you to bring legal action in a Denver dog bite case, it’s still in your best interest to contact a trusted legal partner like Kane Dulin McQuinn Young. A good legal team can walk through the nuances and specifics of your case and determine what would be in your best interest. Contact our Denver dog bite attorneys for legal assistance.
Compensation in a Denver Dog Bite Claim
Denver dog bite victims may recover compensation for their financial losses. These include but are not limited to:
- Hospital stays;
- Reconstructive surgeries;
- Prescription drugs;
- Rehabilitation;
- Lost wages; and
- Lost earning potential.
However, Colorado does not allow dog bite victims to recover damages for pain and suffering. To recover monetary damages, dog bite victims must file their claim within two years of their injury.
To learn if you qualify for compensation and to file your timely claim for damages, contact an experienced Denver dog bite attorney today.
Kane Dulin McQuinn Young Is Here For You After Your Dog Bite in Denver
Dog bite injuries in Denver can be unexpected, leaving victims with bodily injuries. If you’ve been bitten due to a dog owner’s negligence, seek immediate medical attention. Dog bite laws in Denver require owners to take reasonable care, making compensation possible for your injuries.
Kane Dulin McQuinn Young is experienced in handling personal injury cases in Denver involving dog bites and can provide you with the legal representation and advice you need during this trying time.
We understand the complexities of these types of dog bite cases in Denver and have extensive experience in negotiating settlements, trying cases before juries, and obtaining verdicts that result in fair compensation for our clients.
A law firm like Kane Dulin McQuinn Young who is experienced in dog bite cases can be your loyal companion, guiding you through the legal process. Seeking compensation isn’t about blame, but about promoting responsible pet ownership and a safer community.
Contact our Denver dog bite lawyer today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case and determine how we can help you get the justice you deserve. A real person will contact you in 24 hours to book your case review.