Colorado’s Dog Bite Law
Colorado has dedicated statutes covering dog bites and dog bite lawsuits. These can be found in Colorado Revised Statutes 13-21-124. Dog owners in Colorado are strictly liable for serious bodily injury or death caused by their dog biting a person who is lawfully on public or private property.
It does not matter if the dog had a history of violence or if the owner was aware of the dog previously biting another person.
Recovering Compensation for a Colorado Dog Bite
To recover monetary damages under Colorado’s dog bite law, not only must you meet statutory requirements for a serious bodily injury, but you must also file your case within the mandatory statute of limitations.
What is a Statute of Limitations?
A statute of limitations is a legal timeframe in which a lawsuit must be filed. All states have statutes of limitations for personal injury accidents.
Victims who file lawsuits outside of the state-mandated statute of limitations are typically barred from receiving any monetary compensation for accident-related injuries.
Colorado’s Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Lawsuits
Colorado’s statute of limitations for dog bite lawsuits is two years from the date the injury occurred or that the injury should have been discovered. While most dog bite injuries are immediately apparent, an internal injury or complication may be discovered at a later date.
Avoid any chances of missing your statute of limitations by starting your dog bite claim right away. An experienced Denver personal injury attorney can review your circumstances to ensure you meet Colorado’s additional statutory requirements.
What is Serious Bodily Injury According to Colorado’s Dog Bite Law?
Colorado’s dog bite laws allow monetary compensation for medical expenses and other economic damages when a victim suffers serious bodily injury or death. However, the owner is not liable if the dog was provoked or the victim was trespassing on the dog owner’s property.
Your injuries qualify as “serious” when they result in a life-threatening condition or cause:
- Severe tearing of the skin;
- Broken bones;
- Organ damage;
- Amputation; or
- Significant nerve damage.
There are situations where you may be eligible to file a negligence lawsuit against a dog owner. These lawsuits permit non-economic damages for pain and suffering, mental and emotional trauma, and other subjective losses.
However, non-economic damages are capped unless your injuries cause permanent physical impairment. A Denver dog bite attorney can discuss any possibility of a negligence lawsuit with you in a private consultation.
Contact an Experienced Denver Dog Bite Attorney Today
Do not wait to discuss your dog bite injuries with a proven professional, call Dulin McQuinn Young today. There is no reason to take on a legal battle while you are healing from a vicious dog attack.
At Dulin McQuinn Young, we will handle all of your legal matters so you can focus on healing. Our attorneys are seasoned litigators and successful negotiators.
Dulin McQuinn Young always prepares for trial to ensure we get the results you deserve. Contact our Denver office today to schedule a no-risk consultation.