Many people in Colorado and across the country love and own dogs. While these canines can be loyal companions, even the best-behaved dog could turn on an unsuspecting person, especially if its owners are negligent. Unfortunately, dog attacks can lead to serious injuries, especially to children, and the repercussions can be long lasting.
If you or your child suffered serious injuries due to a dog attack, the recovery could take a considerable amount of time, and some mental effects of the incident could even prove permanent, such as a life-long fear of dogs for a child who was attacked. As a result, you may wonder what you can do to seek justice after such an event.
Understand local laws
The laws regarding liability for dog attacks and the injuries they cause vary from state to state. As a result, it is important that you know how Colorado laws address this type of ordeal. If you believe that legal action could suit your situation, you may first want to assess the injuries suffered from the incident. The state requires that serious injuries resulted from the attack, which could include harm that led to permanent disfigurement or loss or impairment of certain functions. Fatal injuries also apply here.
If serious injuries did result, some additional quick facts to take into consideration regarding proving negligence include the following
- For strict liability to apply, the attack must have occurred while you or your child was lawfully on public or private property, meaning you were not trespassing.
- The owner of the dog did not take precautions to prevent a bite or attack.
- The owner had a legal duty of care.
- The owner’s actions or inaction resulted in the attack and subsequent injuries occurring.
If you believe that the dog owner was negligent, you may have reason to seek compensation for damages.
What damages could you pursue?
In cases of dog attacks in Colorado, you could pursue compensation for economic damages for current and future medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning power, and psychological counseling. In some cases, pursuing non-economic damages may apply, such as for the pain and suffering that results from the incident and lasting psychological harm.
In order to fully understand the damages that may apply to your case and how state laws could affect your options, you may benefit from discussing the situation with an experienced personal injury attorney. This legal professional could help you pursue much-needed compensation after such a harrowing incident.
