Navigating the Aftermath of a Dog Bite Attack

Have you been attacked by a dog in Colorado?

Responsibility for a dog bite or attack depends on the facts, the injuries and the applicable legal claim. Under C.R.S. 13-21-124, the statute permits an economic-damages claim for serious bodily injury or death caused by a dog bite while the victim was lawfully on public or private property. A claim may be brought against a qualifying dog owner without proving prior viciousness or the owner's knowledge of it. Serious bodily injury is a defined legal term and does not require every injury to be life-threatening. Statutory exclusions can apply, including certain unlawful-entry, warning-sign, provocation, official-dog, animal-care-professional and working-dog circumstances. Other claims may also be relevant. An injury on someone else's property may involve the Colorado Premises Liability Act; depending on the facts, a statutory dog-bite claim and a premises-liability claim may both be available. The responsible parties, proof required and available damages must be evaluated for the particular case. Identifying applicable insurance coverage is also important, but the existence of an injury does not guarantee coverage or payment.

At Pribila and Fields PC, we handle these dog attack cases that other firms often refuse to touch. Investigations into these cases often require communicating with the police department, animal control or the Humane Society. Dog owners are often reluctant to cooperate and provide necessary insurance information. Further, there could be some difficulty in obtaining information promptly from different government agencies. Finally, if you do not have the capability to pay for treatment of your injuries, our firm may be able to work with your healthcare providers, your health insurance carrier or medical financing companies to allow you to continue to treat until complete recovery. Knowing the full extent of your injuries and losses is crucial as resolution of these cases, whether by settlement or trial, are final.

Let us help you seek compensation and guide you through Colorado’s dog attack laws and the complicated process of pursuing these claims. We do not dabble in different areas of the law. Since 1989, our firm has focused exclusively on personal injury law, which means that our lawyers have the knowledge, experience and expertise to provide you with excellent and zealous representation. Our firm is proudly, a DIFFERENT KIND OF LAW FIRM. We will communicate with you so that you are never in the dark about your case. From the first consultation, you will meet with a lawyer about your case. From our first meeting to settlement or trial, you can be assured that you will have open and honest advice from us. We will pursue your claim with dignity and integrity – because all you really want is to be compensated for what you are going through, no more but no less.

schedule your free consultation