Loveland Dog Bite Lawyer

A dog attack can be incredibly traumatic for victims. It can also put bite victims at risk of infection or serious illnesses like rabies, can lead to lasting disfigurement, and can sometimes be fatal. It can also have long-lasting emotional ramifications, as many victims suffer from post-traumatic stress disorder.

A Loveland dog bite lawyer at Hadfield Stieben & Doutt, LLC can provide help to bite victims. We are familiar with Colorado laws and will fight to ensure you receive the maximum compensation available after a bite incident. 

Give us a call at (970) 221-2800 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation and learn how we can provide legal help for your injury case in Loveland. 

What Are Your Rights After a Dog Bite in Colorado?

Colorado Revised Statute § 13-21-124 establishes the rules for dog bite incidents in Colorado. Under the relevant law, dog owners are held strictly liable for serious bodily injury or death that their dog causes to others.  This is true regardless of whether the dog had shown any aggression in the past. 

If you suffered a dog bite when you were lawfully on public or private property and you experienced serious bodily injury in the attack or your loved one was killed in the attack, you have a right to pursue a claim to recover compensation. You do not have to prove negligence or wrongdoing when you suffered serious injuries under Colorado’s strict liability law.

This is different from the rules in other states, where dogs are said to get “one free bite” because owners are not held liable for losses unless they were negligent or had reason to be aware their dog was dangerous. 

However, when your injuries don’t meet the threshold of seriousness or if you wish to pursue a Loveland wrongful death claim for non-economic damages for serious injuries, you will need to prove the owner was negligent or fell short of their duty of care. 

Common Injuries in Loveland Dog Bite Cases

Depending on the circumstances, you may be entitled to compensation for all economic and non-financial loss caused by a dog bite. This can include payment for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Your damages may be very substantial because dog bites can cause serious harm. Some of the most common injuries resulting from canine attacks include:

• Puncture wounds: A dog’s sharp teeth can cause deep puncture wounds. 
• Cuts and abrasions: When a dog makes tearing or thrashing motions while biting, this can lead to long, jagged cuts that may take a long time to heal.  
• Crushing injuries: A dog’s powerful jaw can crush your limbs. 
• Amputations: In some cases, dogs can bite off entire fingers, hands, or other limbs.
• Bone fractures: The powerful bite from a dog’s strong jaw can break your bones. 
• Nerve and tendon damage: When a dog’s teeth puncture you deeply enough, nerves and tendons can be damaged. 
• Infections: Dogs have bacteria in their mouths that can make you very sick when you are exposed because of a bite.
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement: You may experience permanent scarring as a result of the dog attack, especially if the dog bites you in the face or if a dog bites a small child.
• Emotional distress: PTSD is very common after a dog bite incident.

These are just some of the many types of serious injuries a dog bite can cause. You may need expensive plastic surgery and extensive care to recover, and you should be fully compensated for the losses you endure. 

Contact a Loveland Dog Bite Accident Lawyer Today

Hadfield Stieben & Doutt,  LLC has spent decades representing injured victims in Colorado, and we can bring our legal experience to your claim. 

Give us a call or contact us online today to schedule your free consultation with a Loveland dog bite lawyer to find out more about how we can help you.