Dog Bite Injury Attorneys
Brylak Law, with seasoned Colorado Springs dog bite lawyers, is your ally in seeking compensation after a dog attack. Contact us for assistance if you or a loved one has been a victim of a Colorado Springs animal attack.
Why Choose Brylak Law?
Our commitment to hands-on case management sets us apart. Experienced attorneys, not paralegals or office staff, handle your case from start to finish. Expect a guaranteed response within 24 hours when you reach out, reflecting our dedication. With over 10,000 handled cases and a remarkable 98% success rate, our Colorado Springs injury attorneys deliver proven results.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer
Navigating the aftermath of a severe dog bite injury, which includes hospitalization, mounting medical bills, and prolonged suffering, can be overwhelming. An experienced Colorado Springs dog bite attorney plays a crucial role in gathering information, determining the next steps, and dealing with insurance companies. They navigate legal complexities to ensure an ideal settlement, or if needed, pursue litigation for a positive outcome.
Understanding Dog Bites: Which Dogs Bite?
While any dog, regardless of size or breed, can bite, statistics highlight certain breeds as more frequently involved in bite incidents. Pit bulls, despite constituting only 6% of the U.S. dog population, accounted for 65.5% of fatal dog bite injuries between 2005 and 2017. Rottweilers followed at 10.4%. Understanding these statistics can guide caution, especially around unfamiliar dogs of statistically dangerous breeds.
Colorado Dog Owner Laws
Colorado’s dog containment laws vary by municipality, emphasizing the need to check specific leash and containment regulations in your area. Generally, dogs must remain under control, whether on public property or at home. Control involves a person over 18 having the dog on a leash, rope, or chain in public or within a structure or behind a fence on the owner’s property.
Is Someone Liable for Your Damages?
Colorado combines strict liability and negligence rules in dog bite cases. Strict liability applies when a bite results in serious bodily injuries, and the victim is on public property or lawfully on private property. For non-serious bites or those not on the serious injuries list, premises liability comes into play. Victims must show negligence on the part of the dog owner, usually demonstrating a lack of reasonable care to restrain the dog.
Is Colorado a One Bite State?
Colorado’s dog bite statute, enacted in 2005, eliminated the prior knowledge requirement for dog owners. Owners are now strictly liable for serious bites causing severe bodily injuries, regardless of the dog’s past behavior. Premises liability covers cases of non-serious bites or injuries not on the serious injuries list.
Colorado Dangerous Dog Law
Dogs causing serious bodily injury or death receive the dangerous dog designation. This also applies to dogs displaying behavior indicating a future risk of serious injury or death, or those involved in dog fighting. The Colorado Bureau of Animal Protection maintains a registry of dangerous dogs, and owners face charges for subsequent serious bodily injuries or deaths caused by their dangerous dogs.
Dog Bite Statistics
According to the CDC, approximately 4.7 million dog bites occur annually in the U.S. Of these, 20 to 50 are fatal, and thousands require hospitalization. Understanding the prevalence of dog bites underscores the importance of legal recourse for victims.
What Should I Do If I’m Bitten by a Dog?
Seek medical attention immediately, gather contact information for the dog owner and witnesses, and file a police report. Document the incident, including witness testimony, for your records. Finally, consult with a skilled Colorado Springs dog bite attorney to guide you through the next steps, ensuring proper documentation for your claim.
If you’ve suffered a dog bite in Colorado Springs, our experienced attorneys at Brylak Law are ready to help. Contact us for a free consultation and let us advocate for your recovery.
