Holding Negligent Owners Accountable: How A Denver Dog Bite Lawyer Can Help
Dog bites can be a traumatic experience for both the victim and their family members. These incidents can lead to serious injuries, long-term medical expenses, and psychological trauma. In the state of Colorado, dog owners have a legal responsibility to ensure that their pets do not cause harm to others. When they fail to meet this responsibility, victims have the right to hold them accountable for the damages they have suffered.
Hiring a Denver dog bite lawyer can be an effective way to pursue compensation from negligent dog owners. This article will explore how a Denver dog bite lawyer can help you hold negligent owners accountable.
Understanding Colorado Dog Bite Laws
Colorado follows a strict liability law when it comes to dog bites. This means that dog owners are legally responsible for any injuries caused by their pets, regardless of whether they knew or should have known that the dog was dangerous. The only exception to this law is if the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property at the time of the incident.
In addition to strict liability, Colorado also has a one-bite rule. This means that if a dog has previously bitten someone or exhibited aggressive behavior, the owner is presumed to have known the dog was dangerous. This can make it easier for victims to prove negligence on the part of the owner.
Proving Negligence In A Denver Dog Bite Case
To hold a negligent dog owner accountable, you must prove that they breached their duty of care to prevent harm to others. This can be done by showing that owner knew or should have known their dog was dangerous and failed to take reasonable steps to prevent an attack.
A Denver dog bite lawyer can help you gather evidence to support your claim. This may include medical records, witness statements, and photos of the injuries and the attack scene. They may also work with experts to evaluate the dog’s behavior and determine whether the owner took appropriate measures to prevent an attack.
Negotiating With Insurance Companies
In many cases, the owner’s homeowner’s insurance policy will cover the damages resulting from a dog bite. However, insurance companies are often more concerned with protecting their profits than compensating victims. They may offer a low settlement or deny the claim altogether.
A Denver dog bite lawyer can help you negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries. They can also advise whether accepting a settlement or taking your case to court is in your best interest.
Filing A Lawsuit
If negotiations with insurance company fail, your Denver dog bite lawyer may recommend filing a lawsuit against the owner. In Colorado, you have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. Filing a lawsuit can be complex, but a knowledgeable attorney can guide you through each step.
During a lawsuit, your lawyer will present evidence to the court to support your claim for damages. The court will then determine whether the owner was negligent and, if so, how much compensation you are entitled to.
Conclusion
Hiring a Denver dog bite lawyer can help you hold negligent owners accountable for the damages they have caused. By understanding Colorado’s dog bite laws, proving negligence, negotiating with insurance companies, and filing a lawsuit if necessary, a lawyer can help you recover the compensation you deserve.