Dog Bite Lawyer in Colorado Springs

Our Injury Attorneys Seek Compensation for Victims of Dog Bites in Colorado Springs and Throughout Southern Colorado

Dog bites can cause severe injuries and emotional trauma, often including post-traumatic stress disorder in addition to the bite wound and other physical injuries. A trusted dog bite attorney at Heuser & Heuser, LLP in Colorado Springs can help dog bite victims understand their legal rights and protections, seeking appropriate compensation on their behalf.

Our Southern Colorado dog bite injury lawyers at Heuser & Heuser, LLP provide free consultations for dog bite victims. We will explain your rights under Colorado’s dog bite laws. Our legal team is committed to helping dog attack victims in Colorado Springs pursue financial recovery.

If you have been injured by a dog in Colorado, call us today at (719) 520-9909 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation so we can tell you how much your claim is worth. We are committed to providing the people of Southern Colorado tailored legal guidance and peace of mind on the road to recovery.

Key Takeaways:

• Heuser & Heuser, LLP helps dog bite injury victims seek compensation for their injuries and losses in Colorado Springs and throughout Southern Colorado
• Colorado has a “strict liability” rule for dog bites. In Colorado, dog owners are strictly liable if their dog causes serious bodily injury (e.g., disfigurement, broken bones, organ damage) or death—even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. This sets Colorado apart from states using a “one bite rule,” which often requires a known vicious history.
• If the injuries are not deemed “serious,” victims generally must prove the owner was negligent—for instance, failing to secure a gate or allowing the dog to run loose.
• Certain defenses can shield owners, such as trespassing, provocation, or police/military service dog status. Colorado’s comparative negligence principle may also reduce an award if the victim’s own actions contributed to the bite
• Dog bite claims may recover both economic losses (e.g., medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress) by pursuing two legal theories—strict liability and negligence. Strict liability focuses on serious injuries or death and establishes your claim for economic compensation, but seeking non-economic damages requires proving negligence. Injury victims should seek immediate medical attention after a dog bite, which encourages proper diagnosis, helps physical recovery, and supports an eventual personal injury claim
• Dog bite victims in Colorado should also contact the police and animal control to determine the status and history of the the dog and request a copy of the report
• Colorado’s filing deadline for a dog bite injury can be as short as two years, so victims need to gather evidence and prepare a legal strategy well before that deadline
• Heuser & Heuser, LLP offers free consultations and can work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay for legal services if Heuser & Heuser, LLP wins compensation for you — so it is in your interest to request a free case evaluation today to determine the right next steps for your Southern Colorado dog bite case

Types of Injuries and Consequences from Dog Bites

A dog bite incident can involve a variety of significant injuries:

• Puncture Wounds: Dog bites often cause deep puncture wounds when teeth penetrate the skin. These injuries can lead to infection if not treated promptly and may require antibiotics or medical cleaning.
• Lacerations: Tears or cuts in the skin from a dog’s teeth or claws can lead to significant bleeding and may cause a victim to need stitches. These injuries can affect muscles, nerves, and blood vessels, causing long-term complications.
• Nerve Damage: If the bite impacts nerves, victims may experience loss of feeling, weakness, or chronic pain in the affected area. Severe cases might require physical therapy or surgical repair.
• Fractures: Bites can generate enough force to break bones, especially in smaller or more vulnerable victims like children. Fractures may require surgery or lengthy immobilization to heal properly.
• Scarring and Disfigurement: Permanent scars or changes in appearance can occur if the injuries are severe. These consequences may lead to secondary issues, including reduced self-esteem or the need for cosmetic or reconstructive surgery.
• Soft Tissue Damage: Muscles, tendons, and ligaments can be damaged during an attack, causing pain, swelling, and limited mobility. Recovery may require rehabilitation or specialized medical care.
• Rabies Risk: A bite from an unvaccinated dog poses the risk of rabies, a life-threatening viral infection. Victims exposed to rabies may require a series of post-exposure vaccinations as a precaution.
• PTSD and Psychological Trauma: Victims of dog attacks often experience anxiety, PTSD, or fear of animals following an attack. Mental health support such as therapy or counseling may be necessary.
• Loss of Mobility: Serious bites may lead to temporary or permanent loss of mobility, particularly if joints or limbs are severely affected. This can impact a victim’s ability to perform daily tasks.
• Sepsis and Other Severe Infections: Untreated bites can cause bacterial infections that spread to other areas of the body, like sepsis, cellulitis, Capnocytophaga, Pasteurella, MRSA, or tetanus. Early treatment is vital to avoid these life-threatening complications.
• Death: Unfortunately, some attacks by dogs can be fatal. In these tragic cases, we can guide the victim’s family members through the legal process to pursue a wrongful death claim.

These injuries and consequences highlight the importance of seeking immediate medical treatment and exploring any legal remedies available under Colorado law to seek compensation for the damages suffered. Our Colorado dog bite attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP can guide you through each step of your claim.

What to Do After a Dog Bite Attack in Southern Colorado

There are several important steps to take following a dog attack in Colorado Springs or nearby areas:

• Seek Medical Attention: Visit a healthcare provider immediately for an evaluation and treatment. Dog bites carry a risk of infection, rabies, and other complications that require prompt care.
• Identify the Dog and Its Owner: Collect the owner’s name, address, and contact information. Ask whether the dog is up to date on its vaccinations, especially rabies. Pet owners are strictly liable for preventing dog bites and injuries caused by their animals.
• Contact Local Authorities: Report the incident to your local animal control or police department. This creates an official record of the attack and may help prevent similar incidents in the future.
• Document Your Injuries: Take photographs of your injuries as soon as possible. Keep records of any changes, such as swelling, bruising, or scarring, throughout your recovery process.
• Save Medical Records and Bills: Keep copies of all medical reports, receipts, and prescriptions related to the dog bite. These records are essential for calculating economic damages in any potential legal claim.
• Gather Witness Information: Speak to anyone who witnessed the attack and collect their contact details. Their statements may provide valuable evidence later.
• Avoid Speaking with Insurance Adjusters Right Away: If contacted by an insurance company, avoid providing a recorded statement or answering detailed questions without consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters may try to minimize your claim.
• Note Details of the Attack: Write down everything you remember about how the attack happened. Include the time, location, and circumstances, as well as details about the dog’s behavior and whether the owner took any actions.
• Consult a Dog Bite Attorney: Speak with a qualified legal professional to understand your options for pursuing compensation. They can help evaluate your damages, negotiate with insurers, and determine whether to file a lawsuit.
• Follow Up with Animal Control: Check back with local authorities to confirm whether the dog has been evaluated for rabies or other dangerous conditions. If the dog is deemed a threat, further legal action may be necessary.

Our dog bite attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP can guide you throughout your dog bite claim and protect you from pitfalls that can harm your case. Start today by requesting a free case evaluation.

Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Colorado

Victims have a deadline of two years from the date of the attack to file a claim. The steps to begin preparing your claim start with seeking appropriate medical attention and documentation, reporting the aggressive animal, and seeking legal assistance from an experienced Colorado dog bite lawyer.

A personal injury attorney at Heuser & Heuser, LLP can guide and manage your claim to file ahead of the two-year deadline.

Colorado’s Dog Bite Laws Categorize Claims Differently Based on Severity and Type of Injury

The injuries you suffered from a dog bite in Colorado can be classified into one of two categories:

• Serious Bodily Injury: This describes injuries such as disfigurement, organ damage, broken bones, or risk of death — the option to pursue a claim under the “strict liability” rule applies for these cases
• Other dog bite injuries that are minor or otherwise do not meet the requirements of a “serious bodily injury” under Colorado Law — these injury claims require proof of negligence

We can determine whether a “strict liability” claim is the right path for your Southern Colorado dog bite claim during a free initial consultation.

Colorado’s Strict Liability Rule for Dog Bite Cases Leading to Serious Bodily Injury

To claim damages under the strict liability rule described in Colorado Revised Statute 13-21-124, the victim must suffer serious bodily injury, which includes one or more of the following:

• Substantial risk of death
• Disfigurement
• Broken bones
• Organ damage

The “strict liability rule” differs significantly from many other states that allow dogs a “free bite” if they have not shown aggressive tendencies before. Instead, it holds dog owners responsible for serious bodily injuries their pets cause, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior or the owner’s knowledge.

Reach out to our attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP to learn whether the “strict liability” rule applies to your case, and our dog bite lawyer team can begin building your legal strategy.

Strict Liability Dog Bite Claims are Limited to Economic Damages

Dog bite claims under “strict liability” can only pursue economic damages, whereas dog bite claims proving negligence can pursue both economic and non-economic damages.

This means that in order to pursue pain and suffering or other non-economic damages for severe dog bite injuries, a dog bite victim must demonstrate that the dog owner’s negligence led to those injuries.

Proof of Negligence is Required for Colorado Dog Bite Claims Without Serious Bodily Injury

Dog bites leading to minor or less severe injuries that do not meet the “strict liability” requirements will require that the dog owner’s careless actions or inactions led to the dog attack.

How To Prove a Colorado Dog Bite Claim Under Negligence Rules Instead of Under the Strict Liability Rule

To prove negligence in a Colorado Springs dog bite claim that does not involve serious bodily injury, you need to establish the following four elements:

• Duty of Care: The dog owner had a responsibility to act reasonably to prevent their dog from causing harm. Actions to prevent harm could include keeping the dog on a leash or within a secure area.
• Breach of Duty: The owner failed to meet their duty of care. Examples include allowing the dog to roam freely in public or ignoring an animal’s known aggressive tendencies.
• Causation: The owner’s breach of duty directly led to the dog bite incident. You must show that the owner’s breach of duty was a substantial factor in causing the injury.
• Damages: The victim suffered actual harm or injury as a consequence of the dog bite. This can include physical injuries, medical expenses, and emotional distress.

These elements are essential to establish a negligence-based claim for a dog bite in Colorado. Our attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP can determine whether your injuries would qualify for a claim under “strict liability” or if a negligence-based claim is the appropriate option during your free initial consultation.

Exceptions and Common Defenses in Colorado Dog Bite Laws

Colorado’s dog bite law allows certain exceptions to strict liability, protecting dog owners in specific situations:

• Trespassing: If the victim was unlawfully on the property where the attack occurred, the dog bite claim may not be valid.
• Dog Protecting its Owner: If the dog bite occurred because the animal was protecting its owner or property from a clear threat, you may not have a claim.
• Police or Military Dog: Dog bite claims may not be valid if the incident happened as a police or military dog was doing its job.

Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rules can also affect one’s ability to pursue full compensation for dog bite injuries if the injury victim contributed to the injury.

An experienced dog bite attorney at Heuser & Heuser, LLP can assess the many factors in your unique case, anticipating issues that may arise if the incident occurred on the owner’s property. We can assess the strength or validity of your claim during your free consultation.

Recent Changes and Critiques of Dog Bite Laws Applicable in Southern Colorado

• Limitations on Non-Economic Damages: The law does not allow for non-economic damages under strict liability, which some argue limits compensation for victims.
• Focus on Serious Injuries: The “strict liability” rule only covers serious bodily injuries, leaving minor injuries without recourse under strict liability. Dog bite claims involving only minor injuries require proof of negligence.
• Calls for Reform: There are suggestions to expand liability to include minor injuries and to implement preventive measures, such as mandatory insurance for dog owners and stricter penalties for repeat offenses.

These laws protect public safety by holding dog owners accountable, but there is ongoing debate about their effectiveness and potential areas for improvement. An experienced dog bite lawyer at Heuser & Heuser, LLP can evaluate how these laws apply in your Colorado Springs dog bite case.

Types of Damages in a Dog Bite Claim in Southern Colorado: Economic vs. Non-economic Damages

As explained above, the severity and nature of the injuries and the ability of the victim to prove the dog owner’s negligence based on the details of the case can affect which types of compensation the dog bite victim can pursue.

Serious bodily injury dog bite claims relying upon strict liability:

• Can only pursue economic damages

Dog bite claims demonstrating the dog owner’s negligence:

• Can pursue economic damages
• Can pursue non-economic damages

These injuries or losses from a dog bite are categorized according to whether they are straightforward monetary expenses or intangible losses like pain and suffering.

Economic Damages from a Dog Bite Claim in Colorado

Economic damages seek to cover concrete financial losses due to an accident or injury. These are tangible and are calculated based on actual expenses or monetary losses. The following are common examples of types of economic damages from a dog bite:

• Medical Bills: Economic damages include payment for medical treatment, such as emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and required long-term care.
• Lost Wages: Injured individuals can claim compensation for the income they missed while physically recovering from their injuries, including regular wages, bonuses, and commissions.
• Loss of Future Earning Capacity: When injuries affect a victim’s ability to work in the future, economic damages can account for the diminished capacity to earn an income over time.
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Victims may claim miscellaneous costs related to their injury, such as transportation to medical appointments, hiring domestic help, or purchasing medical supplies.

Non-economic Damages for a Colorado Dog Bite Claim Proving Negligence

Non-economic damages address the intangible effects of an injury, focusing on the emotional, psychological, and quality-of-life impacts. These damages are subjective and not tied directly to concrete financial losses. Our attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP are experienced at identifying the appropriate monetary value of non-economic damages in dog bite claims.

Whereas serious bodily injury dog bite claims relying upon Colorado’s “strict liability” rule cannot include non-economic damages, dog bite claims proving negligence can pursue damages for non-economic losses, such as the following:

• Pain and Suffering: This includes compensation for the physical pain a victim endured during and after the incident, as well as any ongoing discomfort or disability.
• Mental Anguish: Victims can seek damages for the negative emotional impact from a dog attack, such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD that were caused by the event and its aftermath.
• Disfigurement and Scarring: Non-economic damages may cover the emotional and psychological toll caused by permanent scarring or bodily disfigurement.
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If injuries impact an individual’s ability to participate in activities they previously enjoyed, they can claim damages for the diminished quality of life.
• Loss of Consortium: Spouses or close family members may seek damages for the loss of companionship, affection, or relationship caused by the victim’s injuries.

In dog bite cases demonstrating negligence, both economic damages and non-economic damages work together to address the combined financial and personal impact an injury has on a dog bite victim’s life.

Common Pitfalls in Colorado Springs Dog Bite Claims

Victims of dog bites in Southern Colorado may face several obstacles that could hinder financial recovery. Understanding these common pitfalls and working with the Colorado dog bite attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP can help claimants avoid errors that could severely impact their ability to pursue financial compensation.

Examples of these common errors and obstacles include:

• Missing the Statute of Limitations: Colorado law imposes a two-year statute of limitations for filing a dog bite claim. Failing to initiate legal action within this timeframe will bar the victim from recovering any damages. The clock starts on the date of the bite, making it important to act promptly.
• Lack of Evidence: Insufficient documentation can weaken a claim. To succeed, victims must provide evidence showing the dog owner’s liability and the extent of their damages. This includes medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and official reports. Without these materials, a victim’s case may lack the necessary support to proceed.
• Provocation by the Victim: If the dog owner proves that the victim provoked the dog before the attack, the claim may fail. Provocation includes teasing, harming, or threatening the dog in a way that triggers the attack. Avoiding this scenario and documenting the absence of provocation can counter such defenses.
• Trespassing on Private Property: Colorado Revised Statute 13-21-124 excuses a dog owner from liability if the victim was trespassing at the time of the bite. Victims must show they were lawfully present on the property to avoid this defense.
• Failure to Identify the Dog or Owner: Identifying the dog and its owner is essential. If this information is unavailable, pursuing a claim becomes nearly impossible. Victims should gather details about the dog and owner immediately after the incident to avoid this issue.
• Unclear Ownership Responsibility: Claims can fail if the dog’s legal owner cannot be identified or disputes arise regarding responsibility. Colorado Law places liability solely on the owner, so proving ownership is key to a successful claim.
• Minimal Injuries: Colorado’s strict liability law only covers serious bodily injuries under CRS 13-21-124. If the injuries do not rise to the level of serious harm (e.g., minor scratches or bruises), recovery through legal action may not be possible under the strict liability rule. In such a situation, a victim would instead need to pursue a negligence claim. Our attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP can assess your unique situation and guide you to pursue the appropriate option.
• Settlements Without Legal Advice: Accepting an early settlement offer from an insurance company without consulting a legal professional might lead to reduced compensation. Insurers often undervalue claims and may not account for long-term damages, such as ongoing medical needs or emotional suffering. This highlights the importance of working with an attorney early in your claim to detail the actual full scope of your injuries and losses and avoid low settlement offers.
• Failure to Report the Incident: Not reporting a dog attack to local animal control or law enforcement weakens a claim. An official report establishes a record of the incident, helping to confirm the occurrence of the attack and document evidence against the dog’s owner.

By promptly consulting with an experienced dog bite lawyer following a Colorado Springs dog bite, you can avoid many common errors that may threaten your claim. Our attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP can protect your legal rights and pursue your best interests under the law.

How a Colorado Springs Dog Bite Attorney at Heuser & Heuser, LLP Can Help a Dog Attack Victim in Southern Colorado

• Evaluate Legal Options: Your dog bite attorney can assess the specific circumstances of the attack to determine the right legal approach, whether under strict liability or negligence laws.
• Gather and Preserve Evidence: Our attorneys help collect and organize valuable evidence, such as medical records, photographs of injuries, witness statements, and official reports to build a strong case.
• Determine Damages: Our lawyers calculate economic and non-economic damages, including medical expenses, lost income, and long-term impacts, to pursue fair compensation.
• Handle Communications with Insurers: The attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP manage interactions with insurance adjusters, preventing victims from accepting low settlement offers that do not reflect the full scope of their damages.
• Prove Liability: We investigate the facts of the incident to demonstrate the dog owner’s responsibility under the law, including strict liability for serious injuries under CRS 13-21-124.
• Address Legal Exception Arguments: Our dog bite attorneys anticipate and counter defenses, such as claims of provocation, trespassing, or unclear ownership, seeking to prevent such potential factors from harming the victim’s case.
• File Legal Documents: We handle the procedural requirements, such as filing proper documents within the statute of limitations, which is two years in Colorado.
• Negotiate Settlements: We draw upon years of legal knowledge and experience to negotiate with opposing parties and seek fair compensation without needing to go to trial.
• Represent in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, our attorneys at Heuser & Heuser, LLP will advocate for the dog bite victim in court, presenting evidence and legal arguments to support the claim.
• Advise on Long-Term Implications: Our attorneys offer guidance on how a given settlement or judgment may impact the victim’s future, including medical needs and other considerations.

A Heuser & Heuser, LLP dog bite lawyer in Colorado Springs can provide you both legal and practical support to help you recover physically and financially following a dog attack in Southern Colorado, starting with a free and confidential consultation.

Schedule a Free Consultation with Heuser & Heuser, LLP in Colorado Springs to Discuss Your Dog Bite Case

If you have suffered a dog bite injury in Colorado Springs or the surrounding Southern Colorado area, our skilled dog bite lawyer team at Heuser & Heuser, LLP can guide you to pursue compensation. Our law firm will evaluate your case for free, and we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means you only pay us if we win money for you in your case.

While our Colorado dog bite lawyers provide you legal representation, you can focus on your life and recovery. Our law firm has helped many victims pursue dog bite injury claims in Colorado Springs and the surrounding areas, and we know how to avoid the serious pitfalls that can harm your personal injury case. We are dedicated to pursuing justice and giving you peace of mind while we seek the money you need.

Call us at (719) 520-9909 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free consultation so we can assess your case and begin your path to recovery and justice. It’s just that easy.

Southern Colorado Locals Committed to Providing You Peace of Mind on Your Road to Recovery

Call or text (719) 520-9909 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form