Animal attacks can be incredibly dangerous and traumatic for those involved. Dog bites can lead to immense complications, from a high risk of infection to conditions like rabies. When dog bites lead to serious injuries, you have legal options for compensation.

If you suffered serious injuries in a dog attack in Longmont, a skilled attorney could help you pursue the payments you need to make things right. Discuss your case with a Longmont dog bite lawyer to see if you are eligible for financial compensation after an animal attack.

State Laws Regarding Animal Attacks

Under Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-124, dog owners bear strict liability for their dogs. If a dog bites someone else, the dog owner will bear liability for the attack and for any injuries sustained, regardless of the dog’s previous tendencies or whether the dog owner had any reason to suspect that the dog would behave viciously.

Complications from Dog Bites

Dog bites can result in serious injuries. In addition to the immediate injury, including muscle tears, severe lacerations, or considerable bruising, related to the accident, a dog bite victim may also find themselves suffering from:

  • High risk of infection
  • Broken bones
  • Tetanus
  • Rabies
  • Nerve and muscle damage
  • Head and brain injury
  • Disfigurement

When an individual suffers complications from a dog attack, it could extend the time needed for recovery and raise the cost of their medical treatments. An experienced Longmont attorney could help an injured person pursue compensation for these losses in a dog bite injury claim.

Filing a Dog Bite Claim in Longmont

After an animal attack, it is best to consult with a seasoned Longmont attorney as quickly as possible to determine whether filing a claim is a viable option. In general, individuals have the right to file a dog bite claim when:

  • They had the legal right to be on the property where the dog attack occurred
  • They did not deliberately provoke or attack the dog themselves prior to the bite.
  • They suffered bodily injury because of the dog attack

In the case of a fatal dog attack, the victim’s family could be able to pursue a wrongful death action with the help of an attorney.

Pursuing Compensation after a Dog Bite

Most of the time, compensation for a dog attack is limited to compensation for the victim’s economic damages. These include direct medical bills resulting from the dog attack and any wages that they lost because they could not go back to work immediately after their injuries.

In most cases, an individual cannot collect compensation for pain and suffering related to the dog attack. If someone suffered post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or dealt with a phobia after the attack and needed extensive counseling, they can talk to an attorney about whether they may have the right to recover compensation for those injuries.

In many cases, an injured party will need to deal with the dog owner’s homeowner’s insurance company to receive compensation for a dog bite, and that policy may determine how much compensation they can pursue. However, in other cases, the dog owner may bear direct, personal liability for the victim’s medical expenses and lost wages after a dog attack. A Longmont attorney can help an individual file a claim against the proper parties after a dog bite incident.

Do Not Wait to Contact a Longmont Dog Bite Attorney

If you suffered serious injuries in an animal attack, it is wise to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. A Longmont dog bite lawyer could help walk you through the legal recovery process and give you an idea of how to proceed with your claim in order to maximize your compensation.

At Debbie Taussig Law, our experienced, hands-on personal injury lawyers want to make sure you receive the right medical treatment and are treated fairly after a dog bite. Time limits apply to injury claims, so contact us today to get started.