Dog attacks are violent events that can lead to long-term physical and emotional scars. At Manning Law, our Denver personal injury lawyers are passionate about helping dog bite victims seek justice and rebuild their lives after devastating animal attacks. We can help you receive the medical care that you need, go up against a pet owner and insurance company, and fight for the case outcome that you deserve. Contact us today to start with a free case consultation with a Denver dog bite injury lawyer.
Robert Manning is a highly skilled Denver personal injury attorney who is dedicated to protecting the rights of injury victims and recovering fair compensation. Attorney Robert Manning brings over 15 years of legal experience and specializes in personal injury cases such as car accidents, motorcycle accidents, spinal cord injuries, and more. As lead attorney at Manning Law, Robert offers expert legal representation and works to help clients who have suffered from serious accidents or injuries.
“I’ve worked with Mr. Manning on several cases for myself as well as referring many of my clients. Everyone I’ve sent his way has been very impressed with his knowledge of the law and the process, his availability through the process, and his professionalism in everything he does. It is with supreme confidence that I refer Mr. Manning out to my clients, friends and family.”
– Richard S.
“My experience here has been amazing. Everyone is so helpful and nice. Robert Manning has a great personality and is focused on making sure you get the outcome you want and deserve. He cares about his clients and will make sure that you never go without a question unanswered.”
– Abbi W.
Hiring an attorney to represent you during a dog bite injury case in Denver can allow you to correctly navigate Colorado’s dog bite laws and achieve the best possible results for your case.
An experienced dog bite attorney can provide many important legal services, such as:
Your lawyer can even take your case to trial if an insurance company refuses to settle for a reasonable amount of compensation – all while you rest and heal.
In many cases, a dog owner’s homeowners insurance company will provide coverage for a dog attack. This is because pets are considered property. A Denver personal injury attorney from Manning Law can help you file a claim and negotiate a fair settlement from a pet owner’s insurance provider. You may qualify for the following types of compensation as a dog attack victim or family member:
A Denver dog bite attorney can help you fight for maximum case results during your injury claim. Your lawyer can prevent an insurer from taking advantage of you with tactics such as undervaluing your losses or delaying your claim. A dog bite lawyer from Manning Law can take your dog bite injury case to trial in Denver, if necessary.
Colorado’s dog bite law is favorable to victims as it does not require proof that the pet owner knew or reasonably should have known about the dog’s potential to harm others. Even if a dog never bit someone or behaved violently in the past, the pet owner can be held liable (legally and financially responsible) for the victim’s losses under state law.
During your dog bite injury case, your attorney can work to prove the following:
If the elements of Colorado’s strict liability dog bite law are not met, a claim may still be brought against a dog owner on the basis of negligence. Evidence of negligence is required to prove this type of case, such as a pet owner who violated a local leash law or unlawfully harbored a restricted breed listed under Denver’s Ordinance Sec. 8-67.
When an aggressive dog decides to attack, it is capable of inflicting severe injuries. Dogs can use powerful jaws and sharp teeth to tear through layers of skin and muscle, which can result in permanent scarring and long-lasting nerve damage. They can also inflict injuries with their claws or by jumping on a victim. Common injuries from dog attacks in Denver include:
Dog attacks involving multiple dogs can lead to even more severe injuries. Children and the elderly are at an increased risk of suffering life-threatening injuries from dog attacks in Colorado. These incidents can lead to expensive hospital bills, prolonged pain and suffering, and permanent disability or disfigurement.
Sadly, not everyone survives their dog bite injuries in Denver. According to DogsBite.org, 48 victims lost their lives in fatal dog attacks in the U.S. the latest year data is available (2019). In the 15-year period from 2005 to 2019, canines killed 521 victims.
If you lost a loved one due to a fatal dog attack, you may need an experienced wrongful death attorney in Denver to help you obtain fair compensation. Wrongful death is a loss of life due to the careless or wrongful act of another. This includes a pet owner’s neglect to prevent a dog attack, such as by unlawfully owning a dog that has been deemed dangerous by the Bureau of Animal Protection.
Holding a pet owner responsible for a fatal dog attack could provide survivors with compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of the decedent’s earnings, lost inheritance, their grief and anguish, and more.
Under Colorado Revised Statutes, Section 13-21-124, a pet owner can be held responsible for any injuries inflicted by a dog if the victim was lawfully on public or private property at the time of the incident. The law states:
13-21-124. Civil actions against dog owners.
(2) a person or a personal representative of a person who suffers serious bodily injury or death from being bitten by a dog while lawfully on public or private property, shall be entitled to bring a civil action to recover economic damages against the dog owner regardless of the viciousness or dangerous propensities of the dog or the dog owner’s knowledge or lack of knowledge of the dog’s viciousness or dangerous propensities.
Colorado uses a strict liability dog bite law, meaning the pet owner can be held responsible regardless of any prior knowledge of the dog’s vicious propensities (or lack thereof). Negligence is not required to prove in a Colorado dog bite injury case.
Being involved in a dog attack can be frightening and traumatic. Contact Manning Law for assistance if you find yourself in this situation. Our Denver dog bite attorney will guide you through the recovery process from start to finish with personalized legal advice and services. We care about our clients and have years of experience handling dog bite injury cases in Colorado. Call (720) 515-3191 today to schedule a free consultation.
