If you or someone you love has been injured in a Denver dog bite accident, the law firm of Dulin McQuinn Young is here to help.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a dog bite can take on a person and their family. Our experienced personal injury attorneys in Denver are here to provide you with the legal advice and representation you need for your case.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with one of the members of our legal team.
How a Denver Dog Bite Injury Lawyer Can Help
Denver has strict laws regarding dog bites and liability for the damages those injuries cause. At Dulin McQuinn Young, our skilled Denver dog bite attorneys want you to understand these laws, and how they can affect the outcome of your dog bite claim.
When you retain Dulin McQuinn Young, you get a team of professionals working to build a trial-ready case on your behalf. We will put all of our resources behind you.
This could involve any of the following and more:
- Thoroughly investigating your accident;
- Hiring needed experts;
- Handling all insurance company correspondence;
- Negotiating a just and proper settlement; or
- Filing a lawsuit; and
- Moving forward toward trial.
Meet Attorney Kari Jones Dulin
Attorney Kari Jones Dulin is an experienced litigator and trial attorney who specializes in dog bites and other personal injury cases.
Ms. Jones Dulin has been awarded by Super Lawyers as a Rising Star from 2018 – 2021, a Super Lawyer 2022 – 2023, and National Trial Lawyers as a top injury litigator in Colorado.
She has argued before the Colorado Court of Appeals and has practiced in jurisdictions all across Colorado, and federal court which has resulted in millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts on behalf of her clients.
“Kari presented the options of the case, told me the truth, and always gave me the right to choose.”-W.O.★ ★ ★ ★ ★
Reach out to our Denver office today for a complimentary claim evaluation. At Dulin McQuinn Young our primary focus is you.
Resources On This Page
- Why Do Dogs Bite?
- Denver’s Restricted Breed Ordinance
- What is a Dangerous Dog in Denver?
- Colorado Dog Bite Statute
- What Qualifies as a Serious Bodily Injury in Colorado?
- What If Not All Conditions Are Present In My Denver Dog Bite Case?
- Compensation in a Denver Dog Bite Claim
- What About Damages for Pain and Suffering?
- Statutory Defenses to Strict Liability Dog Bite Claims in Colorado
- Contact a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer
Why Do Dogs Bite?
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), a dog does not have to be inherently mean-spirited or vicious to bite a human, dog, or other animals.
Dog bites can occur as a reaction to any of the following situations:
- Defending its territory
- Getting scared or startled
- Feeling sick, injured, or ill
- Responding to aggressive play (like wrestling or tug-of-war)
- Bicycle accidents, where dogs may react defensively or aggressively towards cyclists
While people can train a dog to be aggressive and protective, a dog’s breed does not determine whether it is more likely to bite.
Denver’s Restricted Breed Ordinance
Denver has a restricted breed ordinance for pit bull-type dogs (Denver’s Ordinance Sec. 8-67). These include American Pit Bull Terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, and Staffordshire Bull Terriers. These animals are prohibited in Denver city limits without a provisional Breed-Restricted Permit.
Denver residents may not own or keep a pit bull within the city without obtaining a Breed-Restricted Permit from Denver Animal Protection (DAP).
A pit bull-type dog in Denver is “any dog displaying a majority of physical traits of any one or more of the American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, or Staffordshire Bull Terrier, or any dog exhibiting those distinguishing (physical) characteristics that substantially conform to the standards established by American Kennel Club or United Kennel Club.”
It is the dog owner’s responsibility to contact DAP to initiate the provisional permitting process.
What is a Dangerous Dog in Denver?
In Denver, a dangerous dog is any dog with a known propensity to attack without provocation or a dog known to endanger the safety of people or livestock. Denver’s Dangerous Dog Ordinance mandates dangerous dogs to be secured in an enclosure.
If taken outside their enclosure, dangerous dogs must be muzzled and leashed.
Although a dog’s breed does not determine whether it will attack, the most likely dog bite victims are children. Not only do children make up more than half of all dog bite victims, but they often sustain the most serious wounds.
Colorado Dog Bite Statute
Colorado’s dog bite statute classifies a dog as “any domesticated animal that is related to the fox, wolf, coyote, or jackal.” A Colorado dog owner is liable for monetary damages inflicted by their dog whether that dog has a history of biting, vicious propensities, or is a dangerous dog breed so long as the victim is lawfully on public or private property and suffers serious bodily injuries or death.
The dog owner is liable whether they knew or had knowledge of their dog’s dangerous or vicious propensities.
Per Colorado statute, a dog bite victim is lawfully on public or private property if they are “in the performance of a duty imposed upon him or her by local, state, or federal laws or regulations,” “or if he or she is on property upon express or implied invitation of the owner of the property or is on his or her own property.” Therefore, a dog attack may qualify as a premises liability claim.
What Qualifies as a Serious Bodily Injury in Colorado?
A serious bodily injury in Colorado is any injury that carries a:
- Substantial risk of death;
- Substantial risk of permanent scarring and/or disfigurement;
- Substantial risk of permanent loss or impairment of any body part or organ; or
- Substantial risk of bone fractures and/or breaks.
If the conditions are all present, the dog’s history and whether they had exhibited similar behavior before are completely irrelevant and have no bearing on liability.
What If Not All Conditions Are Present In My Denver Dog Bite Case?
If these conditions aren’t met, a dog bite victim in Denver can still bring a lawsuit under a standard negligence action. A standard negligence action hinges on whether the plaintiff owed the victim a duty of care in their dog bite case.
Whether you believe your injuries or circumstances qualify you to bring legal action in a Denver dog bite case, it’s still in your best interest to contact a trusted dog bite injury lawyer at Dulin McQuinn Young after a dog attack. A good legal team can walk through the nuances and specifics of your case and determine what would be in your best interest. Contact our Denver dog bite attorneys for legal assistance.
Compensation in a Denver Dog Bite Claim
Denver dog bite victims may recover compensation for their financial losses. These include but are not limited to:
- Hospital stays;
- Reconstructive surgeries;
- Prescription drugs;
- Rehabilitation;
- Lost wages; and
- Lost earning potential.
However, Colorado does not allow dog bite victims to recover damages for pain and suffering. To recover monetary damages, dog bite victims must file their claim within two years of their injury.
What About Damages for Pain and Suffering?
Dog bite victims are ineligible for non-economic damages. This includes compensation for pain and suffering, mental and emotional trauma, and other subjective losses.
There is an exception for dog bite victims who can prove the dog’s owner was negligent or aware their dog had vicious propensities. Colorado caps non-economic damages in dog bite cases unless the victim was physically impaired or disfigured.
Be aware there are statutory defenses and filing deadlines for dog bite claims in Colorado. To learn if you qualify for compensation and to file your timely claim for damages, contact an experienced Denver dog bite attorney today.
Statutory Defenses to Strict Liability Dog Bite Claims in Colorado
Dog bite victims must meet all the statutory conditions for their strict liability claims in Colorado to qualify for compensation. Otherwise, their claim could be barred by a dog owner using one of the following defenses to a strict liability dog bite lawsuit:
- The victim was illegally on the owner’s property. There were posted “no trespassing signs.”;
- The dog was a “working dog” performing its duties on the owner’s property, such as herding, hunting, guarding, or farming;
- The dog was working as a peace officer or military personnel dog;
- The victim intentionally provoked the dog; or
- The victim was a dog handler, trainer, veterinarian, show judge, or groomer performing their professional duties.
If you are a dog bite victim and unsure if you qualify for damages under Colorado’s strict liability laws, a Denver dog bite attorney can review your case at no cost to you.
Dulin McQuinn Young Is Here For You After Your Dog Bite in Denver
Dog bite injuries in Denver can be unexpected, leaving victims with bodily injuries. If you’ve been bitten due to a dog owner’s negligence, seek immediate medical attention. Dog bite laws in Denver require dog owners to take reasonable care, making compensation possible for your injuries after a dog attack.
Dulin McQuinn Young is experienced in handling personal injury cases in Denver involving dog bites and can provide you with the legal representation and advice you need during this trying time.
We understand the complexities of these types of dog bite cases in Denver and have extensive experience in negotiating settlements, trying cases before juries, and obtaining verdicts that result in fair compensation for our clients.
A law firm like Dulin McQuinn Young who is experienced in dog bite cases can be your loyal companion, guiding you through the legal process. Seeking compensation isn’t about blame, but about promoting responsible pet ownership and a safer community.
Contact our Denver dog bite injury lawyer today for more information and to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case. During your free case evaluation, we will determine how we can help you get the justice you deserve. A real person will contact you in 24 hours to book your case review.