Longmont Dog Bite Attorneys
Dogs are popular pets in Longmont and throughout Colorado, and while you may regularly have positive experiences with dogs, it is important to know what you can do if someone else’s dog injures you. Dog attacks can happen very quickly and unexpectedly, potentially resulting in catastrophic harm. An experienced Longmont dog bite attorney can be an essential asset in your recovery efforts when you must prove a dog owner is liable for your injuries.
Legal Counsel for Dog Bite Victims in Longmont, CO
The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal has a strong professional record of successful personal injury claims in Longmont because of our commitment to client-focused legal counsel. We do not believe in one-size-fits-all legal strategies for our clients and take time to learn as much as we can about each individual client’s unique situation. When you choose our team to represent you in a dog bite case, you will have a dedicated legal advocate readily available to address concerns and answer questions as they arise in your recovery efforts. The sooner you reach out to our team, the sooner we can start working on your case.
How to File Your Dog Bite Claim in Longmont
A dog bite case is a type of personal injury claim, but particular rules apply to this type of case. Specifically, the strict liability rule for dog attacks can make it easier to establish liability for your damages in a dog bite case than you might expect in most other types of personal injury claims. Under the strict liability rule, a dog owner is fully responsible for all the damages their pet inflicts on others, regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone in the past.
Your Longmont dog bite attorney can help prove that strict liability applies to your case to hold the dog owner responsible for your damages. This may entail proving that you were legally present whenever the attack occurred and that you did not provoke the dog to attack. Once you prove that strict liability applies to your claim, you can proceed with seeking compensation for the losses you sustained in the attack.
A successful personal injury claim in Longmont may yield compensation for all economic losses you suffered. These may include your medical expenses and lost income, but you also can claim compensation for projected future losses. For example, you may be unable to work after the accident if you were permanently disabled, so the defendant would be liable for future income you are no longer able to earn. In addition to your economic damages, you can also claim compensation for pain and suffering, but state law limits how much you can receive.
The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal aims for maximum client compensation in every personal injury case we accept. You can rely on our firm to provide comprehensive legal counsel through each step of your proceedings. We’ll seek to settle the claim outside of court if possible, but we are fully prepared to represent you in court if necessary.
Dog Bite Injury Lawyer FAQs
Q: Does Colorado Have a One Bite Rule?
A: Many states enforce one bite rules for dog bite claims, meaning a dog owner is only liable for medical expenses the first time their pet bites someone, after which they face strict liability. The state has no such one bite rule, and strict liability applies to all dog attacks regardless of whether an owner knew their dog had the potential to bite and injure someone. Strict liability applies as long as the victim was legally present wherever they were attacked, and they did not provoke the dog.
Q: Does a Dog Have to Be Quarantined After Biting Someone?
A: The authorities may seize a dog after it has bitten someone to ensure it does not carry any diseases and to evaluate its temperament. If a dog is classified as dangerous, their owner will need to register the dog in a directory and follow specific rules to minimize the risk of the dog attacking anyone again. If a judge determines that a dog is excessively dangerous, they may order it to be euthanized.
Q: How Much Compensation Can I Claim for a Dog Bite in Longmont?
A: You have the right to claim full compensation for any economic damages related to the dog attack. These may include medical expenses and future medical treatment costs, property damage, lost wages, and lost earning potential if the attack left you disabled. You may also claim pain and suffering compensation, but state law enforces a cap on how much you can claim. Your Longmont dog bite attorney can estimate your case’s total potential value.
Q: How Long Do I Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Longmont?
A: There is a two-year statute of limitations on dog bite claims in the state, and this time limit starts the day an injury occurs. It will take time to gather the evidence needed to assert strict liability for the dog attack and to prove the full extent of your claimable damages, so it is always preferable to start the claim filing process as soon as possible to ensure the greatest chance of success with your case.
Q: What Will It Cost to Hire a Longmont Dog Bite Attorney?
A: The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal provides personal injury representation with contingency fee billing, meaning our client will not pay upfront or ongoing legal fees for our counsel. We take a percentage of the final case award we recover on a client’s behalf, and only if we win their case. If we are unable to secure compensation for your claim, there is no fee, so you face no economic risk in choosing our firm to represent you.
Any dog attack has the potential to be a damaging and traumatic experience, and you have the right to seek fair compensation for the damages you suffered. The sooner you reach out to a Longmont dog bite attorney, the more likely you are to succeed with your recovery efforts. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal is ready to provide comprehensive legal counsel for every stage of your case, so contact us today and schedule your free consultation with our team to start working toward your recovery with confidence.