A dog attack can happen in seconds, but the physical and emotional aftermath can last for years. Puncture wounds, torn muscle tissue, and facial scarring are common outcomes, and many victims also face fear or anxiety around dogs long after their physical wounds heal.
At Mintz Law Firm, our Wheat Ridge dog bite lawyers have helped Colorado families recover compensation after serious animal attacks, including a case in which our attorney Eric Staton secured a $300,000 settlement for a minor child injured by a dangerous dog. We bring more than 300 years of combined legal experience to every dog bite case, and we work on a contingency fee basis, so you owe nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
⚠ Time-Sensitive — Colorado Law Limits Your Window to File
Bitten by a dog in Wheat Ridge? Colorado's two-year statute of limitations begins on the date of the attack, and missing it can end your right to compensation permanently.
300+ years of combined legal experience. 12 attorneys with an average of 20 years each. No fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Do I Have a Dog Bite Case in Wheat Ridge?
Colorado uses a strict liability standard for dog bites under C.R.S. § 13-21-124. If you suffered a serious bodily injury from a dog bite while you were lawfully on public or private property, the owner may be held responsible even if the dog never showed aggression before. You generally do not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous, only that the bite caused a qualifying injury.
There are exceptions worth understanding before you assume you have a case. An owner may not be liable if you were trespassing, if you were bitten on property with a clearly posted warning sign, or if you provoked the dog. A Wheat Ridge dog bite lawyer can review the facts of your incident and tell you where your case may fall.
What Compensation Can You Win From a Dog Bite Case?
You may be entitled to compensation following a dog bite due to another party's actions. The following damages may qualify for this kind of recovery.
- Attorney fees
- Medical bills and charges
- Loss of wages from time off work
- Property damage
- Change in wage-earning ability
- Loss of companionship or consortium
- Wrongful death
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
Other losses may also qualify for compensation, depending on the facts surrounding your circumstances. For help identifying other qualifiers, we recommend working with a dog bite injury attorney. Your attorney can review the full scope of your losses and help you pursue the amount you may be entitled to.
Signs You Should See a Doctor After a Dog Bite
If you suffer injuries from a dog bite, we strongly encourage you to seek medical attention. Your doctor can assess the situation, find potential injuries you have not noticed, and recommend treatment. Watch for the following signs after any dog bite.
- Signs of infection
- Teeth, claws, or other materials trapped in your body
- The animal is a stray or otherwise not domesticated
- Pain in your body, especially an increased occurrence of headaches
- Vomiting or nausea
- Changes in your personality
- Numbness or tingling
- Issues with balance
- Nightmares or dreams about the incident
- Difficulty with breathing
Receiving medical attention can also help during legal matters. Courts view your willingness to prioritize your health positively, which can improve your case. Holding onto medical records, bills, and treatment notes gives your attorney the documentation needed to support your claim.
How Can a Dog Bite Lawyer Help With Your Case?
We encourage you to work with a Wheat Ridge dog bite lawyer whenever you get involved in a claim, since this can be essential in mitigating risk and improving your odds of a favorable outcome. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, and having legal representation levels the playing field.
Working with a dog bite lawyer in Wheat Ridge can be far more rewarding than working alone, since a lack of legal experience may decrease the compensation you qualify for. A qualified attorney understands how to gather evidence, calculate the full value of your claim, and negotiate with insurance adjusters on your behalf.
Statute of Limitations for Wheat Ridge Dog Bite Cases
Colorado law gives dog bite victims two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit, under C.R.S. § 13-80-102. If the victim is a minor, the two-year window generally does not begin until the child turns 18, though we recommend acting well before that point while evidence and witness memories are still fresh.
Waiting to pursue a claim can weaken your case even within the filing window. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and insurance companies use delay to their advantage. If you or your child suffered a dog bite in Wheat Ridge, contact our office promptly so we can help you understand your deadline and begin building your case.
Dog Bite Injury in Wheat Ridge? Get Help From Mintz Law Firm
If you suffer injuries from a dog bite, we encourage you to contact one of our dog bite lawyers at Mintz Law Firm. We view our clients as people, not case numbers, and we remain in regular contact with you throughout every step of the legal process.
Our team has over 300 years of combined legal experience and has recovered more than $20 million annually for clients in recent years, including a $300,000 settlement Eric Staton obtained for a minor child injured by a dangerous dog. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing unless we win. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have a valid dog bite case in Wheat Ridge?
If a dog bit you while you were lawfully on public or private property and caused a serious bodily injury, you may have a valid claim under Colorado's strict liability dog bite statute. An attorney can review the facts of your incident to confirm.
What is the deadline to file a dog bite lawsuit in Colorado?
Colorado law gives victims two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Minors generally have until two years after turning 18, though prompt action is still recommended.
How much does it cost to hire a dog bite attorney in Wheat Ridge?
Mintz Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay no attorney fees unless we recover compensation for your case.
Can family members file a claim if a child was bitten?
Yes. A parent or legal guardian can typically file a claim on behalf of a minor who was bitten, and the case proceeds with the parent acting as the child's legal representative.
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Wheat Ridge?
Seek medical attention right away, report the bite to local animal control, and document the scene and your injuries with photos if possible. Contacting a dog bite lawyer early can help preserve evidence while it is still fresh.
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