If you or someone you care about has been bitten by a dog in Englewood, you're likely dealing with medical bills, lost wages, and questions about what happens next. Colorado law gives you specific rights when it comes to dog bite injuries, and understanding those rights is the first step toward deciding whether you need legal help. This guide explains how Colorado's dog bite laws work, what compensation you might be entitled to, and how to find a qualified lawyer in the Englewood area if you decide to pursue a claim.
How Colorado's Dog Bite Law Works
Colorado has what's called a "strict liability" statute for dog bites, which is found in Colorado Revised Statute § 13-21-124. This law means that if a dog bites you and you were lawfully on public or private property, the dog's owner is automatically liable for your medical costs related to the bite—regardless of whether the dog has bitten anyone before or whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
This is different from some other states that use a "one bite rule," where owners only face liability if they knew their dog had aggressive tendencies. In Colorado, that first bite still makes the owner responsible for your medical expenses. However, strict liability under this statute only covers your medical bills. If you want compensation for other damages—like pain and suffering, lost wages, emotional distress, or permanent scarring—you'll need to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous.
Negligence in a dog bite case might mean the owner failed to properly restrain the dog, violated local leash laws, or didn't take reasonable precautions to prevent the bite. If you can show negligence, you can potentially recover a much broader range of damages beyond just your medical costs.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
The compensation available in a Colorado dog bite case depends on the severity of your injuries and whether you're pursuing a claim under strict liability, negligence, or both. Here are the types of damages that may be available:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency room visits, surgery, stitches, antibiotics, follow-up care, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment related to the bite. Under Colorado's strict liability law, you're entitled to these costs automatically if you were lawfully on the property where the bite occurred.
- Lost wages: If your injuries caused you to miss work, you can seek compensation for lost income. This also includes lost earning capacity if the injury affects your ability to work in the future.
- Pain and suffering: This covers the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the bite. These damages typically require proving negligence rather than relying solely on strict liability.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites often leave permanent scars, especially on the face, hands, or arms. You can seek compensation for the impact of scarring on your quality of life and appearance.
- Property damage: If the dog damaged your clothing, glasses, or other personal items during the attack, you can include those costs in your claim.
The amount of compensation varies widely based on factors like the severity of the injury, the location and size of scars, the amount of medical treatment required, and the impact on your daily life. Minor bites that require only basic first aid will result in smaller settlements, while severe attacks that require surgery or leave permanent scarring can result in settlements or verdicts in the tens or even hundreds of thousands of dollars.
When to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Englewood
Not every dog bite requires a lawyer. If you suffered a very minor bite that needed only basic first aid and didn't result in lost work time or lasting effects, you might be able to resolve the matter directly with the dog owner or their homeowner's insurance company. However, you should seriously consider hiring a lawyer if any of these apply to your situation:
- Your injuries required medical treatment beyond basic first aid—stitches, surgery, hospitalization, or ongoing care
- You've been left with permanent scarring, especially on visible areas like your face, neck, or hands
- The bite caused nerve damage, infections, or other complications
- You missed work or will continue to miss work due to your injuries
- The insurance company is offering a settlement that seems too low or is denying your claim
- The dog owner is disputing liability or claiming you provoked the dog
- You're a child who was bitten, as children often face more serious long-term consequences
A dog bite lawyer can handle negotiations with insurance companies, gather evidence to support your claim, consult with medical experts about the long-term impact of your injuries, and represent you in court if a fair settlement can't be reached. Insurance companies often offer lower settlements to people without legal representation, knowing that unrepresented claimants may not understand the full value of their case.
Understanding the Legal Process for Dog Bite Claims
Most dog bite cases in Colorado follow a similar process, though each case is unique. Here's what typically happens:
Initial consultation: You'll meet with a lawyer to discuss what happened, your injuries, and the potential value of your case. Most dog bite lawyers in Colorado work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they only get paid if you recover compensation. The standard contingency fee is typically one-third of your settlement or verdict, though this can vary.
Investigation and evidence gathering: Your lawyer will collect medical records, photographs of your injuries, witness statements, animal control reports, and any other evidence that supports your claim. They'll also identify the dog owner and determine what insurance coverage is available. In Colorado, homeowner's and renter's insurance policies often cover dog bite liability, though some policies exclude certain breeds.
Demand letter and negotiations: Your lawyer will send a demand letter to the dog owner's insurance company outlining your injuries, the owner's liability, and the compensation you're seeking. Many cases settle during this negotiation phase without needing to file a lawsuit.
Filing a lawsuit: If negotiations don't result in a fair settlement, your lawyer may file a personal injury lawsuit in Colorado court. In Colorado, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit, though there are exceptions, especially for claims involving minors.
Discovery: This is the pre-trial phase where both sides exchange information and evidence. Your lawyer may take depositions (recorded interviews under oath) from the dog owner, witnesses, and expert witnesses like doctors.
Settlement or trial: Many cases settle even after a lawsuit is filed, sometimes shortly before trial. If your case goes to trial, a jury will hear evidence and decide whether the owner is liable and how much compensation you should receive.
The timeline for a dog bite case varies. Simple cases with clear liability and willing insurance companies might settle in a few months. More complex cases involving disputed liability or severe injuries might take a year or more, especially if they go to trial.
Finding the Right Dog Bite Lawyer in Englewood
When you're looking for a dog bite lawyer in the Englewood area, you want someone with specific experience handling personal injury cases in Colorado and a track record with animal attack claims. Here are practical questions to ask during your initial consultation:
- How many dog bite cases have you handled in Colorado?
- What results have you achieved for clients with injuries similar to mine?
- Do you work on a contingency fee basis, and what percentage do you charge?
- Will you handle my case personally, or will it be passed to another lawyer in your firm?
- How often will you update me on my case's progress?
- What do you think my case is worth, and why?
- How long do you expect my case to take?
Pay attention to how the lawyer answers these questions. You want someone who listens to your concerns, explains things in plain language, and gives you realistic expectations rather than making promises about guaranteed outcomes. A good lawyer will be honest about the strengths and weaknesses of your case.
You should also ask about costs beyond the contingency fee. Most dog bite lawyers cover case expenses like filing fees, expert witness costs, and medical record fees upfront and then deduct those costs from your settlement or verdict. Make sure you understand what happens to those costs if you don't win your case—some lawyers absorb them, while others may expect you to pay them back.
What About Englewood's Local Animal Control Rules?
Englewood, as part of Arapahoe County, follows both county and city regulations regarding dogs. After a dog bite, the incident should be reported to Arapahoe County Animal Control, which will investigate and determine whether the dog poses a danger to the community. The dog may be quarantined to check for rabies, and the owner may face citations or other penalties if they violated local leash laws or dangerous dog ordinances.
While animal control enforcement is separate from your personal injury claim, the animal control report can serve as valuable evidence in your case. It documents the incident, the dog's history, and any violations by the owner. Your lawyer can obtain this report and use it to strengthen your claim.
Special Considerations for Child Victims
Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites, often suffering bites to the face and head because of their height. Colorado law provides special protections for child victims. The statute of limitations doesn't begin running until the child turns 18, meaning a child has until their 20th birthday to file a dog bite lawsuit in most cases.
If your child was bitten, it's especially important to consult with a lawyer. Children may need reconstructive surgery, scar revision procedures, or psychological counseling following a traumatic dog attack. The long-term impact of scarring can affect a child's self-esteem and social development, and these factors should be considered when evaluating the claim. Colorado courts allow parents to seek compensation for their child's medical expenses, pain and suffering, and future medical needs related to the bite.
Next Steps If You've Been Bitten
If you've been bitten by a dog in Englewood, understanding your rights under Colorado law puts you in a stronger position to make informed decisions about your case. You're entitled to compensation for your medical expenses at a minimum under Colorado's strict liability law, and you may be entitled to much more if you can show the owner was negligent.
Start by documenting everything: take photographs of your injuries, keep all medical bills and records, write down what happened while the details are fresh, and get contact information for any witnesses. If you're facing significant medical bills, permanent scarring, or lost wages, consider reaching out to a dog bite lawyer who handles personal injury cases in Colorado. You can search our directory for qualified lawyers in the Englewood area who have experience with dog bite claims and can evaluate whether pursuing legal action makes sense for your situation. Most offer free initial consultations and work on contingency, so there's no cost to explore your options.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do immediately after a dog bite in Englewood?
First, seek medical attention right away, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites can cause infections, and you need documentation of your injuries. Clean the wound with soap and water if possible before getting professional care. Next, report the incident to Arapahoe County Animal Control—they'll investigate and check whether the dog has been vaccinated for rabies. Get the dog owner's contact information and insurance details if possible. Take photographs of your injuries, the location where the bite occurred, and the dog if you can do so safely. Write down what happened while the details are fresh, including any witnesses' contact information. Keep all medical records, bills, and documentation of time missed from work. These steps protect both your health and your legal rights if you decide to pursue a claim.
How much compensation can I get for a dog bite injury in Colorado?
The amount of compensation varies widely based on the severity of your injuries and the specific circumstances of your case. Under Colorado's strict liability law, you're automatically entitled to compensation for all medical expenses if you were lawfully on the property where the bite occurred. If you can prove negligence, you may also recover damages for lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and permanent scarring or disfigurement. Minor bites requiring only basic medical care might settle for a few thousand dollars, while severe attacks requiring surgery, hospitalization, or leaving permanent facial scars can result in settlements or verdicts ranging from tens of thousands to hundreds of thousands of dollars. Factors that affect the amount include the extent of medical treatment needed, whether you have permanent scarring, the location of scars on your body, the amount of work you missed, and the long-term impact on your quality of life. An experienced dog bite lawyer can evaluate your specific case and give you a realistic estimate based on similar cases in Colorado.
Do I have a case if the dog owner says their dog has never bitten anyone before?
Yes. Under Colorado Revised Statute § 13-21-124, you have a case even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Colorado's strict liability law makes dog owners responsible for your medical expenses from a bite regardless of the dog's prior history or whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You don't need to prove the dog was vicious or that the owner should have known—if you were lawfully on public or private property when the bite occurred, the owner is automatically liable for your medical costs. The dog's lack of bite history only becomes relevant if you're seeking damages beyond medical expenses, such as pain and suffering or lost wages. For those additional damages, you'll need to prove the owner was negligent—for example, by violating a leash law, failing to properly restrain the dog, or ignoring warning signs that the dog was aggressive. Even without prior bites, you can often establish negligence through the owner's actions or failure to take reasonable precautions.