Denver Dog Bite Attorney

Because dogs are animals with their own thoughts and feelings, but no ability to communicate them to us, it’s often impossible to say why a dog attacked. It’s even more baffling because any dog can turn into an attacker—dogs that have been peaceful or friendly in the past can suddenly turn aggressive.

Although it’s often impossible to say why a dog attacked, some circumstances often lead to dog bites, such as:

• A dog trained to be aggressive
• A chronically aggressive dog maintained as a pet
• Approaching an unfamiliar dog
• Disturbing a dog when it’s eating or sleeping
• Rough play that makes a dog feel threatened
• Cornering a dog or reaching into a place a dog feels confined, such as a cage or car

No matter the circumstances of the dog attack, the dog owner is typically liable, or responsible, for injuries their dog causes.

Colorado law says that dog owners have strict liability when their dog attacks. This means that you don’t have to prove that the dog owner did anything wrong to get compensation from them, just that their dog caused significant injury. In addition, some other people may be liable as well under certain circumstances, such as:

• A property owner who knew a dog posed a risk, but still allowed the dog on the property where the attack took place
• A dog sitter or dog walker who failed to properly control the dog, resulting in the attack

In addition, dog owners can be held liable for additional damages if they knew a dog was dangerous but didn’t take adequate steps to protect others.

We understand that most people have never filed a personal injury lawsuit before. We know the process can seem scary and intimidating. However, we’ve done this hundreds of times, and we will be here alongside you every step of the way to make things go as smoothly as possible. Check out Mr. Pushchak’s reviews on Google, and you’ll see that this comes up again and again: he is always there for his clients.

In general, the process will go through a few basic stages:

1. Free Consultation: Pushchak will discuss the details of the dog attack, your injuries, and what you hope to achieve in your case. He’ll ask some questions to make sure he fully understands, and he’ll answer all your questions, too. Then he will explain your legal rights and options, telling you the pros and cons of each choice. That way, you will have all the information necessary to make an informed decision about your case.
2. Investigation: Pushchak will investigate the circumstances of the attack. He will look at medical records and may also consult medical experts, talk to witnesses, obtain animal control reports, and request photographs or additional tests to verify the extent of your injuries.
3. Negotiation: Pushchak will communicate directly with the insurance company, the dog’s owner, and any other parties involved in the lawsuit so you don’t have to be involved. He will make sure insurance companies understand and respect the full extent of your injuries and their associated costs, including ongoing medical care.
4. Settlement or trial: Most of the time, your dog bite case will be resolved through negotiations and settlement. However, Mr. Pushchak is fully prepared to take your case to trial if insurance companies aren’t willing to offer fair compensation for your injuries.

We handle all dog bite cases on a contingency basis. We don’t take any money upfront, and you will not have to pay legal fees unless we win your case.

Under Colorado law, dog bite owners have strict liability for economic damages that result when a dog bites someone. This means that you don’t have to prove that the owner did anything wrong to get compensation, just that the dog bit you and that you suffered significant injuries. However, if you can prove that the dog’s owner did something wrong, what we describe legally as “negligence,” then you are also entitled to non-economic damages.

Economic damages are costs related to dog bite injuries that can be easily expressed in dollars. This includes:

• Medical treatment and hospitalization
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Reconstructive and plastic surgery
• Expected future medical treatments
• Accommodations and aids for disability
• Lost wages and diminished earning ability

Noneconomic damages cover negative impacts from the dog bite that are real but aren’t easily expressed in money. They can include:

• Pain and suffering
• Psychological trauma and emotional distress
• The impact of permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Diminished quality of life

In order to recover noneconomic damages, you have to prove negligence on the part of the dog owner. Common types of negligence in dog bite cases include that the owner:

• Knew dog was dangerous
• Failed to take reasonable steps to keep dog confined
• Failed to warn that a dog was dangerous
• Encouraged dog to attack

Proving these elements of negligence can sometimes be a challenge, but it’s worth it: noneconomic damages can sometimes be a larger part of the total compensation.

The statute of limitations for dog bite injuries in Colorado is two years from the date of the attack. However, if the victim is a child, the clock does not start until the child turns 18 unless a legal representative has been appointed by a court.

It is best to act quickly when you have a dog bite claim. Evidence can be harder to gather, especially from witnesses, whose memories will fade. Also, photograph injuries early and throughout the healing process to document their progression, treatment, and any lasting scarring. Filing your claim as soon as possible helps Mr. Pushchak build the strongest possible case on your behalf.