I’ve Been Bitten by a Dog in Denver: What Do I Do?
If you’ve been bitten by a dog in Denver, you may be wondering what you need to do in the aftermath of the attack. All dog bite attacks must be reported to the authorities. Denver Animal Protection is the agency responsible for handling any dog bites occurring within the Denver city limits, as well as Denver County. If you were bitten by a dog in Denver, you can report the incident to Denver Animal Protection by completing an Animal Bite Reporting Form online or calling 720-913-2080.
Reporting the attack is critical in order to establish a record of all violent actions associated with the dog. This can be important in the event that other people are bitten by the dog in the future. In addition, Denver Animal Protection will be able to help you determine whether the dog is current on all vaccinations. This is important since you may need a precautionary rabies shot if it is unclear whether the dog has been properly vaccinated.
Reporting the attack can also provide an important piece of evidence to use in a future dog bite lawsuit that you may file to recover compensation for your damages.
Additional Steps to Take After Being Bitten by a Dog in Denver
There are several important actions to take after being bitten by a dog to protect your health and safety. In addition, some of these actions may also be critical to protect your rights during a future dog bite lawsuit.
Exchange Information with the Dog’s Owner
It’s important to locate the dog’s owner after being bitten. Always exchange contact information with the dog’s owner so that you can follow up with them if you need to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries. Ask the dog’s owner for the following information:
- Name, address and contact information
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy information (if the owner knows this information off-hand)
- Dog’s breed
- Dog’s vaccination history
Record Eyewitness Contact Information
You should also record the name and contact information of any witnesses at the scene. These individuals may be able to provide important information that will help support your dog bite claim.
Visit a Doctor
If you’ve suffered serious injuries, seeking emergency medical attention should be the first thing you do after leaving the scene of the attack. However, it’s important to visit a doctor after being bitten by a dog even if you don’t seem to be seriously injured. Without proper treatment, puncture wounds sustained from a dog bite can become infected. You may also need stitches to close any lacerations or wounds.
In addition, visiting a doctor immediately after being bitten by a dog will help protect your right to compensation:
- It provides medical documentation regarding the severity of your injuries
- It prevents the dog’s owner from claiming you contributed to the severity of your injuries by failing to seek treatment in a timely manner
- It prevents the insurance company from arguing that your injuries were caused by a different incident
Documenting Evidence After Being Bitten by a Dog
If you plan on filing a dog bite lawsuit to recover compensation for your damages, it will be important to document as much evidence as possible to use in your case. It’s always best to do this while the events of the attack are fresh in your mind and before your injuries begin to heal.
Write down some notes to document the details of the attack. Include the following important information in your notes:
- Location of the dog bite attack
- What happened right before you were bitten by the dog (did something cause the dog to become aggressive?)
- Any precautions taken by the owner to minimize the chances you’d get bitten by the dog
- Any intervention by the dog’s owner or another individual at the scene in an attempt to break up the attack
You should also document your injuries in as much detail as possible. This evidence is critical when seeking to maximize the value of your compensation since it will help you demonstrate the severity of your injuries and the extent of your damages. There are several ways you should document your injuries after being bitten by a dog.
Photos
Take photos of all injuries you suffered. In addition to getting pictures right after the attack, you should also take photos throughout the healing process to document the progression of your injuries.
Medical Records
Your medical records are one of the most important pieces of evidence after being bitten by a dog. They will provide concrete documentation of all financial losses you suffered and can help establish the value of other non-economic damages such as psychological trauma or pain and suffering.
Additional Expenses
Most people suffer financial losses beyond their medical bills after being bitten by a dog. This can include lost wages while you recover, travel costs associated with doctor visits, and other expenses associated with the attack. These items should be documented so that they are factored into the total value of your damages.
Impact on Your Life
You should also write down notes detailing the ways in which your life has been impacted by the incident. If your injuries prevent you from performing regular activities, result in ongoing pain or reduce your mobility, this information can be used to demonstrate the total extent of your damages. Similarly, any anecdotal evidence of psychological trauma you’ve experienced can help support the need for any non-economic damages you seek to recover.
Hire a Dog Bite Attorney
It’s critical to work with an experienced dog bite attorney who can help you recover the compensation you deserve after being bitten by a dog. Your lawyer will make sure your rights are protected and help you navigate the process of filing your dog bite claim. In addition, an experienced dog bite attorney can accurately assess the total value of your damages and negotiate with the insurance company to ensure you maximize the value of your compensation.
Pushchak Law Can Help
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, you may be entitled to recover compensation for your damages. Colorado dog bite laws adhere to strict liability in dog bite cases. This means the dog’s owner is responsible for your damages even if they didn’t act negligently. At Pushchak Law, we’ve made dog bite cases a primary focus of our practice, and this specialization will provide you with the edge you need to maximize the value of your compensation.
Brian Pushchak has developed a unique Informed Decisions™ Approach focused on helping you receive the best possible outcome to your case. With this approach, you’ll remain in control of the process every step of the way. Mr. Pushchak will listen carefully to your story and discuss your goals or the case. He’ll also provide you with as much information as you need to ensure you understand your legal rights and options regarding your legal strategy. This collaborative approach keeps Mr. Pushchak aligned with your best interests throughout the process and allows him to recommend the ideal strategy to maximize your compensation.
Contact us today to schedule a free consultation. Pushchak Law serves clients in Denver and the surrounding areas of Colorado.
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