Tips for Victims of a Dog Bite in Colorado

Tips for Victims of a Dog Bite in Colorado

Suffering a dog bite can be a traumatic and life-altering experience, leaving victims with painful injuries, emotional distress, and unexpected medical expenses. At Bowman Law, our top-rated Colorado dog bite lawyers are dedicated to helping victims secure the compensation they deserve. With extensive experience in personal injury and a proven track record of success, we understand the complexities of dog bite cases and the urgency of taking swift legal action. If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog in Colorado, it is crucial to act immediately—seek medical attention, document the attack, and protect your legal rights. We prepared this article to help victims of dog attacks in Colorado understand their rights.

What Should I Do If I Suffered a Dog Bite in Colorado?

Seek Medical Attention

Your first priority should always be your health. After a dog bite, seek medical care as soon as possible, regardless of the severity of the injury. Even seemingly minor bites can introduce harmful bacteria, leading to serious infections. Medical professionals can assess the injury, clean the wound, and determine the need for additional measures like tetanus shots, rabies vaccinations, or antibiotics. In Colorado, failure to seek timely medical care may not only jeopardize your health but could also negatively affect any legal claim you might pursue later. 

Documentation of your injuries is vital for any legal proceeding. Ensure that you keep copies of all medical records, bills, and any follow-up treatment related to the dog bite. 

Document the Dog Bite

Gathering evidence at the scene of the dog bite is helpful for establishing who is at-fault. Take photographs of your injuries from different angles, ensuring you capture any significant bruising, swelling, stitches, or lacerations. Additionally, document the location where the bite occurred, as this may provide context for the circumstances of the dog bite. If possible, obtain photographs of the dog involved in the bite. Oftentimes, you can pull these photographs from the owner’s social websites. 

Writing down details about the dog bite as soon as possible can also be helpful. Include the date, time, and location of the bite, as well as any interactions you had with the dog or its owner leading up to the event or in the weeks prior. This written record can serve as a helpful reference later on and will be useful when speaking with our Colorado dog bite lawyers.

Gather Information

Collect as much information as you can about the dog and its owner. This includes the dog’s breed, any identifiable features (height and weight), and the owner’s name, address, and phone number. If there were witnesses to the dog bite, gather their contact details as well. Witness testimonies can be essential to corroborate your account of the dog bite.

In Colorado, if the dog was running at large or the owner did not take active measures to control their pet, these factors can further strengthen your case. Our Colorado dog bite lawyers can use this information to build a robust claim against the owner, demonstrating that they failed to uphold their responsibility to prevent their dog from causing harm.

Gloved hands bandaging a person's hand.

Report the Dog Attack

Under Colorado law, it is a requirement to report dog bites to local animal control or law enforcement within 12 hours of the dog bite. Reporting the bite serves several purposes. It not only initiates a legal record of the dog bite but also enables authorities to assess the dog’s behavior, potentially preventing future bites. When reporting, ensure you provide all relevant details, including the time, place, owner’s information, and how the bite happened.

Failure to report the bite may impact your legal claim later. Our Colorado dog bite lawyers can assist you in this process to ensure that all necessary steps are taken.

Follow-Up on Your Medical Care

After the initial medical treatment, it’s essential to follow up as necessary. Some injuries may require additional treatment, such as physical therapy for nerve damage or scar management for lacerations. Keep records of all follow-up appointments and any related medical expenses, as these will be relevant to pursuing compensation.

Keep Communication Open

If you decide to pursue a claim, maintain communication with our Colorado dog bite lawyers throughout the process. They will guide you through all steps in the process, help you gather necessary evidence, and file claims with the appropriate insurance companies. Your lawyers can also prepare you for potential settlement negotiations or court proceedings, ensuring you are well-informed and ready to advocate for your interests.

In many states, a victim must show the dog had a known history of aggression or dangerous behavior to hold the owner liable. This is not a requirement under Colorado law. Colorado operates under a “strict liability” framework regarding dog bites. This means that dog owners are responsible for injuries caused by their pets, regardless of any prior knowledge of the dog’s aggressive tendencies. This makes it easier for victims to pursue claims with the help of our Colorado dog bite lawyers. Serious bodily injury includes disfigurement (scarring), death, impairment of function (loss of an ability to use a body part in the normal way), fractures, or lacerations.

The strict liability framework places an emphasis on dog owners to ensure their pets do not injure others. This includes proper training, socialization, and supervision of their dogs, especially around unfamiliar individuals or in unfamiliar environments. Owners should be aware that even a well-behaved dog can cause injury leading to potential liability claims.

However, there are exceptions to strict liability. For example, a dog owner may not be liable if the victim was trespassing on private property or provoked the dog in some way. Provocation can include bending down in the dog’s face, failure to listen to the owner’s requests that you not pet the dog, and any sudden or loud movements towards the dog. This is why collecting witness information and detailed accounts of the dog bite is essential, as it can help counter these exceptions.

Another defense might involve the “assumption of risk”. This means a victim knowingly engages with an aggressive dog. In some cases, the comparative negligence of the victim could come into play. Comparative negligence occurs if a victim’s own actions contributed to the dog bite and allows a dog owner might argue to argue that the fault for the bite should be shared. 

Lastly, most dog owners have homeowners or renters insurance that covers liability claims related to Colorado dog bites. Understanding how these policies work can be essential for both victims seeking compensation and owners managing their risks. Simply put, it is critical to document the dog bite thoroughly. 

Consulting with our Colorado dog bite lawyers can significantly enhance your chances of receiving fair compensation for your injuries. Colorado dog bite lawyers can help you navigate the legal landscape, ensure your rights are protected, and advocate for your rightful compensation. Consulting with Colorado dog bite lawyers can also take the burden off you so that you can focus on your health/recovery versus on speaking with insurance adjusters or negotiating your claim.

Do Healthcare Providers Have to Report a Colorado Dog Bite?

Yes, Colorado law mandates that healthcare providers report Colorado dog bites to the local health department. This is important for public health monitoring, particularly concerning rabies exposure. If you receive treatment for a Colorado dog bite, your doctor will file a report. While this may raise concerns about privacy, the report serves as legal documentation of the dog bite and assists animal control authorities in enforcing laws regarding the dog and its owner.

Quarantine Requirements After a Colorado Dog Bite

In Colorado, dogs that bite a person may be subject to quarantine, especially if there are concerns about rabies. Typically, dogs must undergo a minimum 10-day quarantine period to observe for symptoms of rabies. The dog owner is responsible for ensuring the dog is quarantined, which can occur either at home or in a designated facility.

White truck with "Animal Control" on the side.

Injuries in a Colorado Dog Bite

Colorado dog bites can lead to various injuries, each requiring specific medical attention and treatment. Understanding these potential injuries is important for victims to seek appropriate care and to understand the implications for their recovery.

Lacerations: Dog bites often cause deep cuts to the skin, which can be painful and may extend to underlying tissues. Treatment:

    • Immediate Care: Clean the wound thoroughly to reduce the risk of infection.
    • Stitches: If the laceration is deep, stitches may be required to close the wound properly.
    • Follow-Up Care: Monitor for signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, or discharge. Depending on the severity, follow-up appointments may be necessary.

    Nerve Damage: Bites can injure or sever nerves, potentially leading to loss of sensation, weakness, or paralysis in the affected area. Treatment:

      • Surgery: In severe cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to repair damaged nerves.
      • Physical Therapy: Rehabilitation exercises help regain strength and mobility over time.
      • Pain Management: Medication may be required to manage chronic pain resulting from nerve injury.

      Infections: Dog harbor bacteria that can lead to serious infections after a bite, such as cellulitis. Treatment:

        • Antibiotics: Prescribed to combat bacterial infections.
        • Monitoring: Healthcare providers may recommend monitoring the wound for signs of infection, including fever, increased pain, or discharge.
        • Wound Care: Regular cleaning and dressing changes are important to promote healing and prevent further infection.

        Crushing Injuries: Strong bites can cause crushing injuries to tissues, potentially affecting muscles, ligaments, and bones. Treatment:

          • Surgery: Surgical intervention may be necessary to repair damaged tissues and bones.
          • Rehabilitation: Physical therapy may be required to restore function and mobility.

          Scarring: Injuries from dog bites can result in significant scarring, which can be both physical and psychological. Treatment:

            • Scar Management: Treatments may include silicone sheets, creams, or laser therapy to minimize the appearance of scars.
            • Plastic Surgery: In cases of severe scarring or disfigurement, reconstructive surgery might be an option.

            Broken Bones: Victims may sustain fractures from the force of a dog’s bite or from being knocked over. Treatment:

              • Immobilization: Casts or splints are used to stabilize broken bones during healing.
              • Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to realign broken bones or insert hardware for stabilization.
              • Rehabilitation: Physical therapy is essential to restore strength and range of motion post-injury.

              Head Trauma: Victims may experience head injuries if they fall or are thrown to the ground during an attack. Treatment:

                • Medical Evaluation: Immediate evaluation is necessary to rule out concussions or more serious brain injuries.
                • Rest and Observation: rest and monitor symptoms of complications, such as prolonged headaches or dizziness.
                • Cognitive Rehabilitation: therapy to improve memory and concentration.

                Hematoma: A hematoma is a localized collection of blood outside of blood vessels (often known as bruising). Treatment:

                  • Observation: Small hematomas can resolve on their own with time.
                  • Draining: Larger hematomas may require drainage to relieve pressure and pain.
                  • Pain Management: Medication can manage discomfort.

                  Rabies Exposure: If the dog is unvaccinated or its vaccination status is unknown, there’s a risk of rabies, a potentially fatal viral infection. Treatment:

                    • Post-Exposure Prophylaxis: Immediate administration of rabies vaccinations and immune globulin is critical to prevent the onset of the disease.

                    Psychological Impact: The trauma of a dog bite can lead to lasting emotional effects, including PTSD, anxiety, or phobias regarding dogs. Treatment:

                      • Therapy: Psychological counseling or therapy may be beneficial in addressing trauma-related symptoms.
                      • Support Groups: Joining support groups can provide victims with a sense of community and shared experiences.
                      Woman talking to a uniformed officer, appearing concerned.

                      Tips for Owners to Prevent Colorado Dog Bites

                      Preventing dog bites is a shared responsibility that starts with responsible pet ownership. Dog owners play a crucial role in ensuring their pet is well-behaved, properly socialized, and not a risk to others. Taking proactive steps can help prevent dangerous incidents, protect your dog from liability, and create a safer community.

                      Socialization: Expose Your Dog to Different Environments and People

                      Proper socialization is one of the most effective ways to prevent dog aggression and fear-based reactions. From an early age, expose your dog to a variety of people, environments, sounds, and situations. This can include taking them on walks in different neighborhoods, visiting pet-friendly stores, introducing them to other dogs in controlled settings, and allowing them to interact with different types of people, including children and elderly individuals.

                      A well-socialized dog is less likely to react aggressively in unfamiliar situations because they have been gradually desensitized to new stimuli. If your dog shows signs of fear or nervousness, never force interactions—instead, take gradual steps to help them feel more comfortable. Enroll in puppy socialization classes or controlled playgroups to ensure your dog learns appropriate behaviors in a safe environment.

                      Additionally, always use a leash in public spaces to maintain control over your dog. Even the friendliest dogs can become startled or act unpredictably in new situations. Colorado law requires dogs to be on a leash in many public areas, helping prevent unnecessary conflicts or bites.

                      Training: Teach Obedience and Reinforce Good Behavior

                      Basic obedience training is essential for establishing control and communication between you and your dog. Teaching fundamental commands such as “sit,” “stay,” “leave it,” “come,” and “heel” can prevent dangerous situations from escalating. For example, if your dog becomes overly excited or anxious around new people, a well-practiced “sit” or “stay” command can help redirect their energy and maintain a calm demeanor.

                      Professional dog trainers or obedience classes can be beneficial, especially for first-time dog owners or those with strong-willed breeds. Training should be consistent, positive, and reward-based—never use harsh punishment, as this can lead to fear-based aggression. If your dog displays signs of aggression or extreme anxiety, consult a professional behaviorist for specialized training and intervention.

                      Supervise Interactions: Monitor Your Dog Around Children and Strangers

                      Even the most well-behaved dogs should never be left alone with young children or unfamiliar individuals. Dogs can become startled, feel threatened, or misinterpret a child’s playful behavior as a provocation. Always supervise interactions and educate guests—especially children—on how to approach and engage with your dog properly.

                      Watch for stress signals in your dog, such as lip licking, yawning, pinned-back ears, a stiffened posture, or a tucked tail—these can indicate discomfort and a warning that your dog may react defensively. If you notice these signs, remove your dog from the situation before it escalates.

                      It is also important to inform visitors about your dog’s temperament. If your dog is shy, excitable, or fearful, communicate this to others and set boundaries. For example, if your dog is nervous around strangers, ask guests to ignore them until they feel comfortable approaching. If your dog is protective of its space or food, ensure those areas are off-limits to visitors.

                      Veterinary Care: Maintain Your Dog’s Health and Address Behavioral Issues

                      Regular veterinary checkups are crucial for your dog’s overall well-being and behavior. Dogs that are in pain or suffering from an undiagnosed illness may become irritable or aggressive as a defense mechanism. Ensuring that your dog is up-to-date on vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and routine health screenings can help prevent discomfort that may contribute to sudden aggression.

                      Rabies vaccinations are particularly important, as Colorado law mandates rabies vaccinations for dogs. If a bite occurs, proof of vaccination can prevent unnecessary quarantine procedures and legal complications.

                      Beyond physical health, pay attention to your dog’s mental well-being. If your dog exhibits signs of anxiety, fear-based aggression, or compulsive behaviors, seek professional help from a veterinarian, dog trainer, or animal behaviorist. Anxiety-related aggression can often be managed with behavioral therapy, environmental modifications, and, in some cases, medication prescribed by a veterinarian.

                      By implementing these preventive measures, dog owners can reduce the likelihood of bites and ensure their pets are well-adjusted members of the community. Taking the time to properly train, socialize, and monitor your dog not only protects others but also safeguards your pet from potential legal consequences and unnecessary stress.

                      Preventive Measures to Avoid Dog Bites in Colorado

                      Dog bites can often be prevented with awareness, caution, and responsible behavior around animals. Whether you are a dog owner or someone who regularly interacts with dogs, following these guidelines can help minimize the risk of bites and ensure safer interactions.

                      Avoid Provocation

                      Dogs may bite when they feel threatened, startled, or provoked. To reduce the risk, always stay calm and avoid making sudden movements around unfamiliar dogs. Loud noises, quick gestures, or reaching out too abruptly can startle a dog and trigger a defensive reaction. Never approach a dog from behind or lean over its head, as this can make the animal feel cornered or intimidated. Instead, approach slowly from the side, allowing the dog to see and sniff you first.

                      Certain behaviors, even if unintentional, can be perceived as a threat. For instance, staring directly into a dog’s eyes for an extended period may be interpreted as a challenge, while grabbing a dog’s ears or tail can cause discomfort or irritation, leading to defensive behavior. Always be mindful of a dog’s body language—if a dog stiffens, growls, or tucks its tail, it is best to back away and avoid further interaction.

                      Ask Before Approaching

                      Not all dogs are comfortable with strangers, and some may have a history of aggression or fearfulness. Before petting or interacting with a dog, always ask the owner for permission. This simple step shows respect for both the owner and the animal, allowing the owner to inform you if their dog is anxious, reactive, or uncomfortable with new people.

                      Even if a dog appears friendly, it may not be in the mood for interaction. A dog that is eating, sleeping, playing with a toy, or caring for puppies may become defensive if disturbed. If permission is granted, extend your hand slowly with a closed fist, allowing the dog to sniff and become familiar with your scent before attempting to touch it. Avoid patting a dog on the top of the head; instead, gently scratch under its chin or on the side of its neck.

                      Educate Children on Proper Dog Interaction

                      Children are particularly vulnerable to dog bites, often because they do not understand how to interact with dogs safely. It is essential to teach children how to respect a dog’s boundaries and recognize warning signs of discomfort.

                      Instruct children never to pull on a dog’s ears, tail, or fur, and to avoid hugging dogs tightly, as these actions can make the animal feel trapped. Teach them to use gentle touches and avoid rough play, especially with unfamiliar dogs. Additionally, children should never attempt to take food, toys, or bones away from a dog, as this can lead to possessive aggression.

                      A good rule of thumb is to tell children to treat every dog as if it might bite unless they know the dog well and have permission from the owner to interact. Supervision is key—never leave a young child alone with a dog, regardless of how friendly the dog may seem. Many bites occur when children unknowingly provoke a dog while playing too roughly, invading the dog’s space, or startling it with sudden movements.

                      By following these preventive measures, individuals can significantly reduce the likelihood of dog bites and promote safer interactions between people and animals. Understanding dog behavior, practicing responsible pet ownership, and educating children on proper interaction can help create a safer environment for both humans and dogs in Colorado.

                      Contact our Colorado Dog Bite Lawyers

                      At Bowman Law, we recognize the profound impact a personal injury can have on your life. Our Colorado dog bite lawyers understand the overwhelming challenges associated with an animal attack. Do not go at it alone. Let us help. Our team of Colorado dog bite lawyers provide compassionate, personalized legal representation to help you navigate this challenging time.

                      Our client-first approach ensures your needs are at the forefront of everything we do. We pride ourselves on transparency, integrity, and clear communication, guiding you through each step of the legal process. From initial consultation to the resolution of your case, we will guide you through the process. Our goal is to alleviate the stress of legal proceedings so you can focus on your recovery. Bowman Law has a proven record of success.

                      If you or a loved one has been injured due to someone else’s negligence, do not face the challenges alone. Please send us a message or call us at 720-466-5747 to schedule a free case evaluation. Remember, you have one chance at attaining full and complete justice, and we are here to ensure you seize it. Let Colorado’s top-rated Colorado dog bite lawyers fight for your rights, protect your interests, and deliver the justice you deserve. We serve clients across Colorado’s Front Range and beyond, including DenverColorado Springs, Boulder, Fort Collins, Westminster, Lakewood, and Aurora. Call us now and take the first step toward reclaiming your life.