Yes. If you were bitten by a dog in a public place or while lawfully on someone’s private property, in most cases you are entitled to compensation. Colorado imposes statutory strict liability for dog attacks, making the owner of a dog legally liable to the victim of a dog attack.

There are some exceptions to the Colorado liability law. If the victim was a trespasser, committed a crime against the owner of the dog, or physically abused the dog, the dog bite liability law would not apply. Other exceptions include veterinarians or canine professions who were injured on the job, or a dog that was assisting the police or the military when the accident occurred.

Not sure if you are entitled to compensation? Reach out to a member of our team, and we will examine the details of your case and provide you with expert legal advice.

While your first priority should be taking care of yourself, and seeking medical care where necessary, dog bite victims should seek the counsel of a trusted attorney as soon as possible. This will give your legal team ample time to gather evidence needed to ensure that you receive the full compensation that you are entitled to.

The one bite rule holds a dog’s owner liable if he or she knew that the animal might act in a dangerous or harmful way. Conversely, the rule allows a dog owner to assume their dog isn’t dangerous until the dog displays aggressive behavior toward a person or other dog.

Colorado’s revised dog bite statute (C.R.S. 13-21-124) allows for exceptions to the one bite rule. If a dog bite causes serious bodily harm, a dog owner could be held liable for economic damages even if there is no evidence the dog has bitten or attacked anyone before.

In addition to the physical injuries dog bites can cause, victims may also commonly feel anxiety, depression and other forms of psychological suffering.

Under Colorado’s strict liability law, the victim is entitled to compensation for financial losses suffered as a result of a dog bite. If a victim is able to prove that the dog has attacked someone before or violated dog control laws (like letting a dog run free), it is possible to recover both monetary and non-monetary damages, which may include pain and suffering.

With the guidance and support of an experienced attorney, you can ensure that you or your loved one will receive full and fair compensation for the losses suffered as a result of a dog bite.

First, seek medical attention right away—even minor bites can lead to infection. Report the incident to animal control, document your injuries with photos, and get the dog owner’s contact information if possible. These steps not only protect your health but also create important evidence for your claim.

 Yes, you may still be able to recover compensation even if the bite occurred on the dog owner’s property. Colorado law allows claims in many situations, especially if the bite caused serious injury. An attorney can review the details of your case to determine your rights.

In Colorado, dog owners can be held responsible even if the dog has never shown aggression before. If the bite caused serious bodily injury, liability does not depend on the dog’s history.

 In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance covers medical expenses from a dog bite. If insurance does not apply, the owner may still be personally responsible. An attorney can help identify the best way to recover costs.

In Colorado, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury claim. Missing this deadline may prevent you from recovering compensation.

Slip and fall accidents may result in serious injuries, including broken bones. Below are some steps you should follow in the event of a fall:

• For your safety, stay still and check for injuries
  
• If possible, file a report of your injury with the property owner
• Ask for contact information of any witnesses
• Gather evidence and take photographs
• Seek medical help
• File an insurance claim
• Contact a qualified slip and fall attorney

In most slip and fall cases, an injury claim against the property owner must be filed within two years.

If the accident occured on government property, the deadline to send the relevant government entity a notice of claim may be considerably shorter.

1. Seek medical attention, and gather documentation to support your claim.
2. Contact an experienced lawyer who specializes in personal injury law.
3. Investigate the case to establish negligence.
4. Serve notice of claim to all involved parties.
5. Try to negotiate a settlement acceptable to both parties.
6. If a settlement can’t be reached, file a personal injury lawsuit. 
7. Go to trial.

Yes. Property owners and businesses in Colorado must take reasonable steps to remove or treat ice and snow. If they fail to do so within a reasonable time and you are injured, you may have a claim for compensation.

Negligence can be shown through evidence like photos of the hazard, witness statements, or maintenance records. If the property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition but failed to fix it, they may be held responsible for your injuries.

Yes. A “wet floor” sign does not automatically protect a property owner from liability. If the hazard was not properly addressed, or the sign was not placed in a clear and visible location, you may still be able to pursue a claim.

Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and costs for future care or rehabilitation. An attorney can help calculate the full value of your claim and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf.

The value of your slip and fall case depends on several factors: whether liability is clear, the severity of your injuries, total medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, and pain and suffering. Minor injuries may settle for thousands of dollars, while serious injuries that result in permanent impairment or require future medical care can result in six-figure settlements. An experienced attorney can evaluate your case and estimate its worth during a free consultation.

• Seek medical assistance. 
• Notify the police.  Get the case number from the officer and file a “Traffic Crash Report” or form DR3447. 
• Try to obtain a picture of the driver’s auto insurance and driver’s license. If not possible, be sure to capture the driver’s license plate number.
• Collect contact information (names, phone numbers) from any witnesses. 
• Obtain evidence from the scene, including photos or videos.
• Preserve items from the crash, such as your bike, helmet and other gear, even if they are damaged or blood stained. They can be used as evidence to support your case.
• Contact an experienced attorney prior to filing an insurance claim.

In Colorado, personal injury claims can be filed within three years. However, for claims against the state, this timeline is shortened to 180 days.

Yes. Both the other driver and your own personal automobile insurance coverages can be used in a bike accident.

At Bowman Law, we will take the time to thoroughly research the details of your case, collect evidence, value damages you are owed, file the claim, negotiate with your insurance company, and speak on your behalf in court.

Note that Colorado is an “at-fault state” in handling accident claims. This means that the insurance companies assess who was at fault for the accident and impose the liability for payment on this person and his or her insurance company.

This is called “dooring,” and in most cases, the driver or passenger who opened the door without checking for cyclists is responsible. Colorado law requires people to look before opening doors. If their negligence caused your accident, you may have a valid claim for compensation.

Yes. Colorado law does not require adults to wear helmets while riding a bike. However, insurance companies may argue that your injuries would have been less severe with a helmet. This can affect the value of your claim, so it’s important to have an attorney on your side.

 If the driver fled the scene, you may still recover compensation through your own uninsured motorist coverage or another applicable policy. An attorney can help investigate the crash, find possible coverage, and protect your rights.

Colorado law requires drivers to give cyclists at least three feet of space when passing. Cyclists generally have the same rights and responsibilities as motorists, but must ride as far to the right as practicable and follow traffic laws. If a driver violates these laws and causes an accident, they may be held liable.

Compensation after a bike accident may include medical bills, lost wages, bike repair or replacement, pain and suffering, and long-term rehabilitation costs. An attorney will calculate the full value of your damages and work to make sure you are fairly compensated.