Colorado’s dog bite laws provide legal remedies for people whom, through no fault of their own, are attacked by a dog. But what about people who rush to the aid of a child or adult who is being attacked, or people who defend their own dog from an attack by another dog? The same dog bite laws apply to these individuals as well, with exceptions. If you suffered serious bodily injury while aiding another person who was being attacked by a dog, you need to consult a Colorado personal injury attorney for advice on what steps to take to make sure you are compensated for your pain and suffering.

Colorado Dog Bite Laws
 
A person who suffers serious bodily injury or death while aiding another person being attacked by a dog may bring civil action against the dog owner, regardless of whether or not the dog was dangerous or dangerous, or whether or not the owner was aware of such. The exception is if the victim was trespassing at the time of the injury and/or he or she knowingly provoked the dog, in which case he or she would not be entitled to damages. Serious bodily injury in this reference means severe skin lacerations, muscle tears or bruises requiring medical treatment or cosmetic/corrective surgery. If it can be proven that a dog owner knew of his dog’s dangerous or vicious tendencies, your Colorado personal injury attorney can petition the court to order the dog be euthanized at the owner’s expense.

If You Intervene, Are You Provoking an Attack?
 
Under the law, you would not be viewed as having provoked a dog into attacking you, even though you made the choice to intervene and help another person being attacked. The same is true if you are seriously injured while trying to save your own dog from an attack by another dog. Legally, pets are considered your property, so you do have the right to take any protective means possible, even if that means killing the attacking dog. In some locales there are certain types of domestic animals you may not legally kill an attacking dog to defend, so consult with your attorney to see if you can be held liable should you ever have to kill an attacking dog to defend your own pet.

How Can a Colorado Personal Injury Attorney Help?
 
Most dog owners are covered for dog bite liability under their homeowner’s insurance policy, but policy limits may prevent you from getting all that you’re entitled to. The personal injury attorneys at the O’Connell Law Firm will make sure you are not shortchanged. These attorneys will fight to get you the fair compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering and make sure the dog owner is held liable. The attorneys will review the circumstances surrounding the attack and advise you of your legal options and your rights under the law. Contact their law office for a free initial consultation. You may be entitled to payment for medical expenses, lost wages and any other economic hardships resulting from your injury.