How to Hold a Dog Owner Liable After a Serious Bite or Attack
Dog attacks can be both physically and emotionally devastating. Victims often face long recovery periods, costly medical care, and lasting trauma that affects daily life. When a dog bite happens, holding the owner accountable is a critical step toward recovery.
Dog bite claims help victims recover compensation for their injuries, lost income, and other related damages, but the process requires careful legal action.
At Downs McDonough & Foley, LLC, we represent victims of dog attacks in Durango, Colorado, and the Four Corners region, including Pagosa Springs and Cortez. We also assist with cases in Arizona and Utah through local lawyer partnerships.
Our firm understands the physical and emotional toll that dog attacks take on victims, and we’re here to help those affected take legal steps toward recovery.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured by a dog, contact us today to discuss your dog bite claim and learn how we can help you hold the responsible party accountable. We can get you started with a free consultation.
Determining Who’s Responsible for a Dog Bite
The first step in any dog bite claim is identifying who’s legally responsible for the injuries. In most cases, the dog’s owner is the liable party, but liability can extend beyond ownership in certain situations. Primary liability usually falls on:
The dog’s owner: The person who owns or keeps the dog is most often held accountable for its behavior.
Property owners or landlords: If a landlord knew of a tenant’s dangerous dog but failed to act, they might share responsibility.
Caretakers or dog sitters: Those temporarily responsible for the animal’s supervision could also face liability if negligence contributed to the attack.
Colorado follows a strict liability rule for dog bites that cause serious bodily injury or death. This means an owner can be held liable even if they didn’t know their dog could be dangerous..
Proving Negligence in Dog Bite Cases
Not all dog attacks fall under strict liability laws. When they don’t, victims can still pursue a claim based on negligence. This requires demonstrating that the owner failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the attack and that their inaction directly contributed to the injuries suffered. Negligence may involve situations such as:
Ignoring leash laws: Allowing a dog to roam freely in public areas where leashes are required.
Failing to warn others: Not warning guests or passersby about a dog’s aggressive behavior.
Inadequate fencing or control: Allowing a dog to escape a yard or enclosure known to be insecure.
To prove negligence, evidence is key. Witness statements, veterinary records, police reports, and photographs of injuries or the scene can all support your dog bite claim.
When a case involves serious injuries or repeated attacks, our firm collaborates with investigators to gather the necessary documentation to demonstrate how the dog owner failed in their duty of care.
Common Injuries from Dog Attacks
Dog attacks can cause more than puncture wounds. The force of a bite and the trauma that follows can result in lasting injuries, some requiring surgery or long-term therapy. Common injuries suffered in dog attacks include:
Lacerations and puncture wounds: Deep bites that may cause nerve damage or infection.
Fractures and crush injuries: Severe bites can break bones, especially in children.
Facial injuries: Attacks often target the face, leaving disfigurement and scarring.
Emotional trauma: Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and fear of animals are common psychological effects.
Documenting every injury is essential when pursuing dog bite claims, as these details establish both the severity of harm and the long-term impact on the victim’s life.
What Compensation May Be Available
Victims of severe dog bites often face significant expenses, from emergency care to reconstructive surgery. A successful dog bite claim can help recover compensation for both economic and non-economic losses. Possible damages may include:
Medical expenses: Hospital stays, surgeries, medication, and ongoing treatment.
Lost wages: Time missed from work or loss of earning capacity.
Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress caused by the attack.
Permanent scarring or disfigurement: Compensation for lasting physical changes.
Property damage: Clothing, eyeglasses, or other belongings damaged during the attack.
We carefully evaluate your losses to make sure every financial and emotional impact is accounted for when building your dog bite claim.
Legal Time Limits for Filing Dog Bite Claims
Every state has a statute of limitations, which sets a deadline for filing a lawsuit. Missing this deadline can bar victims from recovering compensation altogether.
In Colorado, victims generally have two years from the date of the attack to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, the rules differ depending on whether the victim is a child or if the case involves additional claims, such as property damage.
Steps to Take After a Dog Attack
What you do immediately after a dog bite can significantly affect your case. Acting quickly helps preserve evidence and protect your health. After a dog attack, take these steps:
Get medical attention: Even minor bites can cause infections or lasting damage.
Report the incident: File a report with local animal control or law enforcement.
Identify the dog and owner: Gather the owner’s name, address, and the dog’s vaccination status.
Collect evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the dog, and where the attack occurred.
Contact a lawyer: Early legal guidance helps preserve your right to compensation.
These actions make it easier to build a thorough record for your dog bite claim and can strengthen your position if the owner disputes responsibility.
Holding Negligent Dog Owners Accountable
Ultimately, dog bite claims are about holding individuals accountable. Whether an owner ignored leash laws, failed to warn about a dangerous animal, or didn’t take proper safety precautions, their choices can have devastating consequences.
Victims shouldn’t bear the financial and emotional burden of someone else’s negligence. Through negotiation or litigation, our firm works to hold owners responsible and secure meaningful compensation that supports our clients’ recovery and peace of mind.
Contact Us Today
If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, you don’t have to face it alone. At Downs McDonough & Foley, LLC, we handle dog bite claims across Durango, Pagosa Springs, Cortez, Colorado, and the Four Corners region. We also represent cases in Arizona and Utah through local lawyer partnerships. Contact us today to speak with a lawyer who can help you hold the owner accountable.