Dogs are popular pets, and while most people enjoy spending time with dogs, these animals are also capable of inflicting tremendous injuries unexpectedly. If you were bitten by a dog, it is natural to wonder how you can recover your losses and how much your case could be worth. When it comes to the average dog bite settlement in Denver, many factors influence the outcome of these cases.
What Is the Average Dog Bite Settlement in Denver?
Naming an average dog bite settlement in Denver is difficult because every case is unique, and many factors influence the final value of any given claim. In 2022, The Insurance Information Institute reported the average dog bite claim value was over $64,000. However, an injured victim should not assume this to be an accurate benchmark for their case. The total value of any personal injury case hinges on the severity of the victim’s losses.
To succeed with any dog bite claim in Denver, the victim will need to assert strict liability for the dog owner. This means they must prove they did not provoke the attack and that they were legally present at the location of the attack. Once strict liability has been applied, the defendant is liable for the full extent of the damages their pet inflicted.
Claiming Compensation for a Dog Bite in Denver
An experienced Denver dog bite lawyer is a fantastic asset to have on your side after you have been injured by someone else’s dog. You must meet specific procedural requirements for filing a dog bite injury claim, and it is vital to have experienced legal counsel on your side so you can uncover every form of compensation you can claim from the defendant. It’s possible for a plaintiff to recover economic and non-economic damages with their claim.
Economic damages in a personal injury case include the direct financial effects of the incident. These generally include medical expenses and future medical treatment costs for serious injuries, lost income when the victim is unable to work because of their injuries, and property damage the defendant caused with their actions. It’s important to have an attorney’s help to accurately calculate projected future damages.
Non-economic damages are more subjective and include things like physical pain, emotional distress, and diminished quality of life. The plaintiff will need to show proof that the incident inflicted their emotional distress, and their attorney can help them substantiate their claim. Colorado law limits non-economic damages in most personal injury claims, but this still could amount to a sizeable recovery for the plaintiff if they sustained serious injuries.
The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal regularly assists Denver-area clients with a wide range of complex personal injury cases, including dog bite claims. We know how damaging and traumatic these incidents can be and that anyone who experiences this type of incident is likely to wonder about the average dog bite settlement in Denver. We can provide client-focused guidance and support as you seek compensation for your damages.
FAQs
Q: What Are the Conditions for Strict Liability for Dog Attacks?
A: The conditions for strict liability for dog attacks occur when the victim did not provoke the attack and they were legally present at the location where the attack occurred. It does not matter whether the dog has a history of prior attacks, but if it does, the owner could face enhanced penalties if they failed to follow previously assigned instructions to manage their dog safely.
Q: How Much Is My Dog Bite Claim Worth?
A: How much a dog bite claim is worth hinges on the severity of the victim’s damages. A personal injury plaintiff in Denver has the right to seek compensation for their medical treatment costs, lost income, and any property damage caused by the incident. They may also seek pain and suffering compensation that reflects the severity of their injuries. Your attorney can help determine the full potential value of your case.
Q: Who Pays for a Dog Bite?
A: In most cases, the dog owner’s homeowner or renter insurance will pay the claim for a dog bite to the injured victim. If the dog owner has limited liability protection through their insurance, or if they do not have insurance at all, it will limit how much is actually available to pay for the victim’s damages. When a dog owner is held personally liable, they may not have the funds to pay a large damage award to the victim.
Q: What Injuries Happen From Dog Attacks?
A: Painful puncture wounds, broken bones, and nerve damage are injuries that can happen from dog attacks. However, if the dog knocks the victim to the ground, it is possible for more serious injuries to result, such as traumatic brain damage if the victim hits their head. Unfortunately, many dog attacks result in catastrophic injuries that entail significant long-term or permanent complications for victims.
Q: What Does It Cost to Hire a Dog Bite Lawyer in Denver?
A: When seeking to hire a dog bite lawyer in Denver, the cost is important. Look for a law firm that takes cases on a contingency basis. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal takes personal injury cases on contingency, so our client pays a percentage of their award as a fee only if we win their case. There is no fee at all if we can’t obtain a recovery for our client, so there is no risk of the client paying more for legal counsel than they win in compensation for their damages.
While it’s natural for any dog bite victim to wonder about the average dog bite settlement in Denver, it is important to remember that every case is unique, and many factors can influence a final award. The Law Firm of Jeremy Rosenthal can assist you in building your case and maximizing your recovery as much as Colorado law allows, so contact us today and schedule a free consultation with our team to learn more about how we can help.
