The American Veterinary Medical Association recently released a Sourcebook that shows pet ownership is currently at its highest level with 56% of households owning a pet. Dogs account for 78 million of these pets. There is no denying dogs provide significant benefits, as they offer unconditional love and affection. However, it is important to know dogs can still pose a serious danger.
According to the American Humane Association, more than 4.7 million people in the U.S. are bitten by dogs on an annual basis and every 6 bites is serious enough to warrant medical attention. This translates to 3 bites per 1,000 people per year. Recent data from a national telephone survey, however, provided an estimate of 18 bites per 1,000 people per year. Moreover, the literature also reveals (1) there is a substantially greater injury and fatality rate for children when compared with adults; (2) male children are injured and killed more often than female children; and (3) there is a preponderance of owned family dogs involved in bites and fatalities.
Injuries from dog bites can cause permanent scars, severe disability, or even death. In addition to the superficial injuries, damage to underlying tissue, and possible disfigurement, victims can also experience non-economic damages, including pain and suffering. Dog owners in Colorado can be held strictly liable for serious bodily injury caused by a dog bite or attack. A dog’s owner does not have to have knowledge the dog was dangerous or that it had a propensity to attack.
Dog bite injuries are frequently covered by homeowner’s insurance coverage. Following a dog bite, therefore, an insurance company will begin investigating by gathering witness statements and photographing the scene as well as any alleged injuries. Some insurance companies will try to resolve a claim by offering a quick settlement. Insurance adjusters take this approach to avoid paying for future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
The attorneys at Bowman Law have handled many Denver dog bite accidents. In the event you or someone you love has been injured by a dog bite, contact our experienced Denver personal injury attorneys today at 720.863.6904 or email us for your free consultation. Our lawyers handle a wide range of personal injury cases, including Motor Vehicle Accidents, Bicycle Accidents, Pedestrian Accidents, Slip & Fall Accidents, and Dog Bites & Attacks. We service Arvada, Aurora, Boulder, Broomfield, Denver, Commerce City, Lakewood, Littleton, Thornton, Westminster, Wheat Ridge, and other parts of metropolitan Denver, Colorado.
Jerry Bowman
Owner and Managing Attorney
Jerry Bowman, J.D., M.A., Owner and managing attorney of Bowman Law LLC, takes his responsibility to the legal profession seriously and dedicates his time and effort to providing quality and competent legal representation to clients in Denver and throughout all of Colorado. He holds an MA in Political Science from Wayne State University and earned his law degree in two and a half years from Michigan State University College of Law.