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Dog bites can cause severe physical injuries and extensive losses. Matlin Injury Law is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve. With over $25 million recovered, we combine experience with results-driven strategies to help those affected by dog bite injuries.
At Matlin Injury Law, you’ll have direct communication with our dog bite lawyers in Lakewood throughout your case. We also provide access to an app that offers daily updates on the status of your claim, ensuring you stay informed every step of the way.
Every case is handled with a personalized legal plan tailored to the specific needs of the client. Call us today for help from our Lakewood personal injury lawyer. We offer free consultations.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer in Lakewood
Dog bite injuries can be more than just physically painful; they can result in long-term medical care, scarring, emotional trauma, and financial burdens. Even minor bites may involve costly medical treatments, including stitches, rabies vaccinations, or surgery to address complications like infections or nerve damage.
In Colorado, dog owners can be held responsible for injuries caused by their pets under certain circumstances. Some cases are straightforward, but others require a thorough investigation to prove liability.
A qualified Lakewood dog bite attorney can help you understand your legal options, negotiate with insurance companies, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Dog Bites Injuries Can Be Severe
Dog bites can lead to a wide range of injuries, from minor wounds to life-altering damage. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Puncture wounds and lacerations: These injuries can cause significant bleeding and may require stitches or surgical repair.
- Infections: Dog bites can introduce bacteria into the body, leading to infections such as cellulitis or sepsis.
- Nerve damage: Deep bites can damage nerves, leading to loss of sensation or motor function in the affected area.
- Scarring and disfigurement: Severe bites may leave permanent scars or require reconstructive surgery.
- Emotional trauma: Dog attacks can cause lasting psychological effects, including anxiety, PTSD, and fear of animals.
If you’ve experienced any of these injuries, working with a dog bite injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
Understanding Colorado’s Dog Bite Laws
Colorado follows a combination of strict liability and negligence principles when it comes to dog bite cases. A dog owner can be held strictly liable for a bite if the victim was lawfully on public or private property and sustained serious bodily injury.
For injuries that are not classified as serious, you may need to prove that the owner was negligent in preventing the attack. Our Lakewood dog bite accident lawyer can evaluate the specifics of your case and help you determine the best legal approach.
Factors like the dog’s history of aggression, whether it was properly restrained, and the location of the incident can all play a role in establishing liability.
What a Dog Bite Attorney Can Do for You
Seeking compensation after a dog bite can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with injuries and recovery. A dog bite attorney in Lakewood handles every aspect of your case, from initial consultations to negotiating settlements or representing you in court.
When you work with Matlin Injury Law, we can:
- Investigate the Incident: We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and review medical records to build a strong case.
- Determine Liability: Whether the dog owner was negligent or strictly liable, we will work to hold them accountable for your injuries.
- Calculate Damages: We assess all financial, physical, and emotional losses to ensure the compensation you seek reflects the full scope of your damages.
- Negotiate with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts, but we fight for a fair settlement that covers your needs.
- Litigate If Necessary: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we are prepared to take your case to court and advocate on your behalf.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
If you’ve been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps can protect your health and strengthen your legal case. Here’s what to do:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if the bite seems minor, it’s important to have it evaluated by a healthcare professional. Dog bites can lead to infections or other complications that may not be immediately visible.
- Report the incident: Notify local animal control or law enforcement about the attack. This creates an official record of the incident, which can be valuable for your case.
- Document your injuries: Take photos of the bite and any visible injuries, and keep records of medical treatments and expenses.
- Identify the dog and owner: If possible, gather information about the dog and its owner, including contact details and whether the dog has been vaccinated.
- Contact a dog bite lawyer: A lawyer for dog bite cases can explain your rights, evaluate your claim, and guide you through the legal process.
Compensation Available for Dog Bite Victims
Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes emergency care, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and other related costs.
- Lost wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can seek compensation for lost income.
- Pain and suffering: This includes compensation for physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
- Future care needs: Severe injuries may require ongoing treatment or long-term care, which can be factored into your claim.
- Property damage: If the attack caused damage to personal property, such as torn clothing or broken possessions, you may be able to recover these costs as well.
A dog bite lawyer in Lakewood can carefully evaluate your case to ensure all damages are accounted for.
Get Help From a Lakewood Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a dog bite incident, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Whether you require a dog bite attorney to negotiate with insurers or a dog bite accident lawyer to represent you in court, Matlin Injury Law is ready to assist.
Call us today for a free consultation. Let a Lakewood dog bite injury lawyer help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
