Who Pays For Damages In A Dog Bite Case?
Dog bites can result in serious physical and emotional harm to both the victim and the dog owner. In Colorado, dog owners are held responsible for their dog’s actions, and victims of dog bites may be entitled to compensation for their injuries. But who pays for a dog owner’s negligence in a dog bite case in Colorado?
Colorado’s Dog Bite Statute
Colorado has a strict liability dog bite statute, which means that dog owners are held responsible for any injuries caused by their dogs, regardless of whether the dog owner knew or should have known that their dog had dangerous propensities. Under Colorado law, a dog owner is liable for any injuries caused by their dog, unless the victim was trespassing on the owner’s property, committing a crime, or provoking the dog.
Who Pays for Damages in a Dog Bite Case?
In Colorado, if a victim is bitten by a dog, the dog owner is generally responsible for paying for any damages resulting from the dog bite. This includes medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. However, if the victim is found to have contributed to the dog bite in any way, their damages may be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to them.
For example, if a victim provoked a dog before being bitten, a court may find that the victim is partially at fault for the dog bite and may reduce the damages they can recover accordingly.
Insurance Coverage
Many dog owners in Colorado have homeowners or renters insurance policies that may provide coverage for dog bite claims. However, insurance coverage may not be available in all cases, and some policies may exclude coverage for certain breeds of dogs.
It’s important to note that if a dog owner’s insurance policy does cover dog bite claims, the insurance company may have the right to defend the dog owner in court and may also have the right to settle the claim on the dog owner’s behalf.
In Colorado, dog owners are responsible for the actions of their dogs and are generally liable for any damages resulting from a dog bite. However, the victim’s damages may be reduced if they are found to have contributed to the dog bite in any way. Dog owners may have insurance coverage for dog bite claims, but coverage may not be available in all cases. If you have been bitten by a dog in Colorado, it’s important to seek medical attention and consult with an experienced personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and options.
