Your Questions Answered by Top Denver Dog Bite Lawyer Sean McQuaid
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in the Denver Metro area, you are likely feeling a mix of pain, shock, and confusion. We know how scary this is because Attorney Sean McQuaid was the victim of two bites as a child that required stitches and left him with a permanent scar above his left eye. Sean is now the leading attorney for dog bite claims in Colorado.
As a personal injury lawyer who specializes in dog attack cases, I want to help you understand your rights. At Denver Personal Injury LawyersⓇ, we handle these cases with the compassion you deserve and the expertise needed to get you a fair settlement.
Puncture Wound vs. Stitches: Knowing the Difference
When a dog bites, the physical damage can vary. Understanding the type of wound you have is the first step in deciding if you need a dog bite lawyer.
What is a puncture wound?
A puncture wound is a deep, narrow hole caused by a dog’s tooth. Unlike a cut that slices the skin, a puncture wound “stabs” into the tissue. These can be very dangerous because dogs carry bacteria in their mouths that get pushed deep into your body.
Medical Treatment: Bandages and Antibiotics vs. Stitches
- Small Punctures: If the bite is small, a doctor may clean it and give you a bandage. They will almost always prescribe antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Stitches: If the wound is wide or deep, you may need stitches. We find that cases involving stitches almost always leave a permanent scar.
- Specialist Care: For serious bites, you might need to see a dermatologist or a plastic surgeon to help with scarring.
Potential Complications
Even a small bite can cause big problems, including:
- Infection: Redness, swelling, and fever.
- Nerve Damage: If you feel numbness or tingling, the tooth may have hit a nerve.
- Scarring: Permanent marks that can be emotionally painful.
- Emotional Trauma: Many victims develop a fear of dogs or PTSD after an attack.
Do You Need to Hire a Lawyer for All Dog Bites?
The short answer is: No, but you should always call one first. At Denver Personal Injury LawyersⓇ, we are honest about which cases we take. If your bite is a puncture that heals with a simple bandage and no lasting issues, we usually recommend you handle it on your own. However, if there is nerve damage, or if you need stitches, we want to handle your case. Serious injuries require follow-up care, and that is where a personal injury lawyer becomes essential.
Understanding Colorado Dog Bite Laws
Colorado has very specific rules for dog attacks. It is important to know the “Statute” and the “Rule.”
The Colorado Dog Bite Statute (C.R.S. § 13-21-124)
In Colorado, the law is very strong for victims. Under C.R.S. § 13-21-124, if a dog causes “serious bodily injury” or death, the owner is strictly liable for economic damages (like medical bills).
What is Strict Liability?
This is great news for victims. Strict liability means the owner is responsible even if the dog has never been aggressive before. It doesn’t matter if the dog was the “sweetest pet” for ten years; if it bites you, the owner is responsible for your medical costs.
The One-Bite Rule
Some states use a “one-bite rule,” which means an owner isn’t liable unless the dog has bitten someone before. Colorado does NOT use this for serious injuries. You don’t have to prove the dog was “vicious” in the past to get your medical bills paid.
What To Do After a Dog Bite in Denver
- Seek Medical Help: Go to an ER or Urgent Care immediately.
- Report the Bite: Call the police and Animal Control. This creates a legal record.
- Take Photos: Take pictures of the dog, the owner, the location, and your wounds.
- Get Info: Collect names and phone numbers of the owner and any witnesses.
- Call Sean McQuaid: Contact us at www.denverlaw.com before talking to any insurance adjusters.
How We Make an Injury Claim
We don’t usually “sue” individuals personally. Instead, we make a claim against:
- Homeowner’s Insurance
- Renter’s Insurance
- Business Insurance (if the bite happened at a bar, restaurant, or store)
Claims Against Friends or Relatives
Many people hesitate to call a dog attack lawyer because the dog owner is a friend or family member. Please don’t worry. We are seeking money from their insurance company, not their bank account. Most reasonable people actually want you to get compensated by the insurance company.
Will You Have to Go to Court?
It is extremely rare to file a lawsuit in a dog bite case. Because Colorado law is so favorable to victims, insurance companies usually pay out quickly and fairly. In my career, I can only recall one case where I had to file a lawsuit, and it settled in just a few months.
What is Your Case Worth?
The value of a claim depends on:
- Medical Bills: The cost of the ER, stitches, and physical therapy.
- Pain and Suffering: This is often where the most value is found. A scar is a constant reminder of a scary event. We value your emotional distress at a multiple of your medical bills.
- Nerve Damage or Scars: These “permanent” injuries lead to much higher settlements.
The Power of Pictures and Metadata
Photos are your best evidence. They are “gruesome” and “shocking,” which makes insurance companies want to settle before a jury sees them.
- Pro Tip: Send your lawyer the “Metadata.”
- How to get Metadata: On an iPhone, open the photo and swipe up; you’ll see the date, time, and location. On Android, tap the three dots and select “Details.” This proves when and where the photo was taken, making it “bulletproof” evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How Much Does It Cost to Hire You?
We work on a contingency basis. This means you pay $0 unless we win money for you.
2. Can I Claim if My Own Dog Was Hurt Too?
Yes! You can recover compensation for your dog’s vet bills if they were injured in the same attack.
3. What if the Owner Doesn’t Have Insurance?
We can investigate other assets, but most cases involve some form of liability insurance.
4. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?
Generally, you have two years in Colorado, but you should act much faster to preserve evidence.
5. What if I Was Partially at Fault?
You may still have a claim. Let us evaluate it.
6. Will the Dog Be Put Down?
Not necessarily. Animal control decides that based on local ordinances, not your civil claim.
7. Do I Have to Talk to the Owner’s Insurance?
No. In fact, you shouldn’t. Let Sean McQuaid handle them.
8. Can Delivery Drivers Sue?
Yes. Amazon, FedEx, and Uber Eats workers are common victims.
9. What if I’m a Jogger Bitten in a Park?
This is a classic case where the owner is strictly liable for not controlling their animal.
10. Why choose Sean McQuaid?
I have a proven track record of large settlements and treat every client like family.
Helpful Resources for Denver Victims
- Denver Animal Protection
- Arapahoe County Animal Services
- Jefferson County Animal Control
- Insurance Information Institute: Dog Bite Liability (Statistics)
Call a Dog Bite Attorney Today
I am Sean McQuaid, and I am here to help. If you have been injured, don’t walk away from what you are owed. Whether it was a neighbor’s dog or an attack at a local business, my firm is the obvious choice to protect your future. Call Denver Personal Injury LawyersⓇ today.