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If you or a loved one has suffered injuries from a dog attack in Pueblo, the experienced dog bite attorneys at McCormick & Murphy, P.C. are ready to help. With over 60 years of combined legal experience handling dog bite cases throughout Colorado, our firm has successfully secured millions in compensation for dog attack victims. Pueblo County reports dozens of serious dog bite incidents annually, and Colorado’s strict liability laws provide strong protections for victims. Don’t delay – Colorado’s statute of limitations gives you limited time to file your claim. Contact us online or call (719) 451-7541 for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your legal options.
In our culture, dogs are known as ‘man’s best friend.’ With approximately 90 million dog owners in the United States, these animals are beloved companions. However, dogs can become dangerous without proper training and supervision.
Nearly 4.5 million Americans suffer dog bites annually, with roughly half being children. According to the Centers for Disease Control, approximately 20% of dog bites result in injuries requiring medical attention, with over 800,000 victims needing emergency care each year.
Here in Pueblo County, our firm has handled dozens of serious dog bite cases, securing settlements ranging from $50,000 to over $250,000 for victims. Our attorneys understand both the physical and psychological trauma these attacks cause, and we have established relationships with Pueblo’s top medical providers who can document your injuries properly for your claim.
If you’ve been injured by a dog bite or attack in Pueblo, contact our experienced dog bite lawyers immediately. We have extensive experience negotiating with insurance companies that often try to minimize compensation for dog bite victims. An experienced Pueblo dog bite attorney can help determine whether filing a lawsuit is appropriate for your situation and guide you through Colorado’s specific dog bite liability laws.
INJURED IN A DOG ATTACK? WE ARE HERE TO HELP. The period immediately following a dog attack is filled with pain, anxiety, and confusion. If you’re suffering, we want to help. Contact McCormick & Murphy now for a FREE case review. A qualified Pueblo dog bite attorney from our firm will listen to the details of your case and explain your options.
After a serious dog bite or attack in Pueblo, call 911 immediately to ensure timely medical treatment. Dog bite wounds can cause serious infections, nerve damage, and even death if left untreated.
Once your immediate medical needs are addressed:
Next, contact a qualified Pueblo dog bite attorney experienced with Colorado’s dog bite statutes. At McCormick & Murphy, we understand Pueblo County’s specific animal control ordinances and have relationships with local investigators who can help establish liability in your case. A reputable Pueblo dog bite injury attorney will evaluate your case and advise whether you may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and psychological trauma.
Dogs can attack violently and brutally, causing severe injuries that may require extensive treatment and rehabilitation. The most common dog attack injuries include:
Many victims instinctively raise their arms in defense during an attack, leading to severe lacerations, nerve damage, and even permanent loss of function. These injuries often require specialized reconstructive surgery and physical therapy.
The powerful jaws of dogs, particularly breeds like Pit Bulls, Rottweilers, and German Shepherds, can exert over 300 pounds of pressure per square inch. These bites leave deep puncture wounds that are highly susceptible to infection, often requiring hospitalization and intravenous antibiotics. T
When a dog tears at skin, particularly on visible areas like the face, permanent scarring often results. Many victims require multiple plastic surgery procedures, which insurance companies often classify as “cosmetic” and refuse to cover. Our firm works with top plastic surgeons in Colorado who provide expert testimony about the necessity of these procedures.
Severe dog bites can damage nerves beneath the skin, leading to chronic pain, numbness, or loss of function. Nerve reconstruction surgeries can cost upwards of $50,000, with many victims requiring ongoing pain management.
Dog attack victims frequently develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), requiring psychological counseling that can continue for years. Children are particularly vulnerable to lasting psychological effects, often developing cynophobia (fear of dogs) that can significantly impact their quality of life.
In fatal dog attack cases, families may pursue wrongful death claims against negligent dog owners.
Not all injuries result directly from bites. Sometimes aggressive dogs knock victims down, causing traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, or spinal injuries. Regardless of the specific injury, innocent victims who did nothing to provoke the attack have the right to seek fair compensation under Colorado law.
A dog bite or attack can result in serious injuries requiring expensive medical treatment. In 2023, the average cost of dog bite-related hospital stays in Colorado exceeded $18,000, with some victims requiring reconstructive surgery costing $50,000 or more. Dog bites frequently become infected, with approximately 18% developing serious bacterial infections including Pasteurella, Staphylococcus, and Capnocytophaga.
Never attempt to treat a dog bite independently. Seek immediate medical attention, as only a healthcare professional can properly clean, treat, and document your wounds. Depending on injury severity, you may need emergency room care, antibiotics, tetanus shots, and follow-up treatment.
Colorado follows a “strict liability” standard for serious dog bite injuries under Colorado Revised Statute §13-21-124. This means dog owners are liable for injuries their dogs cause regardless of whether the dog previously showed aggressive tendencies. However, for less severe injuries, Colorado follows a “one-bite rule,” requiring proof the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
Pueblo County has specific animal control ordinances that may affect your case, including leash laws and requirements for containing dangerous animals. Our attorneys understand these local regulations and how they impact liability in dog bite cases.
Importantly, most homeowner’s insurance policies in Colorado cover dog bite liability, typically between $100,000-$300,000. However, some policies exclude certain breeds considered “high-risk,” such as Pit Bulls, which are subject to breed-specific restrictions in some Colorado municipalities.
While no method guarantees prevention of dog bites, these precautions can reduce your risk:
Our Pueblo dog bite attorneys will explain.
Like most people, dogs need plenty of space. You should never approach a dog who is eating or drinking, caring for puppies, sleeping, or chewing on a toy.
Even if you are familiar with an animal, you should allow him or her to see and sniff you before making contact. You should never approach an unfamiliar animal unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.
Whenever you are around an animal, it is important to stay calm. A dog may perceive loud voices or animated movements as threats and react accordingly.
If you are worried that a dog may bite or attack you, do not run away. You should remain as still as possible until the animal loses interest in you.
There are many behaviors that a dog may exhibit if he or she is agitated, which means there is a higher likelihood of a dog bite occurring.
If a dog is yawning, licking, or has a stiff tail, he or she may be upset or anxious. If you see any of these signs in a dog, do not approach or touch him or her. Other signs of agitation in a dog include rolled-back eyes, pacing, raised fur, and a rigid body posture.
Dog owners in Pueblo have numerous legal and ethical responsibilities beyond basic pet care. Colorado state law and Pueblo municipal codes establish specific obligations that, when neglected, can expose owners to significant personal injury claims.
Under Pueblo Municipal Code §11-4-7, dog owners must:
Additionally, Colorado state law requires dog owners to:
Many Pueblo homeowners’ associations impose additional restrictions on dog ownership, including breed and weight limitations. Renters should note that landlords can potentially share liability for dog bites if they knowingly allowed dangerous animals on their property.
When dog owners neglect these responsibilities, our attorneys know how to establish liability and secure the compensation you deserve for your injuries.
After suffering a dog attack, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma. In recent years, our firm has secured settlements for Pueblo dog bite victims ranging from $75,000 to over $250,000 depending on injury severity.
Don’t attempt to navigate the legal process alone or negotiate directly with insurance companies who prioritize minimizing payouts. Instead, trust the compassionate, skilled Pueblo dog bite lawyers at McCormick & Murphy, P.C.
We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our attorneys respond to all inquiries within 24 hours, and we offer Spanish-speaking staff to assist our Latino community members.
Our Colorado law firm is passionate about helping dog attack victims. We understand both the visible and hidden wounds these attacks cause – from physical scars to lasting psychological trauma. We’re committed to securing the maximum compensation you deserve.
Contact us anytime, 24/7 for a free consultation at (719) 451-7541 or fill out our online contact form. Virtual consultations are available for clients unable to visit our Pueblo office.”
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The statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Pueblo and throughout Colorado is generally two years from the date of the injury. However, it’s essential to consult a personal injury lawyer to understand specific time limits and whether there are any exceptions.
In Pueblo, Colorado, your damages can include medical expenses, lost wages and the loss of your future earning potential, pain and suffering, permanent physical impairment, damages for scarring, and of course property damage to your vehicle. The sums recovered can vary widely based on the specifics of the case. If the dog has a prior history of biting other people or animals, you can possibly recover punitive damages.
The cost of a personal injury lawsuit can vary widely based on factors such as case complexity, the need for expert witnesses, and attorney fees.
In a dog bite case in Pueblo, required evidence may include medical records, photographs of the injuries, witness statements, and documentation of the dog’s history, if known. Evidence proving the owner’s knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness can also be crucial. Much of this evidence can come from the Humane Society or other law enforcement agencies investigating the attack.
To recover money for your injuries, you typically need to prove the other party’s negligence or fault, the extent of your injuries, and the causal link between their actions and your injuries. This involves gathering evidence such as medical records, witness statements, and expert testimonials. Each case is different, and requesting, collecting, and interpreting this evidence can be complicated.
We provide convenient and exceptional legal services to personal injury victims throughout the state of Colorado, we have offices in:
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Disclaimer: The information on this website is for information purposes only. This website should not be taken as legal advice. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. This information should not be taken as the formation of a lawyer or attorney client relationship.
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