In cases where a dog bites an individual and the dog owner is ordered to pay financial compensation to the victim, the personal injury attorneys often negotiate structured settlements in dog bite cases. A structured settlement can be a very good way for dog bite victims to get compensated for their injuries, especially if medical treatments for their injuries are ongoing or result in disability. Structured settlements in dog bite cases are especially helpful in cases where a child is injured by a dog attack because they allow compensation to be paid directly to the child. To negotiate a structured settlement in any kind of personal injury case, contact the Colorado personal injury experts at the O’Connell Law Firm, P.C.
Features of Structured Settlements in Dog Bite Cases
In dog bite and many other personal injury cases, many judges and other legal professionals are increasingly ordering structured settlements instead of large lump sum compensation payments. While the financial burdens of injured parties and their families are high in many personal injury cases, financial compensation for injuries suffered due to accidents and injuries caused by negligence can also be a burden for those ordered to pay. If a case results in the responsible party filing for bankruptcy, the victim might not even see any compensation; bankruptcy in dog bite cases in unfortunately very common because dog owners are just individuals and not an entity with major assets. A structured settlement allows the liable party to pay their debt to the person they injured while being able to retain their assets.
Colorado Dog Bite Laws
In Colorado, dog owners are generally liable for any injuries their dog might cause of the injured party is on their property legally and didn’t provoke the dog. Professional dog handlers, law enforcement officials and veterinary professionals are usually not liable if a dog under their care bites someone, and the owners of working dogs on farms are also not liable if the dog bites someone while performing their duties. However, these cases are relatively rare. The most common dog bite injuries occur in children who are visiting friends and neighbors with dogs. If you or someone you love has been bitten by a neighbor’s dog or a dog in a public place, contact a trusted Denver dog bite attorney after getting medical care.
Structured Settlements in Dog Bite Cases
A structured settlement is a common outcome of a case involving a child who was hurt by a dog attack because the settlement can provide ongoing financial support for children who may need ongoing medical or psychological care for their dog bite injuries. With a structured settlement, the money is protected from fraud or unnecessary spending on the part of guardians of injured children so that the money paid by a negligent dog owner goes towards the child’s medical expenses and other expenses incurred by a dog attack.
Your Colorado Dog Bite and Personal Injury Attorneys
O’Connell Law Firm, P.C., will hold negligent dog owners accountable in a court of law and make sure that they pay for medical expenses related to your dog bite injury. Our extensive experience in all different eras of personal injury law and different types of dog bite cases allows us to defend your right to compensation in court as well as negotiate structured settlements in dog bite cases. Call our knowledgeable and compassionate legal professionals for a free consultation.
