A dog bite is often an act of aggression, and dogs always tend to take out their aggression on another person or animal. Sometimes a child or adult may get injured playing with the family dog when the dog “playfully” bites them. If you or a loved was the victim suffered a dog bite that resulted in serious injuries and you feel the dog owner was negligent, a Colorado personal injury attorney can advise you of your rights under state dog bite laws as well as your legal options.
Types of Aggression Among Dogs
Breed is a factor in regards to the degree of aggression, but it’s not the only one. The type of training, socialization, treatment and care a dog receives heavily influence the degree of aggressiveness the dog displays around people and other animals. Dogs can display various types of aggression.
- Territorial/Protective – Directed toward strangers who approach their owner or their owner’s home.
- Fear or Defensive – Directed toward people, be it family or strangers, who approach the dog too closely or quickly when the dog is afraid.
- Dominance – Usually directed toward a family member who disturbs the dog (i.e., petting it, picking it up, or holding it) while it is resting or takes something from the dog (i.e., a toy).
- Predatory – Directed toward small, quickly moving children and animals, where there is more than one dog involved.
- Punishment-elicited – Directed toward someone who verbally assaults, kicks or hits the dog.
- Pain-elicited – Directed toward someone who touches or approaches the dog when it is injured or in pain.
- Redirected – Directed toward family, strangers and animals who touch or approach the dog when it is aggressive in another context.
Male dogs tend to be more aggressive than female dogs, with unneutered male dogs being more likely to be aggressive than neutered males. Dogs bought from puppy mills and pet stores also have a higher likelihood of aggression. A dog who in poor health and inadequately trained, inadequately disciplined and inadequately socialized before 14 weeks old also is more likely to be aggressive. Dogs who receive their first vaccination after eight weeks of wage also are more aggressive.
Colorado Dog Bite Laws
Dog owners can be liable if their dog bites another person and the bite results in serious bodily injury or death, regardless of whether or not the dog was vicious or dangerous, or whether or not the owner knew his dog was dangerous. If the victim was not trespassing at the time of the injury and/or did not provoke the dog, he or she could sue the owner. A Colorado personal injury attorney can examine all of the events surrounding a dog attack and determine if the owner had prior knowledge of his dog being dangerous. If so, the attorney can petition the court to order the dog euthanized at the dog owner’s expense.
How Can a Colorado Personal Injury Attorney Help?
Dog owners usually have homeowner’s insurance policies that include liability coverage for dog bites, but policy limits can keep you from getting the compensation you deserve. The attorneys at the O’Connell Law Firm, P.C., will hold dog owners accountable and make sure you get compensated for your pain and suffering. You can get a free initial consultation by contacting their law office during business hours.
