Do Dogs That Bite People Have To Get Euthanized?
Colorado is home to nearly a quarter of a million dogs. Although most of these furry friends are lovable and well-behaved, a few bad apples are always hiding in the bunch.
If you or someone you love has been the victim of a dog bite in Summit County, you may be wondering what happens to the dog that did the biting. In Colorado, dogs are not protected by a one-bite rule. This means that even if a dog has never bitten anyone before, the owner can still be held liable for any damages caused by the dog.
In some cases, a dog that bites someone may be ordered to be euthanized. But this is rare and usually only happens in cases of severe injury or repeated offenses. If you are a victim of a dog bite in Colorado—or if your dog bit someone and you are facing liability—you should speak to an experienced personal injury lawyer. Contact Whitaker & Penix, LLC today for a free consultation.
How Do You Report a Dog Bite?
If you or someone you know has been bitten by a dog, it is important to take some steps to ensure everyone’s safety and well-being. First, it is important to clean the wound as soon as possible with antibacterial soap and water. Then, you should see a doctor or visit the emergency room to make sure the wound is properly treated and to check for possible infections or more serious injuries, such as a severed tendon.
It is also important to report the dog bite to the proper authorities. In most cases, you will need to contact your local animal control office or the police department. They will likely want to speak with you about what happened and may even investigate the incident further.
Reporting a dog bite is important for several reasons. First, it can help ensure that the dog that bit you is up-to-date on its vaccinations and is not a danger to others. Additionally, reporting a dog bite can help identify problem dogs in your community so that steps can be taken to prevent future incidents. A record of the incident will also be kept on file with the authorities, which can be helpful if you decide to take legal action against the dog’s owner.
Possible Legal Ramifications
The owner of a dog that bites someone is liable for any injuries that the person may suffer. This includes medical expenses, pain and suffering, and lost wages. In some cases, the owner may also be sued for punitive damages.
It is unlikely that a dog will get in trouble for biting someone if it is its first time doing so. But it is important to remember that Colorado does not have the one-bite rule protection. So even though it is highly unlikely that the dog will be euthanized, the owner may still be liable for any damages.
Some rare instances arise in which a dog that has bitten someone may be required to be euthanized. This is typically only the case if the dog is considered to be a danger to public safety and has shown no signs of being able to reform its behavior.
How Can a Lawyer Help You if You Have Been Hurt by a Dog?
If you are a victim of a dog bite, the first step is to seek medical attention, even if the wound seems minor. Once you have seen a doctor, you should also contact a personal injury lawyer to discuss your legal options and whether you may be entitled to compensation. Contact Whitaker & Penix, LLC today at (970) 368-0602 for a free consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer in Colorado.