Whether you know the dog or not, dogs can sometimes lash out due to stress, fear, or feeling threatened in unfamiliar situations. Unlike a person, they cannot tell us what is wrong or control their behavior. Pain, anxiety, and instinct are often behind the common causes of dog bites in Grand Junction.
Understanding is essential when you engage with dogs, so you should be aware of what can go wrong without warning. If an owner does not control their dog to keep others safe, a dog bite attorney experienced with animal attacks may be able to hold them accountable for the injuries or death that their animal caused.
How Fears and Stressors Lead to Dog Bites
Dog bites are often the result of specific triggers. In Grand Junction, dog bites and attacks often stem from:
- Anxiety: Resulting from known fears or overstimulation from unexpected behavior or new environments
- Territoriality and protectiveness: A dog may believe that a person or another dog is intruding or attacking
- Prey drive: Certain dogs may chase children and other pets out of instinct
- Rough play: Dogs may cause injury unintentionally, especially when they are young or untrained
- Pain or illness: A dog suffering pain or illness may bite or attack those they know due to stress or an inability to recognize others
- A person’s attempt to stop a dog fight or attack: Deliberate or accidental bites can result
The size and breed of a dog are no guarantee of safety. For example, Labrador retrievers are often good-natured, but the breed is among the top reported biters in the United States. Small dogs, which are often not well trained, may be more anxious and aggressive than larger ones.
Can a Dog Owner Be Responsible for Medical Bills?
If a dog attacks a person, the owner may owe the victim compensation, known as damages. This will depend on where the victim was at the time of the attack and the severity of their injuries.
An owner may be liable for damages if their dog kills someone or causes them a serious bodily injury, as defined by the law, which includes fractures or risk of disfigurement. Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-124 sets out certain exceptions for dog owners. For example, owners may not be liable if the injured person provoked the dog, or if there were warning signs about the animal.
Even if an attack does not result in a serious bodily injury, the dog owner may still be liable for damages for injuries such as bruising, muscle damage, or lacerations. A Grand Junction lawyer experienced with common dog attack causes can help determine whether the owner may be liable in a bite case.
Contact a Grand Junction Attorney About Common Causes of Dog Bites
At Veritas Injury Lawyers, we understand that every case may involve trauma, and dog bites can be among the worst. Dog owners who fight back may feel victimized and fearful, preferring to blame the victim or even hide their identities when they can.
Our experienced attorneys understand the common causes of dog bites in Grand Junction. When we take a case, we work to gather evidence to show what went wrong and who is at fault. With help from an attorney, you can seek compensation for medical bills and emotional trauma.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
