If you have been attacked by a dog and suffered dog bites or injuries, you will want to know how much time you have to take legal action against the dog owner for damages. This window of opportunity is legally called statute of limitations. Failing to take legal actions within the period set by the law will cause you to lose your rights to get compensation.
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for a dog bite-related lawsuit is two years from the date of the attack. Consulting one of the best Colorado Springs Personal Injury Lawyers as soon as possible after a dog attack will make sure you don’t miss out on your right to get monetary damages for your injuries. The following are the reasons consulting with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible is important:
Evidence Need to be Preserved
In a dog bite case, evidence preservation is important. Evidence will fade, get misplaced, or get lost, so they should be gathered while they are still fresh and available. For instance, the owner of the dog may give it away or have it put down, making it hard for your lawyer to prove ownership or legal responsibility for the actions of the dog. Also, your attorney will have to get eyewitness testimony to prove the legal liability of the down owner for your injury. Sometimes, memories don’t last and witnesses will become hard to find. By hiring an attorney sooner than later, you can be sure someone is starting to preserve evidence that many provide necessary to your case.
An Investigation Must be Done to Determine Liable Parties
It takes time to investigate a dog bite case. Your attorney must make most of the time to gather evidence, assess who has a legal liability to you, and establish an effective strategy to get you the compensation you deserve. These tasks will be more difficult when you don’t act right away.
In a dog bite case, there may be more than one party to be held liable for your injuries, depending on the circumstances surrounding the case. Aside from the dog owner, the handler or custodian of the dog (if different from the owner) and the owner of the property where the attack took place may also be held liable. By seeking timely advice from an experienced attorney, you allow yourself to take full advantage of your legal rights to compensation for your injuries and losses.
