A dog bite can happen in an instant, but the consequences can last a lifetime. From puncture wounds and infections to permanent scarring and emotional trauma, victims of dog attacks often face significant physical, psychological, and financial challenges. If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Grand Junction, Mesa County, or surrounding areas, you need a legal advocate who knows how to fight for your rights.
At Slingshot Law, we represent dog bite victims throughout Grand Junction, Fruita, Clifton, Orchard Mesa, and Palisade. We understand Colorado’s dog bite laws and know how to hold negligent pet owners accountable. Don’t let an unprovoked dog attack derail your life. Let us help you seek the compensation you deserve.
Dog Bites in Grand Junction: A Local Problem
Grand Junction is known for its outdoor lifestyle, family neighborhoods, and pet-friendly parks. But when dog owners fail to properly restrain or control their pets, serious injuries can occur. Dog bites and animal attacks are especially common in:
- Residential neighborhoods like the Redlands and Orchard Mesa
- Hiking trails in and around the Colorado National Monument
- Public parks including Canyon View Park and Lincoln Park
- Downtown walkways and outdoor patios
- Apartment complexes and HOA communities
Colorado law holds dog owners strictly liable when their animal bites or attacks someone—especially if the victim is lawfully on public or private property. That means you don’t have to prove negligence in many dog bite cases. However, insurance companies will still try to minimize your claim. That’s why having a knowledgeable Grand Junction dog bite lawyer is so important.
Why You Need a Dog Bite Lawyer
1. Medical Bills Can Add Up Fast
Dog bites often require emergency care, stitches, plastic surgery, and follow-up treatment. Infections like cellulitis or MRSA can complicate healing. Victims may need rabies shots or reconstructive surgery—especially for children or bites to the face, hands, or legs.
At Slingshot Law, we ensure that all medical expenses—past, present, and future—are considered in your claim. We also connect you with local providers, including St. Mary’s Medical Center, Community Hospital, and outpatient wound care centers in Grand Junction.
2. Emotional Trauma Is Real
Dog attacks can be terrifying, especially for children. Many victims experience lasting anxiety, PTSD, and a fear of dogs that affects their daily lives. These psychological injuries deserve compensation, and we work with mental health professionals to document emotional damages as part of your case.
3. Proving Liability and Finding Coverage
While Colorado has strict liability laws, there are still legal hurdles:
- The dog owner may deny the attack happened
- The dog may not be located or identified
- The owner may not have insurance or may be underinsured
- The attack may occur on rental property, triggering landlord liability
We investigate thoroughly—gathering witness statements, surveillance footage, medical records, and animal control reports. Our goal is to hold the right party accountable and identify insurance policies that can pay your damages.
Understanding Colorado Dog Bite Laws
Under Colorado Revised Statute §13-21-124, a dog owner is strictly liable if their dog causes serious bodily injury or death—even if the dog had no prior history of aggression. Serious injury includes:
- Disfigurement or permanent scarring
- Broken bones or fractures
- Severe muscle or nerve damage
- Injuries requiring surgery
- Long-term physical impairment
If the injury does not meet the “serious” threshold, you may still file a claim based on negligence. This often applies in cases involving minor children, repeated dog aggression, or failure to leash or confine the dog properly.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite?
In addition to the dog’s owner, other parties may share responsibility:
- Landlords who knew about a dangerous dog and failed to act
- Property managers or HOAs who allowed dangerous conditions to persist
- Dog walkers or pet sitters who failed to control the animal
- Businesses that allow pets on-site without proper precautions
We analyze all potential sources of liability to maximize your recovery.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
As your Grand Junction dog bite lawyer, we fight for full compensation, which may include:
- Emergency room and hospital bills
- Ongoing medical treatment and surgeries
- Lost income and time off work
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring, disfigurement, and permanent disability
In rare cases, punitive damages may also be available—especially if the dog owner was reckless or violated local animal control ordinances.
Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle
- Puncture wounds
- Nerve damage
- Facial lacerations and scarring
- Infections (including sepsis or rabies)
- Broken bones from being knocked down
- Eye injuries or vision loss
- Traumatic injuries in children
- Psychological trauma and phobias
We work with local specialists in plastic surgery, orthopedics, psychiatry, and pediatric care to support your case.
What to Do After a Dog Bite in Grand Junction
- Get medical attention immediately
- Report the bite to local authorities or Mesa County Animal Services
- Photograph your injuries and any torn clothing or damage
- Get the dog owner’s name, address, and homeowner’s insurance info if possible
- Do not give statements to the insurance company without legal counsel
- Call Slingshot Law for a free consultation
The sooner you act, the better your chances of gathering strong evidence and recovering compensation.
Why Choose Slingshot Law?
Local Experience Matters
We live and work in Grand Junction and understand the local ordinances, courts, and insurance carriers. We’ve handled dog bite cases throughout Mesa County, from Fruita to Clifton to Palisade.
Compassionate Representation
We treat every case with care—especially those involving children. We help you understand your rights, manage medical documentation, and prepare for settlement or trial.
No Fees Unless You Win
You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we secure compensation for you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Colorado?
Colorado has a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Contact a lawyer quickly to preserve your case.
Can I sue if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Colorado law allows strict liability even if the dog had no history of aggression.
What if the bite happened on a friend’s property?
You can still pursue compensation through their homeowners or renters insurance without personally suing them.
What if my child was bitten?
We regularly handle dog bite cases involving minors and can help you recover damages on your child’s behalf.
Speak With a Dog Bite Lawyer in Grand Junction Today
A dog attack is traumatic—but you don’t have to handle the aftermath alone. At Slingshot Law, we fight for dog bite victims across Grand Junction, Fruita, Clifton, Palisade, and all of Mesa County. Let us help you recover medical costs, lost income, and the justice you deserve.
Call us today or fill out our online form to schedule a free consultation with a dog bite lawyer today.