El Paso County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Briargate Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Briargate? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Owner Liability Under Colorado's Dog Bite Statute
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can hold a dog owner liable for a bite that causes serious bodily injury or death when the injured person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. If you were walking along Briargate Parkway or visiting a home near North Gate Boulevard and a dog bit you without provocation, this statute may apply to your case.
One important point: you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. The statute does not require a showing of prior dangerous propensity the way older common-law claims sometimes did. That makes the statute an important tool for people bitten by a dog with no known history of aggression.
The statute covers economic damages tied to the bite. Noneconomic losses, such as scarring, pain, and disfigurement, typically require a separate negligence claim built alongside the statutory claim. We look at both angles from the start so nothing gets left on the table.
What Strengthens a Statutory Dog Bite Claim
Because the statute turns on whether you were lawfully present and whether the injury meets the serious bodily injury standard, documentation matters. Medical records describing the wound, any risk of permanent disfigurement, or impairment of a body part all speak directly to that legal standard. Records from a visit to UCHealth Memorial Hospital North can help establish the extent of the injury early on.
Defenses under the statute include provocation and trespass, along with specific statutory exceptions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs at the time of the bite. We do not assume exceptions beyond what the law actually lists, and we push back when an owner or insurer tries to stretch a defense that does not fit the facts. Witness statements, photos of the scene near Research Parkway or Monument, and animal control reports all help establish what actually happened.
- Get medical care and keep records describing the wound and any scarring
- Photograph the injury and the location where the bite happened
- Get the dog owner's name, address, and contact information
- Identify any witnesses near the scene, including neighbors or passersby
- Report the bite to animal control if you have not already
Briargate and El Paso County
Briargate sits along the I-25 corridor near Briargate Parkway and Research Parkway, with residential streets running toward North Gate Boulevard and out toward Monument. Dog bite incidents here happen in front yards, on walking paths, and in the parks and open spaces that make this part of Colorado Springs popular with families and dog owners alike.
Claims arising in Briargate are generally handled through El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office is located at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, and we work with clients throughout El Paso County who were bitten while lawfully on someone else's property or in a public place.
Damages That May Be Available
- Medical expenses related to treatment of the bite
- Future medical care if the injury requires ongoing treatment
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Pain, scarring, and disfigurement through a related negligence claim
- Other economic losses tied directly to the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Briargate — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Briargate Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I need to show the dog bit someone before?
No. Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, you do not need to prove the owner knew about a prior bite. Liability under the statute can apply even to a dog with no known history of aggression, as long as the injury and location requirements are met.
What counts as serious bodily injury under the statute?
It means an injury involving a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ function. A bite that does not meet this standard may still support a negligence claim outside the statute.
Can I recover for scarring under the dog bite statute?
The statute itself addresses economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses typically need to be pursued through a separate negligence claim alongside the statutory claim.
What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog?
Provocation is a recognized defense under the statute, along with trespass. We look closely at the facts of what actually happened before and during the incident to evaluate whether that defense actually applies.
Where would my case be handled if I was bitten in Briargate?
Dog bite claims arising in Briargate are generally handled through El Paso County Combined Courts. We can meet with you at our Colorado Springs office to go over the details of your incident.
Discuss a Briargate dog bite
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