Adams County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Brighton Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Brighton? 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 when a bite causes serious bodily injury or death, provided the injured person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property at the time. This applies whether the bite happened along Bridge Street, near Bromley Lane, or anywhere else in Brighton or the surrounding Adams County area.
One of the most important features of this statute is that it does not require proof the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. Unlike older negligence-only approaches, a Brighton dog owner can be liable under the statute even for a dog with no prior history of aggression, so long as the bite meets the statute's injury threshold.
The statute covers economic damages tied to the bite. Noneconomic losses, such as scarring, pain, and suffering, typically require a separate negligence claim built alongside the statutory claim. We evaluate both angles from the start so a Brighton bite victim does not leave a category of damages on the table.
Proving a Statutory Claim and Meeting the Injury Threshold
Serious bodily injury under the statute means a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ function. Medical records from providers such as Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital are central to showing an injury meets this threshold, and we work to gather complete treatment records, imaging, and physician notes early. A lesser bite that does not meet this definition can still support a standard negligence claim.
Because the statute includes defenses for provocation and trespass, along with specific exclusions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs during the incident, the facts of how and where the bite happened matter. We gather witness statements, animal control reports, and scene details from locations like Commerce City, Thornton, or along U.S. Highway 85 to establish that our client was lawfully present and did not provoke the dog.
- Photos of the injury and the scene where the bite occurred
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Medical records and discharge paperwork from treatment providers
- Any animal control or incident report filed with local authorities
- Names of anyone who saw the dog before or after the bite
Handling Brighton and Adams County Dog Bite Claims
We handle dog bite claims arising throughout Brighton, including incidents near Bridge Street, Bromley Lane, and neighboring communities like Commerce City and Thornton. When a claim proceeds through the court system, matters connected to Brighton bites are commonly handled at the Adams County Justice Center, and we prepare our clients' cases with that venue in mind.
Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly work with Brighton clients by phone, video, and in-person meetings, whichever is easiest for the injured person. We coordinate with treating providers, including Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital, to make sure the medical picture of the injury is fully documented for the claim.
Damages We Pursue in Dog Bite Claims
- Medical expenses for treatment of the bite injury
- Future medical costs tied to scarring or reconstructive care
- Lost income from time away from work during recovery
- Pain and suffering under a companion negligence claim
- Costs associated with disfigurement or permanent impairment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Brighton — and read client testimonials.
After I was hit by a drunk driver with no insurance, my own insurer refused UM benefits. McCormick & Murphy sued for uninsured motorist benefits and bad faith. A jury awarded me over $900,000.
C. O., Denver · UM / bad-faith verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Brighton Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Does the Colorado dog bite statute require the owner to have known the dog was dangerous?
No. Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, liability for serious bodily injury does not depend on proof the owner knew the dog had bitten before. This is different from older approaches that required a showing of prior knowledge.
What counts as a serious bodily injury under this statute?
The statute defines serious bodily injury as a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a body part or organ. If a bite does not reach that level, a claim may still proceed under ordinary negligence.
Can I recover for pain and suffering under the dog bite statute?
The statute itself covers economic damages. Noneconomic losses like pain, suffering, and scarring typically require a separate negligence claim brought alongside the statutory claim, which we evaluate together.
What if I was on the dog owner's property when I was bitten in Brighton?
The statute can still apply if you were lawfully on the owner's private property at the time of the bite. Lawful presence, whether in public or on private property, is one of the statute's core requirements.
Are there defenses a dog owner can raise in Brighton?
Yes. Provocation and trespass are defenses under the statute, and there are also specific exclusions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work. We review the facts of each Brighton case against these defenses carefully.
Discuss a Brighton dog bite
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