City and County of Broomfield · Colorado dog-bite statute
Broomfield Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Broomfield dog bite? 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, as long as the injured person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property at the time. In Broomfield, that covers bites that happen along 120th Avenue, near Midway Boulevard, or in neighborhoods bordering Westminster and Superior, so long as the person had a legal right to be where they were bitten.
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. A first-time bite can still trigger owner liability under the statute, which is different from older rules that focused on an owner's prior knowledge of a dangerous dog.
The statute's owner liability applies to economic damages tied to the injury. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses often require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside the statutory claim, and we evaluate both angles when we take on a bite case.
Building the Case: Injury Severity and Circumstances
A central question in any statutory claim is whether the injury meets the legal definition of serious bodily injury: a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ's function. Medical records from providers such as UCHealth Broomfield Hospital help document the nature and severity of the wound, the treatment given, and any lasting effects. Even when a bite falls short of that threshold, it may still support a negligence claim, so we look closely at the medical picture before deciding which legal path to pursue.
We also examine where the bite occurred and whether the injured person was lawfully present, since that is a threshold requirement under the statute. We gather witness accounts, animal control records, and any documentation about the dog and its owner. Defenses like provocation or trespass, along with statutory exclusions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs during the incident, can come into play, so we prepare to address those issues directly rather than assume they won't be raised.
- Photos of the wound, torn clothing, and the location of the bite
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Medical records and discharge instructions from treatment
- Any animal control or police report tied to the incident
- Information about the dog owner and where the bite occurred
Handling Dog Bite Claims in Broomfield
Claims arising from bites in Broomfield are typically filed in Broomfield Combined Courts, which serves the City and County of Broomfield. We work with the specifics of local incidents, whether a bite happened near U.S. Highway 36, along Midway Boulevard, or in a residential pocket near the Westminster or Superior borders.
Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly handle claims for clients throughout the Broomfield area. We meet with clients as needed to review medical records, discuss the location and circumstances of the bite, and determine whether a statutory claim, a negligence claim, or both apply.
Damages We Evaluate
- Medical bills and related treatment costs
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Scarring and disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical needs related to the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Broomfield — 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.
Broomfield Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before to win my case?
No. Colorado's dog bite statute does not require proof the owner knew about a prior bite. Liability under the statute can attach even for a first-time incident, as long as the injury meets the statute's requirements.
What if my injury isn't considered 'serious' under the statute?
The statute's owner liability applies specifically to serious bodily injury or death. If your injury falls short of that definition, you may still be able to pursue a negligence claim against the owner, and we would evaluate that option.
Can I recover for scarring or emotional pain under the statute?
The statute's owner liability covers economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses often require a separate negligence claim, which we can pursue alongside the statutory claim when the facts support it.
What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog or was trespassing?
Provocation and trespass are recognized defenses under the statute, and there are also exclusions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs during the incident. We look closely at the facts of what happened to address these defenses.
Where would my Broomfield dog bite case be handled?
Cases arising from incidents in Broomfield are typically handled through Broomfield Combined Courts, serving the City and County of Broomfield. We work with clients throughout the area from our Denver office.
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