Fremont County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Cañon City Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Cañon City? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Owner Liability Under Colorado's Dog Bite Statute
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can hold a dog owner liable when a bite causes serious bodily injury or death and the person bitten was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. This applies whether the bite happened near Royal Gorge Boulevard, along U.S. Highway 50, or anywhere else in Cañon City or the surrounding Fremont County area.
A key feature of this statute is that we do not have to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten someone before. That is a real advantage over a standard negligence claim, which often turns on whether the owner had some warning the dog was dangerous.
The statute covers economic damages tied to the injury. Noneconomic losses, such as scarring, pain, and suffering, generally require a separate negligence claim built on the same facts. We evaluate both angles from the start so nothing gets left on the table.
Proving a Statutory Dog Bite Claim
Because the statute requires serious bodily injury, meaning a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ, medical documentation matters. Records from a visit to CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital or a follow-up provider can help establish the severity of the injury and support the claim.
We also look closely at where the bite happened, since lawful presence on the property or in the public place is part of the statute. Owners may raise provocation or trespass as defenses, and the statute carves out certain situations involving working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs during the incident. We gather witness statements, photos, and animal control records early, before memories fade or evidence disappears.
- Photos of the bite wound and any torn clothing
- Contact information for anyone who saw the attack
- The dog owner's name, address, and contact details
- Any animal control or police report from the incident
- Medical records and bills from treatment you received
Handling Dog Bite Claims in Fremont County
Dog bite claims arising in Cañon City, Florence, Lincoln Park, or elsewhere in Fremont County are typically filed in Fremont County Combined Courts. We handle the local filing requirements and work directly with the court so you can focus on recovering.
Our office is located at 301 N. Main Street in Pueblo, and we regularly represent clients from Cañon City and surrounding communities. We meet with clients by phone, video, or in person, whichever works best given the circumstances of the injury.
Damages We Pursue in Dog Bite Cases
- Medical expenses related to the bite injury
- Lost income from time away from work
- Future medical care tied to the injury
- Pain and suffering under a negligence claim
- Scarring or disfigurement damages where applicable
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Cañon City — and read client testimonials.
A pickup hit me from behind on Hwy 50 east of Pueblo. The insurer offered $2,600. McCormick & Murphy helped with treatment, filed suit, and the case settled at mediation for $165,000.
C. O., Pueblo · Highway 50 crash
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Cañon City Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before?
No. Under Colorado's dog bite statute, you do not need to show the owner knew the dog had a history of biting. This sets the statute apart from many negligence-based animal injury claims.
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. If your injury does not meet that standard, you may still have a negligence claim.
Can I recover for pain and suffering under this statute?
The statute itself addresses economic damages. Pain, suffering, and scarring typically require a separate negligence claim based on the same incident, which we can pursue alongside the statutory claim.
What if the owner says I provoked the dog?
Provocation is a defense under the statute, along with trespass and certain exceptions for working dogs and people handling dogs as part of their job. We review the facts closely to see whether any of these actually apply to your situation.
Where would my case be handled if I was bitten in Cañon City?
Dog bite claims from Cañon City and the surrounding Fremont County area are generally filed in Fremont County Combined Courts. We manage the local court process while you focus on recovery.
Discuss a Cañon City dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.