Douglas County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Castle Rock Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Castle Rock dog bite? 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 make a dog owner liable when a bite causes serious bodily injury or death and the injured person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. You do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or had bitten someone before. That is a significant difference from a standard negligence claim, where prior knowledge of a dog's aggressive tendencies often matters.
The statute's liability covers economic damages, things like medical costs and lost income tied to the injury. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses typically require a separate negligence claim built alongside the statutory claim. We evaluate both angles from the start so nothing gets left on the table.
The law also lists specific defenses and exclusions, including provocation of the dog and trespass by the injured person, along with situations involving certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work. We look closely at how these apply to the facts of your case rather than assuming the statute covers every bite the same way.
Proving Serious Bodily Injury and Building the Case
Whether an injury counts as serious bodily injury under the statute matters a great deal. The law defines it as a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ's function. Medical records, photographs of the wound as it heals, and treatment notes all help establish where an injury falls on that spectrum. A bite that does not meet this threshold may still support a claim under ordinary negligence principles.
We also gather evidence about where the bite happened and whether the injured person had a lawful right to be there, since that is a core requirement of the statute. Witness statements, animal control records, and photos of the scene can all help show the circumstances clearly. Early documentation matters because memories fade and physical evidence changes quickly after an incident.
- Photos of the wound, clothing, and the location of the bite
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Medical records from any treatment you received
- Any animal control or incident report
- Notes on where you were and why you were lawfully there
Handling Dog Bite Claims in Castle Rock
We work with Castle Rock clients bitten near Founders Parkway, Meadows Parkway, along the I-25 corridor, and in surrounding areas including Parker and Highlands Ranch. Dog bite cases arising in Douglas County often move through the Douglas County Justice Center, and we handle the local filings and procedures that come with that. If you were treated at AdventHealth Castle Rock or another nearby facility, we can help gather the records needed to support your claim.
Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly represent clients throughout the Castle Rock area. We know the layout of the neighborhoods where these incidents happen and the practical steps involved in pursuing a claim locally, from documentation to working with the county court system.
Damages That May Be Available
- Medical expenses related to the bite and any follow-up care
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Scarring and disfigurement, pursued through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering, pursued through a 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 Castle Rock — 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.
Castle Rock 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 about prior bites. That requirement applies more to traditional negligence claims, not to liability under the statute itself.
What if my injury isn't considered 'serious' under the statute?
The statute's strict liability applies to serious bodily injury or death. If your injury does not meet that definition, you may still be able to pursue a claim under general negligence principles.
Can I recover for scarring or pain and suffering under the dog-bite statute?
The statute itself covers economic damages like medical bills and lost income. Scarring, pain, and suffering are typically pursued through a separate negligence claim filed alongside the statutory claim.
What if I was on the dog owner's property when it happened?
The statute can still apply if you were lawfully on the owner's private property at the time of the bite. Whether you had a lawful right to be there is an important factual question we look at closely.
Are there situations where the dog owner isn't liable?
Yes. The statute lists specific defenses, including provocation of the dog and trespass, along with exceptions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs during the incident. We review the specific facts to see whether any of these apply.
Discuss a Castle Rock dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.