Adams County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Commerce City Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Commerce City? 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, as long as the injured person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. If you were bitten while walking along 104th Avenue, near U.S. Highway 85, or on someone's property in Commerce City, this statute may apply to your case.
One important feature of this law: you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten someone before. That removes a hurdle that exists in many other injury claims and can make it easier to establish liability once the injury meets the statute's threshold.
The statute covers economic damages tied to the bite. If you also have scarring, pain, or other noneconomic losses, a separate negligence claim may be needed to recover for those. We evaluate which claims fit your situation and pursue them together where appropriate.
What Serious Bodily Injury Means, and What We Look For
Serious bodily injury under this statute means a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ's function. Bites that don't meet this threshold can still support a negligence claim, so the severity of the injury shapes which legal path we take. Medical records from providers like Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital help document the extent of the injury and how it was treated.
Defenses matter here too. Colorado law allows for defenses like provocation or trespass, and it also addresses certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs during the incident. We look closely at where the bite happened, whether you had a lawful right to be there, and whether any of these statutory exclusions could come into play, without assuming exceptions the law doesn't actually list.
- Get medical treatment and keep all records describing the wound and its severity
- Photograph the injury, the location, and any visible scarring as it heals
- Identify the dog owner and get contact and insurance information if possible
- Write down exactly where you were and what you were doing when the bite occurred
- Get contact information for anyone who saw the incident
Handling Dog Bite Claims for Commerce City Residents
Commerce City sits along the I-76 and U.S. Highway 85 corridors, with neighborhoods stretching toward Brighton and Thornton. Whether your bite happened on a residential street, near a business, or on someone's private property, we look at the location and circumstances to determine whether the statute's public-place or lawful-presence requirements are met.
Dog bite claims arising in Commerce City are typically handled through the Adams County Justice Center. We're based in Denver and regularly work with clients throughout Adams County, gathering the medical records, incident details, and witness accounts needed to support a claim under Colorado's dog bite statute.
Damages That May Be Available
- Medical expenses for treatment of the bite injury
- Lost wages from time away from work during recovery
- Future medical costs if additional treatment is needed
- 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 Commerce City — 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.
Commerce City Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before to hold the owner liable?
No. Under Colorado's dog bite statute, you do not need to show the owner knew about a prior bite. This is different from many other states and can simplify proving liability.
What if my injury wasn't that serious?
The statute applies to bites causing serious bodily injury or death. If your injury doesn't meet that threshold, you may still have a valid claim under general negligence principles.
Can I recover for scarring or emotional distress under this statute?
The dog bite statute itself covers economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses typically require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside the statutory claim.
What if I was on the dog owner's property when I was bitten?
The statute can still apply if you were lawfully on the owner's private property at the time. We look at the circumstances of your visit to determine whether this requirement is met.
Are there situations where the owner isn't liable?
Yes. Colorado law recognizes defenses such as provocation or trespass, and it addresses certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs during the incident. We review the facts of your case against these specific statutory provisions.
Discuss a Commerce City dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.