El Paso County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Fountain Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Fountain dog bite victims can call us for a 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 and the injured person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. For a Fountain resident bitten while walking along Mesa Ridge Parkway or visiting a home near Fountain Mesa Road, this statute is often the starting point for a claim.
A key feature of this law is that it does not require proof the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. That removes a hurdle that exists in many other injury cases, where a victim has to show the owner was on notice of a dangerous animal. Here, a first bite can still trigger owner liability if the injury meets the statute's threshold.
The statute covers economic damages tied to the injury. Noneconomic losses, like scarring, pain, and suffering, typically require a separate negligence claim built alongside the statutory claim. We evaluate both angles from the start so a Fountain client is not leaving compensation on the table.
Proving a Statutory Dog Bite Claim
Because the statute turns on where the bite happened and how serious the injury was, location and medical detail matter. We look at where in Fountain the bite occurred, whether it was a public space like a sidewalk off U.S. Highway 85 or a private yard, and whether the victim had a legal right to be there. We also gather records showing the injury meets the statute's definition of serious bodily injury, or if it does not, we build the case as a negligence claim instead.
We also look closely at whether any statutory defenses apply, such as provocation, trespass, or the narrow exclusions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs at the time of the bite. We do not assume extra exceptions exist beyond what the law lists. Sorting through these defenses early helps us build a claim that holds up whether the case stays with the owner's insurer or heads toward the El Paso County Combined Courts.
- Photos of the injury and the location, whether public or private property
- Names and contact information of any witnesses nearby
- Medical records describing the extent of the injury
- Information about the dog and its owner, including address
- Any animal control or incident report connected to the bite
Handling Dog Bite Claims From Fountain
We work with Fountain clients bitten in neighborhoods along Fountain Mesa Road, near Mesa Ridge Parkway, and in the Security-Widefield area. Many serious injuries from these incidents are treated at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs, and those records become part of the evidence showing whether the injury meets the statute's serious bodily injury standard.
Our office is at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, a short drive from Fountain, and we handle claims that may proceed through El Paso County Combined Courts. We meet with Fountain clients to walk through whether their case fits the statute, a negligence claim, or both.
Damages That May Apply
- Medical bills for treating the bite and any complications
- Lost income from time away from work
- Scarring and disfigurement, pursued through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering, pursued through a negligence claim
- Future medical care tied to the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Fountain — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Fountain 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 the dog had bitten anyone before. If the bite caused serious bodily injury and you were lawfully present, that prior-knowledge requirement does not apply.
What counts as serious bodily injury under the statute?
It generally means a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ's function. A bite that does not meet this threshold may still support a negligence claim.
Can I recover for scarring or emotional distress under the statute?
The statute itself covers economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses typically require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside the statutory claim.
What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog?
Provocation is a recognized defense under the statute, along with trespass and certain listed exceptions for working dogs and people handling dogs as part of their job. We examine the facts of what happened before the bite to address any defense the owner raises.
Where was I bitten and does it matter?
Yes. The statute applies when you were lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's private property. Whether the bite happened on a public sidewalk, in Fountain, or inside someone's home affects how the claim is framed.
Discuss a Fountain dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.