Jefferson County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Golden Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Golden dog bite victims: learn your rights under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124. Free consultation, no fee unless we win.
Owner Liability Under Colorado's Dog Bite Statute
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can hold a dog owner liable when their dog causes serious bodily injury or death to someone who was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. This applies whether the bite happened on Washington Avenue, along West Colfax Avenue, or anywhere else in Golden where the victim had a right to be.
A key feature of this statute is that it does not require proof the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. Unlike older negligence-based rules that hinged on an owner's prior knowledge of a dangerous animal, this law allows liability even for a dog with no known history of aggression, so long as the injury meets the statute's threshold.
The statute's owner liability covers economic damages tied to a serious bodily injury or death. If the injury caused scarring, pain, or other noneconomic harm, we may need to pursue a separate negligence claim to recover for those losses. We evaluate each case to determine which legal theories fit the facts and the extent of the injury.
What Serious Bodily Injury Means and How Defenses Apply
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. If a bite in Golden meets that standard, the statute's owner liability provisions may apply. A less severe bite doesn't disappear from the law entirely, it may still support a claim under ordinary negligence principles.
The statute also includes defenses and exclusions. Provocation and trespass can limit or defeat a claim, and the law lists specific situations involving certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs during the incident. We look closely at how the bite happened, where it happened, and who was involved to determine whether any of these apply, without assuming exceptions the statute doesn't actually list.
- Get medical care and keep records describing the injury's severity
- Photograph wounds, scarring, and the location of the bite
- Identify the dog owner and any witnesses nearby
- Note whether you were in a public place or lawfully on private property
- Avoid discussing fault with the owner's insurance before speaking with us
Handling Dog Bite Claims in Golden and Jefferson County
We work with dog bite victims across Golden, including areas near Colorado Highway 93, Lakewood, and Arvada. Cases arising here often proceed through Jefferson County Courts, and we're familiar with how claims move through that system. Serious injuries are frequently treated at CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood, and those medical records often become central to establishing the severity of the injury under the statute.
Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly serve clients throughout the Golden area. Whether the bite happened on a public trail, a residential street, or private property, we look at the specific location and circumstances to determine how Colorado's dog bite statute applies to your case.
Damages That May Be Available
- Medical expenses related to treating the bite
- Lost income from time away from work
- Future medical costs for ongoing treatment
- Pain, scarring, and disfigurement 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 Golden — 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.
Golden Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before?
No. Colorado's dog bite statute does not require proof the owner knew about a prior bite. Liability can attach even if the dog had no known history of aggression, as long as the injury meets the statute's serious bodily injury standard.
What counts as a serious bodily injury under this law?
It means an injury involving a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or a protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ's function. Bites that don't reach this level may still be pursued under general negligence law.
Can I recover for scarring or pain and suffering?
The statute itself covers economic damages tied to a qualifying injury. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses typically require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside or instead of 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. Trespass, however, is one of the defenses that can limit or bar a claim.
Are there exceptions for working dogs or professional handlers?
Yes, the statute lists specific situations involving certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work. We review the facts of your case to see whether any of these narrow exclusions apply.
Discuss a Golden dog bite
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