Douglas County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Highlands Ranch Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Highlands Ranch dog bite case? 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, so 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 Highlands Ranch Parkway, near University Boulevard, or visiting someone's home near C-470, this statute may apply.
One of the more important features of this law is that you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten before. Unlike older negligence-based rules that hinged on prior knowledge of a dangerous animal, this statute focuses on the injury itself and where it happened.
The statute does have limits. It provides for economic damages tied to the bite, and if you're dealing with scarring, pain, or other noneconomic losses, a separate negligence claim may be needed to pursue those. We look at both angles when we evaluate a Highlands Ranch case.
What Serious Bodily Injury Looks Like, and What We Gather
Serious bodily injury under the statute means a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ function. If your injury doesn't rise to that level, you may still have a negligence claim against the dog owner. Either way, medical documentation matters, and records from providers like UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital can help establish the extent of the injury.
We also look closely at where the bite happened, since lawful presence in a public place or lawful presence on the owner's property is central to this claim. Defenses like provocation or trespass can come up, along with statutory exclusions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs at the time of the bite. We gather witness accounts, photos, and animal control records to address these issues early.
- Get medical care and keep all records describing the injury
- Photograph wounds, torn clothing, and the location of the bite
- Identify the dog owner and where the incident occurred
- Get contact information for any witnesses nearby
- Report the bite to local animal control
Handling Dog Bite Claims Near Highlands Ranch
Highlands Ranch sits in Douglas County, and dog bite claims here often move through the Douglas County Justice Center. We're familiar with how these cases are handled locally, from neighborhoods along Highlands Ranch Parkway and University Boulevard to nearby areas like Littleton and Lone Tree.
Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly work with Highlands Ranch clients by phone, video, or in person. Wherever the bite happened, whether on a public trail near C-470 or on private property, we build the case around Colorado's statute and the specific facts of what occurred.
What You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical expenses related to treating the bite
- Lost income if the injury kept you from work
- Future medical costs for ongoing treatment
- Pain, scarring, and other noneconomic losses 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 Highlands Ranch — 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.
Highlands Ranch 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 that the owner knew about a prior bite. Liability under the statute focuses on the injury and whether you were lawfully present where the bite occurred.
What counts as serious bodily injury under this law?
It means a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ function. If your injury doesn't meet that standard, a negligence claim may still be available.
Can I recover for scarring or pain under the statute?
The statute itself addresses economic damages. 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?
You can still have a claim as long as you were lawfully on that property. Trespassing, however, can be a defense the owner may raise.
Are there exceptions for working dogs?
Yes. The statute includes exclusions for certain working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs at the time of the bite. We review the facts carefully to see whether any exception applies to your situation.
Discuss a Highlands Ranch dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.