Boulder County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Lafayette Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Lafayette 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 to someone who was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. If you were walking along Baseline Road or South Boulder Road, or visiting a home in Lafayette, and a dog bit you causing serious injury, this statute may apply to your claim.
One of the most important features of this law is that you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. Unlike claims that hinge on a dog's known history, this statute focuses on the injury itself and where you were lawfully located when it happened. That can simplify what you need to show to hold an owner responsible.
The statute's liability covers economic damages. If you also suffered scarring, pain, or other noneconomic losses, we may need to pursue a separate negligence claim alongside the statutory claim to recover fully for what you went through.
Building the Record After a Lafayette Dog Bite
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 you were treated at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital, those medical records will help establish the extent of your injury and whether it meets that standard. Even if your injury falls short of that threshold, a negligence claim may still be available.
Defenses like provocation or trespass can come into play, along with statutory exceptions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs at the time of the bite. We look closely at where the bite occurred, whether you were lawfully present, and what led up to the incident, since these facts shape which legal theory fits your case.
- Photos of the injury and the location where the bite occurred
- Medical records from Good Samaritan Hospital or any treatment you received
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses nearby
- Notes on whether you were on public property or lawfully on private property
- Any animal control or incident report filed after the bite
Serving Lafayette and Boulder County
Dog bites happen along busy corridors like U.S. Highway 287, near Baseline Road, and in residential areas throughout Lafayette. We also handle cases involving incidents in nearby Louisville and Boulder. Wherever the bite occurred, we look at the specific circumstances to determine whether the dog bite statute, a negligence claim, or both apply.
If your case requires filing, matters from Lafayette are typically handled through the Boulder County Justice Center. We're based in Denver but work with clients throughout Boulder County, gathering the medical and factual record needed to pursue your claim.
What You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical expenses related to treatment of the bite
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Scarring or disfigurement, typically through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering, typically through a negligence claim
- Future medical care if the injury requires ongoing treatment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lafayette — 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.
Lafayette Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before to win my claim?
No. Under the Colorado dog bite statute, you do not need to show the owner knew about a prior bite. Liability under this statute focuses on the injury and whether you were lawfully present, not the dog's history.
What if my injury isn't serious enough for the statute?
Serious bodily injury has a specific meaning involving substantial risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or protracted impairment. If your injury doesn't meet that standard, a negligence claim may still let you pursue compensation.
Can I recover for scarring or pain and suffering under this statute?
The statute itself covers economic damages. For scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses, we typically need to bring a separate negligence claim alongside any statutory claim.
What if I was on the dog owner's property when I was bitten?
The statute can apply if you were lawfully on the owner's private property at the time. Trespassing, however, is a recognized defense that can affect the claim.
Are there exceptions for working dogs or animal handlers?
Yes. The statute lists exceptions for certain working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite happens during that work. We review the facts of your incident to see whether any exception might apply.
Discuss a Lafayette dog bite
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