Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas counties · Colorado dog-bite statute
Littleton Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Littleton 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 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. This applies whether the bite happened along Santa Fe Drive, near Bowles Avenue, on South Broadway, or anywhere else in Littleton where someone had a legal 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. That one-bite-free assumption some people expect does not apply under this law. If the injury meets the statute's threshold, the owner can be liable regardless of the dog's prior history.
The statute covers economic damages. Noneconomic losses like scarring and pain may require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside the statutory claim. We evaluate which theories fit the facts of your Littleton case and pursue the ones that apply.
Proving Your Colorado Dog Bite Claim
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's function. Medical records from AdventHealth Littleton or another treating facility help establish whether an injury meets that threshold. If a bite falls short of that standard, a negligence claim may still be available.
Owners can raise defenses like provocation or trespass, and the statute lists specific exclusions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs when a bite occurs during that work. We look closely at where the bite happened, whether the person was lawfully present, and whether any statutory exclusion might apply before building your claim.
- Get medical treatment and keep all records describing the injury
- Photograph wounds, scarring, and the location of the incident
- Get the dog owner's name, address, and contact information
- Identify witnesses near Santa Fe Drive, Bowles Avenue, or wherever the bite occurred
- Avoid discussing fault or signing statements before speaking with us
Handling Dog Bite Claims in Littleton
Littleton sits across Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas counties, and a dog-bite claim generally proceeds in the district court for the county where the injury occurred. We handle claims arising in neighborhoods throughout Littleton, including areas near Englewood and Highlands Ranch, and we know how location can affect which court hears the case.
Our office is in Denver, and we work with Littleton clients to gather medical records, witness statements, and other evidence needed to support a claim under Colorado's dog-bite statute or a related negligence theory.
What You May Recover
- Medical expenses for treatment of the bite injury
- Future medical costs if additional treatment or surgery is needed
- Lost income from time away from work
- Scarring and disfigurement damages, often through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering associated with the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Littleton — 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.
Littleton Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Does the owner have to know the dog was dangerous before?
No. Colorado's dog-bite statute does not require proof the owner had prior notice that the dog had bitten someone. Liability under the statute can attach even for a dog with no known history of aggression, as long as the injury meets the statute's requirements.
What if my bite didn't cause serious bodily injury?
The statute applies to bites causing serious bodily injury or death. A lesser injury may still support a claim under ordinary negligence principles, which we can evaluate separately.
Can I recover for scarring under the dog-bite statute?
The statute itself covers economic damages. Scarring, disfigurement, and pain and suffering are noneconomic losses that typically require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside or instead of the statutory claim.
What defenses do dog owners raise in these cases?
Common defenses include provocation and trespass. The statute also lists exclusions for certain working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work.
Where would my Littleton dog bite case be filed?
Because Littleton spans Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas counties, the case is generally filed in the district court for the county where the injury occurred. We help determine the right venue based on where the bite happened.
Discuss a Littleton dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.