Douglas County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Lone Tree Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Lone Tree? 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, as long as you were lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property at the time. This applies whether the bite happened near Lincoln Avenue, along Yosemite Street, or anywhere else in Lone Tree.
A key feature of this statute is that you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten someone before. Unlike a general negligence claim, the statute does not require a showing of prior notice or a 'one bite' history. If the injury meets the statute's serious bodily injury standard, the owner can be liable for economic damages.
That statutory liability covers economic losses. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic harm typically require a separate negligence claim built on the facts of how the dog got loose or how the owner failed to control it. We evaluate both paths together so nothing gets left out of your case.
Proving Serious Bodily Injury and Building the Record
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. Medical records from treatment at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge or any other provider help establish whether your injury meets that threshold. We also look closely at whether provocation or trespass defenses apply, since those are the exclusions the statute recognizes.
We gather witness statements, animal control records, and photos of the scene, whether the bite happened in a Lone Tree neighborhood, near C-470, or while you were out toward Highlands Ranch or Parker. Establishing that you were lawfully present at the time of the bite is central to a statutory claim, so we document your reason for being there from the start.
- Photos of the wound and the location where the bite occurred
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Medical records and discharge paperwork from treatment
- Any animal control or police report filed after the incident
- Notes on how you came to be at that location, public or private property
Handling Dog Bite Claims in Lone Tree and Douglas County
We represent dog bite victims throughout Lone Tree, including areas near Lincoln Avenue and Yosemite Street, and we're familiar with how these cases move through Douglas County Justice Center. Knowing the local court and how Douglas County handles these filings helps us keep your claim on track from the first call.
Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly work with clients across the south metro area, from Lone Tree to Highlands Ranch and Parker. Whether your injury required care at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge or another facility, we build the claim around your actual medical treatment and the specific circumstances of the bite.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical bills for treatment of the bite injury
- Future medical costs if additional treatment is needed
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Scarring and disfigurement, pursued through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering, pursued through a negligence claim
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lone Tree — 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.
Lone Tree Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before mine?
No. Colorado's dog bite statute does not require proof that the owner knew about a prior bite. You still need to show the bite caused serious bodily injury and that you were lawfully present where it happened.
What counts as serious bodily injury under the statute?
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 is less severe, you may still be able to pursue a negligence claim instead.
Can I recover for scarring or pain and suffering under this statute?
The statute itself addresses economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses generally require a separate negligence claim, which we can pursue alongside the statutory claim.
What if I was on the dog owner's property when it happened?
The statute covers situations where you were lawfully on the owner's private property, not just public places. Trespass is one of the defenses an owner might raise, so how you came to be on the property matters.
Does provocation affect my claim?
Yes, provocation is a recognized defense under the statute. We look at the facts surrounding the bite closely to address any provocation argument the owner might raise.
Discuss a Lone Tree dog bite
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