Boulder and Weld counties · Colorado dog-bite statute
Longmont Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Longmont dog bite victims may have a claim under Colorado's dog-bite statute. 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 lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. This applies whether the bite happened near Hover Street, along Ken Pratt Boulevard, or anywhere else in Longmont. The statute focuses on where the victim had a right to be, not on the specific street or neighborhood.
A key feature of this statute is that it does not require proof the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. Colorado does not give every dog what people call a free first bite. If the injury meets the statute's definition of serious bodily injury, the owner can be liable for economic damages even with no prior history of aggression.
The statute has limits. It covers economic damages, and claims for scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses may require a separate negligence claim. Defenses include provocation and trespass, along with statutory exclusions for certain working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work. We look at the facts of each Longmont case to see which parts of the statute apply.
Building the Case in Longmont
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. Medical records from providers such as UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital help establish whether an injury meets that threshold. A lesser bite that doesn't meet this definition may still support a negligence claim, so documentation matters either way.
We gather witness statements, animal control records, and photos of the scene, whether the incident happened near Colorado Highway 119, in Erie, in Boulder, or elsewhere in the area. Because Longmont sits across Boulder and Weld counties, we also confirm which county's records and reports apply to your case, since that can affect where a claim is filed.
- Seek medical care and keep all records describing the injury
- Photograph wounds, scarring, and the location of the bite
- Get the dog owner's name, address, and contact information
- Report the bite to local animal control
- Avoid signing statements with an insurer before talking to us
Serving Longmont and the Surrounding Area
We handle dog-bite claims for Longmont residents, including cases arising in neighborhoods along Hover Street and Ken Pratt Boulevard, and along corridors like Colorado Highway 119 connecting Longmont to Boulder and Erie. Depending on where the bite occurred, a claim may involve the Boulder County Justice Center or the Weld County Combined Courts.
Our office is in Denver, and we work with clients throughout Longmont and the wider Boulder and Weld county area. We handle the details of your claim so you can focus on recovering.
Damages That May Be Available
- Medical expenses for treatment of the bite
- Future medical costs tied to the injury
- 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 Longmont — 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.
Longmont 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 the dog had bitten anyone previously. If the bite caused serious bodily injury and you were lawfully present, that history is not required.
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. Medical records from providers you saw help show whether your injury meets this standard.
What if my injury doesn't meet that standard?
A lesser bite may still support a negligence claim against the owner. We evaluate the facts to determine which type of claim fits your situation.
Can the dog owner have a defense?
Yes. Provocation and trespass are defenses, and the statute excludes certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite happens during that work. We review the circumstances to see if any of these apply.
Does it matter whether my bite happened in Boulder County or Weld County?
It can affect where a claim is filed, since Longmont sits across both counties. We confirm the right court and jurisdiction as part of building your case.
Discuss a Longmont dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.