Boulder County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Louisville Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Louisville 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. If you were bitten walking near McCaslin Boulevard or along South Boulder Road, or visiting a home in Louisville, that lawful-presence requirement is usually the first thing we look at.
One of the most important features of this statute is that it does not require proof the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. Colorado follows a one-bite rule in some contexts, but this statute removes that hurdle for serious bites. That makes it a more direct path to owner liability than a straight negligence claim in many cases.
The statute's liability covers economic damages. If the bite also caused scarring, pain, or other noneconomic harm, that part of the case may need to proceed as a separate negligence claim. We evaluate both angles from the start so nothing gets left on the table.
Building the Case: Injury Severity and Circumstances
Because the statute turns on serious bodily injury, meaning a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ, medical documentation matters. Records from a visit to AdventHealth Avista or another treating provider help establish where an injury falls. A lesser bite can still support a negligence claim even if it doesn't meet that statutory threshold.
We also look closely at where the bite happened and what led up to it, since provocation and trespass are recognized defenses, and the statute lists specific exclusions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs during that work. Witness accounts, photos of the scene, and animal control records help sort out whether you were lawfully present and whether any exclusion might apply.
- Photos of the injury and the location where the bite occurred
- Medical records from any treatment, including at AdventHealth Avista
- Contact information for witnesses
- Any animal control or incident report
- Notes on where you were and why, to support lawful presence
Handling Dog Bite Claims Near Louisville
Louisville sits in Boulder County, and dog bite claims here often move through the Boulder County Justice Center. We're familiar with how these cases are handled locally, from filing through resolution, and we bring that experience to bites that happen anywhere in the area, including near U.S. Highway 36 and in neighboring communities like Lafayette and Superior.
Our office is in Denver, and we regularly represent clients throughout the Boulder County area. Whether the bite happened at a home, in a park, or in a public space in Louisville, we come to you for the initial consultation and handle the case from there.
What Damages May Be Available
- Medical expenses related to treating the bite
- Lost income if the injury kept you from work
- Scarring and disfigurement, potentially through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering, potentially 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 Louisville — 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.
Louisville Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before?
No. Under Colorado's dog bite statute, an owner can be liable for a serious bite even without proof the dog had bitten anyone before. This is different from a standard negligence claim, which may look at the dog's history.
What counts as a serious bodily injury under this statute?
Serious bodily injury means a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a body part or organ. If a bite doesn't meet that threshold, a negligence claim may still be available.
What if I was on the dog owner's property when it happened?
The statute can apply if you were lawfully on the dog owner's private property, not just in a public place. We look at the circumstances of your visit to determine whether that lawful-presence requirement is met.
Can the owner claim I provoked the dog?
Provocation and trespass are recognized defenses under the statute. We review the facts leading up to the bite closely, since these defenses can significantly affect a claim.
Does this statute cover pain and suffering?
The statute's owner liability provision is for economic damages. Compensation for scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses may require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside the statutory claim.
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