El Paso County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Monument Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Monument? 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. For families in Monument, that means bites happening on a walk near Second Street, along Colorado Highway 105, or on a visit to a neighbor's property may fall squarely within the statute.
One of the more important features of this law is that it does not require proof the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. Colorado does not give every dog 'one free bite.' If the injury meets the statutory threshold and you were lawfully present, the owner can be liable under the statute regardless of the dog's history.
The statute's liability covers economic damages tied to the bite. Scarring, pain and suffering, and other noneconomic losses typically require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside the statutory claim. We evaluate both angles from the start so nothing is left on the table.
Meeting the Serious Bodily Injury Standard
Serious bodily injury under the statute means a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a body part or organ. Medical documentation matters here. Records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital North in Colorado Springs, along with any follow-up treatment, help establish whether an injury meets that threshold or whether a negligence theory is the better path for a lesser bite.
Defenses like provocation and trespass can defeat a statutory claim, and the law lists specific exclusions for certain working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work. We look closely at where the bite happened, what led up to it, and whether any of these narrow exclusions actually apply before assuming they do.
- Get medical treatment and keep all records describing the wound and its severity
- Photograph the injury as it heals and note any scarring or lasting limitation
- Identify the dog owner and where the bite occurred, including whether it was public or private property
- Write down what happened right before the bite, including any warning signs
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with us
Handling Dog Bite Claims From Monument
Monument dog-bite cases often arise near I-25 access points, along Highway 105, in neighborhoods off Second Street, or near Palmer Lake. Whether the bite happened on a public sidewalk or at a private residence affects how the statute applies, and we walk through those facts with you in detail.
Claims from Monument are commonly filed in El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office is at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, convenient for clients traveling from Monument, and we're also glad to arrange calls or visits that work around your schedule and any ongoing medical care in Colorado Springs.
Damages We Pursue in Dog Bite Cases
- Medical bills for emergency and follow-up treatment
- Future medical costs tied to scarring or lasting impairment
- Lost wages from missed work during recovery
- Pain and suffering under a negligence claim where applicable
- Costs of scar treatment or reconstructive care
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Monument — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Monument Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before to win my case?
No. Colorado's statute does not require proof the owner knew the dog had a history of biting. If your injury meets the serious bodily injury standard and you were lawfully present, that prior-knowledge requirement doesn't apply.
What if my bite left a small scar but wasn't life-threatening?
The statute applies to serious bodily injury, which includes protracted impairment or serious permanent disfigurement, not every bite. A lesser injury may still support a negligence claim, and we can evaluate which path fits your situation.
Can I recover for pain and suffering under this statute?
The statute itself covers economic damages. Noneconomic losses like pain and suffering generally require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside the statutory claim, which we handle together.
What if the dog owner says I provoked the dog?
Provocation is a recognized defense under the statute, along with trespass. We look at the actual circumstances leading up to the bite to assess whether that defense genuinely applies to your case.
Where would my case be handled if I live in Monument?
Dog-bite claims from Monument are commonly filed in El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office in Colorado Springs is nearby, and we can meet in person or work with you remotely depending on what's easiest.
Discuss a Monument dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.