Adams and Weld counties · Colorado dog-bite statute
Northglenn Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
A Northglenn dog bite may qualify for statutory liability. 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 the injured person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. This applies whether the bite happened near I-25, along 104th Avenue or 120th Avenue, on Washington Street, or in a Northglenn neighborhood or a Thornton-area location where the owner lives.
Under this statute, the injured person does not have to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten someone before. That is a significant difference from a general negligence claim, and it can simplify part of the case if the injury meets the statute's threshold.
The statute's liability covers economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses typically require a separate negligence claim built on the same facts. We look at both angles from the start so a Northglenn client is not leaving a valid claim 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 a body part or organ function. Medical records from HCA HealthONE North Suburban Medical Center or another provider that treated the bite help establish whether the injury meets that standard. A lesser injury does not shut the door on a claim, but it usually means the case proceeds as a negligence matter instead of under the statute.
We also look closely at where the bite happened and whether any of the statute's exclusions apply, including provocation, trespass, or the specific working-dog and dog-handler situations the statute lists. Photos of the scene, witness accounts, and animal control records help sort out whether the person was lawfully present and whether an exclusion might come up.
- Photos of the wound, scarring, and the location of the bite
- Medical records and discharge paperwork from treatment
- Contact information for the dog's owner and any witnesses
- Any animal control or police report filed after the incident
- Notes on where you were and why you were lawfully there
Handling Northglenn Dog Bite Claims
Northglenn dog bite cases we handle often trace back to incidents near 104th Avenue, 120th Avenue, or along the I-25 corridor, as well as residential streets closer to Washington Street or the Thornton border. Adams County and Weld County both touch the Northglenn area, so we confirm early which county's court will handle the case, and litigation may proceed at the Adams County Justice Center.
Our office is in Denver, and we work with Northglenn clients by phone, email, or in person, whichever is easier given the injury and recovery. We gather the medical and incident records needed to evaluate whether the statute's serious bodily injury standard is met and whether a companion negligence claim makes sense.
What Recovery May Cover
- Medical treatment for the bite and any follow-up care
- Scarring and disfigurement, often through a negligence claim
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain and suffering tied to the injury
- Future medical needs related to lasting impairment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Northglenn — 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.
Northglenn Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Does the Colorado dog-bite statute apply to every bite in Northglenn?
It applies when the bite causes serious bodily injury or death and the person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's property. A bite that does not meet that injury threshold may still support a negligence claim, just not one under this specific statute.
Do I have to show the owner knew the dog was dangerous?
No. Under this statute, the owner's prior knowledge of the dog's behavior is not something you need to prove. That is different from a standard negligence claim, which often looks at what the owner knew or should have known.
What if I was bitten on the dog owner's property in Northglenn?
You can still have a claim if you were lawfully on that property. Trespass is one of the exclusions under the statute, so lawful presence matters.
Can I recover for scarring under this statute?
The statute itself covers economic damages. Scarring and other noneconomic losses generally require a separate negligence claim, which we can pursue alongside the statutory claim.
Which court handles a Northglenn dog-bite case?
Northglenn sits near both Adams and Weld counties, so the right court depends on where the bite occurred and other case details. Litigation involving Adams County may proceed at the Adams County Justice Center.
Discuss a Northglenn dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.