El Paso County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Palmer Lake Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Palmer Lake dog bite? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Owner Liability Under Colorado's Dog Bite Statute
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can hold a dog owner liable for a bite that causes serious bodily injury or death, as long as the person bitten was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. This applies whether the bite happened along Colorado Highway 105, near County Line Road, or on private property in Palmer Lake or Monument.
A key feature of this statute is that we do not have to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. If the injury meets the statutory definition of serious bodily injury and the person was lawfully present, the statute can support a claim regardless of the dog's prior history.
The statute covers economic damages tied to the bite. Scarring, pain and suffering, and other noneconomic losses typically require a separate negligence claim, which we evaluate alongside any statutory claim depending on the facts of the bite.
Proving Serious Bodily Injury and Lawful Presence
To succeed under the statute, we need to show the injury rose to the level of serious bodily injury: a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ's function. Medical records from providers such as UCHealth Memorial Hospital North in Colorado Springs help establish the severity and permanence of the injury. Photos of wounds, scarring, and any surgical or follow-up care documentation all support this showing.
We also need to establish that the person bitten was lawfully on the property or in the public space where the bite occurred. Witness statements, animal control reports, and any record of where the incident happened, whether near I-25, on a residential street in Palmer Lake, or elsewhere in the area, help confirm lawful presence and rule out defenses like trespass or provocation.
- Get medical care and keep all treatment records
- Photograph the wound, scarring, and the scene of the bite
- Identify the dog owner and get contact and insurance information
- Get contact information for any witnesses
- Report the bite to animal control or local authorities
Handling Dog Bite Claims Near Palmer Lake
Palmer Lake sits in El Paso County, and dog bite lawsuits arising here are typically filed in El Paso County Combined Courts. We handle claims from bites occurring throughout the area, including along Colorado Highway 105, near County Line Road, and in nearby Monument and Colorado Springs.
Our office is located at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, convenient for clients from Palmer Lake and surrounding communities. We meet with clients to review medical records, witness accounts, and the circumstances of the bite to determine whether a statutory claim, a negligence claim, or both apply.
Damages We Pursue
- Medical expenses for treatment of the bite
- Future medical costs tied to scarring or reconstructive care
- Lost wages from time missed due to the injury
- Pain and suffering under a negligence claim where applicable
- Costs related to disfigurement or lasting impairment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Palmer Lake — 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.
Palmer Lake Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before to win my case?
No. Colorado's dog bite statute does not require proof that the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone previously. If the bite caused serious bodily injury and you were lawfully present, the statute can apply regardless of the dog's history.
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's function. If your injury does not meet that threshold, you may still have a claim under general negligence law.
What if I was bitten while trespassing?
The statute includes defenses for trespass and provocation, so lawful presence matters. There are also specific statutory exclusions for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work.
Can I recover for scarring or pain and suffering?
The statute itself covers economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses generally require pursuing a separate negligence claim, which we can evaluate based on the specifics of your case.
Where would my case be filed if I was bitten near Palmer Lake?
Dog bite claims arising in the Palmer Lake area are typically filed in El Paso County Combined Courts. We can walk you through what that process looks like during a free consultation.
Discuss a Palmer Lake dog bite
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