Jefferson and Adams counties · Colorado dog-bite statute
Arvada Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Arvada 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 when their dog causes serious bodily injury or death to someone who was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. This applies whether the bite happened near Olde Town Arvada, along Wadsworth Boulevard, or on a residential street off Ralston Road. The statute does not require proof that the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before.
Under this statute, owner liability covers economic damages such as medical costs and lost income tied to the injury. If you have scarring, pain, or other noneconomic losses, recovering for those typically requires a separate negligence claim against the owner. We evaluate both angles from the start so nothing gets left on the table.
The law also sets out defenses and exclusions, including provocation of the dog and trespass by the injured person. There are also statutory carve-outs for certain working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work. We look closely at the facts of your case to see whether any of these apply, and we do not assume exceptions the statute doesn't actually list.
Proving Serious Bodily Injury and Building Your Claim
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's function. Medical records from treatment, including any care received at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, help establish the extent of the injury and whether it meets this legal threshold. Photos of wounds, witness statements, and animal control reports also matter for showing how and where the bite happened.
If your injury does not rise to the level of serious bodily injury, you may still have a negligence claim against the dog owner. We gather the same kind of evidence, records, photos, witness accounts, and any prior incident history, to build that claim. Acting quickly to preserve this evidence gives your case the strongest foundation, whether it proceeds under the statute or under negligence.
- Photos of the injury and the scene where the bite occurred
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Medical records from any treatment you received
- Animal control or police report numbers, if one was filed
- Notes on where you were and whether you had lawful permission to be there
Handling Dog Bite Claims for Arvada Residents
We work with clients across Arvada, from Olde Town to the Wheat Ridge border, and represent bite victims whose cases fall under Jefferson County or Adams County depending on where the incident occurred. Many Jefferson County matters are handled through the Jefferson County Courts in Golden, and we're familiar with how those proceedings work for injury claims arising in this area.
Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly assist injured residents throughout the greater Arvada area, including neighborhoods near Wadsworth Boulevard and Ralston Road. Wherever your bite occurred, we come to you for the initial consultation and handle the legal work so you can focus on recovering.
What You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical expenses related to treating the bite
- Lost income if the injury kept you from work
- Scarring or disfigurement, pursued through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering, pursued through a negligence claim
- Future medical costs if the injury requires ongoing care
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Arvada — 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.
Arvada Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Does the dog owner have to have known their dog was dangerous?
No. Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, you don't need to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten someone before. The statute applies based on where the bite happened and the severity of the injury, not the owner's prior knowledge.
What if I was on the dog owner's property when it happened?
The statute can still apply if you were lawfully on the owner's private property, such as an invited guest. If you were trespassing, that can be a defense the owner raises against your claim.
What counts as serious bodily injury under this law?
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 doesn't meet that bar, you may still have a separate negligence claim against the owner.
Can I recover for pain and suffering under the dog bite statute?
The statute itself covers economic damages like medical bills and lost wages. Noneconomic losses such as pain, suffering, and scarring generally require a separate negligence claim, which we can pursue alongside the statutory claim.
Are there situations where the owner isn't liable?
Yes. The statute lists exclusions such as provocation of the dog by the injured person and trespass. It also addresses certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work.
Discuss a Arvada dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.