Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties · Colorado dog-bite statute
Aurora Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Aurora 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 near East Colfax Avenue, along Parker Road, or anywhere else in Aurora while you had a legal right to be where you were, this statute may apply to your case.
One of the most important features of this law is that you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten someone before. That prior-knowledge burden, which trips up many bite victims under general negligence rules, does not apply here. This makes the statute a strong tool for Aurora dog bite victims who might otherwise struggle to show the owner had reason to expect an attack.
The statute's liability covers economic damages tied to the bite. If your injury also involves scarring, pain, or other noneconomic losses, a separate negligence claim may be necessary to pursue those. We evaluate which claims fit your situation and pursue the combination that gives you the best path to full recovery.
Serious Bodily Injury, Defenses, and What We Investigate
The statute's strongest protections apply when the bite causes serious bodily injury, meaning a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ. Medical records from providers such as UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital help establish whether an injury meets this threshold. Even a bite that falls short of this standard may still support a claim under ordinary negligence principles, so we look closely at the medical picture before ruling anything out.
Owners may raise defenses built into the statute, including provocation or trespass, and the law also addresses certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs when a bite happens during that work. We investigate the circumstances of the bite carefully to see whether any of these narrow exclusions genuinely apply, rather than accepting a blanket denial from an insurer. Because Aurora sits across Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties, we also confirm which court has jurisdiction, often the Arapahoe County Justice Center, before moving your case forward.
- Get medical treatment and keep all records describing the injury
- Photograph wounds, scarring, and the location of the bite
- Identify the dog owner and confirm where the bite occurred
- Write down whether you were in a public place or lawfully on private property
- Avoid giving statements to the owner's insurer before speaking with us
Handling Dog Bite Claims Across the Aurora Area
Aurora spans parts of Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties, which means the right court for a dog bite claim depends on exactly where the bite happened. We regularly work with cases headed to the Arapahoe County Justice Center and coordinate with clients throughout the area, including those near Parker Road and E-470, to make sure filings go to the correct venue.
Our office is based in Denver, and we handle Aurora dog bite cases from the initial consultation through resolution. We understand the mix of public parks, private residences, and business districts across Aurora where bites often occur, and we tailor our investigation to the specific location and circumstances of each incident.
Damages We Pursue in Colorado Dog Bite Claims
- Medical treatment costs tied to the bite injury
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Scarring and disfigurement, pursued through a negligence claim where applicable
- Pain and suffering under a separate negligence theory
- Future medical care if the injury requires ongoing treatment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Aurora — 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.
Aurora Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before in Aurora?
No. Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, you do not need to show the owner had prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous behavior to establish liability for serious bodily injury or death. This differs from traditional negligence claims where prior knowledge is often central.
What counts as serious bodily injury under this statute?
It means a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ. If your injury doesn't meet this threshold, you may still have a claim under general negligence law.
What if I was on the dog owner's property when I was bitten?
The statute can still apply if you were lawfully on the owner's private property at the time of the bite. Lawful presence, whether in public or on private property, is a key element of the claim.
Can the dog owner argue I provoked the dog?
Yes, provocation is a defense built into the statute, along with trespass and certain situations involving working dogs or people whose job involves handling dogs. We investigate the facts of each Aurora case to determine whether these defenses genuinely apply.
Which court handles dog bite cases in the Aurora area?
Because Aurora spans Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties, the applicable court depends on where the bite occurred. Many cases proceed through the Arapahoe County Justice Center, and we confirm proper venue as part of our case preparation.
Discuss a Aurora dog bite
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