El Paso County · Colorado Dog-Bite Statute
Colorado Springs Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Colorado Springs dog bite statute lawyers for people hurt by a dog in Colorado Springs. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Colorado's Dog-Bite Statute And When Owners Are Liable In Colorado Springs
McCormick & Murphy are Colorado Springs dog bite statute lawyers for people bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property. We file in El Paso County District Court.
Colorado has a specific dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, that can hold a dog owner liable when a bite causes serious bodily injury or death, provided the person bitten was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property. We look at where the bite happened and whether you had a legal right to be there, because that shapes the claim from the start.
One of the more important features of this statute is that it does not require proof the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. Many people assume they need to show the dog had a history of aggression. Under this statute, that is not the standard, which can make it a more direct path to holding an owner accountable.
The statute also comes with limits and exclusions we discuss honestly. Provocation and trespass are defenses the owner can raise, and the statute lists exclusions for certain working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite happens during that work. We do not stretch the law beyond what it actually says, and we explain clearly which facts in your case might trigger a defense.
Proving Serious Bodily Injury With Medical And Scene Evidence
Because the statute's economic-damages provision turns on whether the injury counts as serious bodily injury, documentation matters. That standard covers a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ function. Medical records from providers such as UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital help establish the nature and extent of the injury early on.
We also gather facts about the bite itself: where it happened, who owned the dog, and whether you were lawfully present at the time. Statements from anyone who saw the incident, photos of the scene and the injury, and any animal control or law enforcement reports all help us evaluate whether the statute applies and whether a companion negligence claim is also needed for noneconomic losses like scarring or pain.
Investigating Colorado Springs Dog-Bite Statute Claims & Client Office Access
Colorado Springs dog bite statute lawyers examining where the bite happened, whether you were lawfully present, and how serious bodily injury documentation shapes liability under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 for El Paso County claims.
- Statute Does Not Require Prior Bite History: Under Colorado's dog-bite statute, you do not need to show the owner knew the dog had a history of biting. Liability focuses on the bite itself and whether you were lawfully present where it happened, making it a more direct path to holding an owner accountable.
- Serious Bodily Injury Standard With Medical Records: The statute's economic-damages provision turns on whether the injury counts as serious bodily injury: a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ function. Medical records from providers such as UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital help establish the nature and extent of the injury early on.
- Office Access: Clients meet with our team at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905 ↗ — with home or hospital consultations available if severe injuries prevent travel.
Essential documentation and facts Colorado Springs dog bite statute lawyers use to evaluate whether C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 applies and whether serious bodily injury can be proven in El Paso County District Court.
- Photos of the bite injury showing severity and location on your body
- Photos of the location where the bite occurred, including property features and any visible hazards
- Medical records from all providers who treated the injury, including UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital
- Dog owner's name and contact information, and proof of ownership if available
- Any animal control or law enforcement report filed after the incident
- Witness contact information for anyone who saw the bite happen
- Documentation of where you were and why you were lawfully present at that location
- Records showing the nature of your injury meets the serious bodily injury standard—substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment
- Lost income records and work notes for time away from your job due to the injury
- Notes on what happened immediately before the bite to address provocation or trespass defenses
- Information on whether the dog was a working dog or whether you were handling dogs as part of your job when the bite occurred
- Any homeowner's or renter's insurance information for the dog owner
McCormick & Murphy are Colorado Springs dog bite statute lawyers who review this evidence during a free consultation at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, to determine whether the statute applies and what companion claims may be needed for noneconomic losses. Call (719) 389-0400. No fee unless we recover for you.
Dog Bites Across Colorado Springs, From Old Colorado City To Broadmoor
Dog bites happen in yards, parks, and sidewalks across Colorado Springs, from Old Colorado City and Briargate to Broadmoor, Manitou Springs, and Fountain. Wherever the incident occurred, we look at the property status, the neighborhood, and local animal control involvement to piece together what happened and whether the statute applies to your situation.
When a case needs to be filed, we handle it through El Paso County District Court. Our office is at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, convenient for clients throughout the city and surrounding communities who need to sit down and go through the details of a bite claim.
Economic Losses And Medical Costs In A Colorado Springs Dog-Bite Claim
- Medical treatment costs related to the bite
- Lost income from time away from work
- Scarring and disfigurement, addressed through a negligence claim where applicable
- Pain and suffering, addressed through a negligence claim where applicable
- Other economic losses tied directly to the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Colorado Springs — 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.
Clear Answers On Colorado Springs Dog Bite Statute Claims
Do I need Colorado Springs dog bite statute lawyers after an injury?
Call Colorado Springs dog bite statute lawyers when you were hurt, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The Colorado Springs office is at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905.
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before to win my case?
No. Under Colorado's dog-bite statute, you do not need to show the owner knew the dog had a history of biting. Liability under this statute focuses on the bite itself and whether you were lawfully present where it happened.
Does the statute cover pain and suffering?
The statute's owner liability provision covers economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses often require a separate negligence claim, which we can evaluate alongside the statutory claim.
What counts as a serious bodily injury under this law?
Serious bodily injury means a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ function. A less severe bite may still support a claim, just through a negligence theory instead.
Can the dog owner argue I provoked the dog?
Yes. Provocation and trespass are defenses an owner can raise under the statute. We look closely at what actually happened to assess whether those defenses realistically apply to your situation.
Are all dogs and handlers covered by this statute?
The statute lists certain exclusions for working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when a bite occurs during that work. We review the specific facts to see whether any listed exclusion could affect your claim.
Nearest McCormick & Murphy office
Colorado Springs — Downtown
Discuss Your Colorado Springs Dog Bite Statute Case
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