El Paso County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Colorado Springs Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Colorado Springs? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Owner Liability Under Colorado's Dog Bite Statute
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.
Building the Record: Injury Severity and What Happened
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.
- Photos of the injury and the location where the bite occurred
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Medical records and provider names from any treatment you received
- Any animal control or police report related to the incident
- Notes on where you were and why you were lawfully there
Serving Colorado Springs and El Paso County
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.
What a Dog Bite Claim May Cover
- 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.
Colorado Springs Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
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.
Discuss a Colorado Springs dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.