City and County of Denver · Colorado dog-bite statute
Denver Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Denver dog bite? Colorado's dog-bite statute may make the owner liable. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
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. This applies whether the incident happened in Capitol Hill, Five Points, Cherry Creek, Highland, RiNo, or anywhere else in Denver.
A key feature of this statute is that it does not require proof the owner knew the dog had bitten someone before. That removes a hurdle that exists in many negligence cases, where the injured person has to show the owner had prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous tendencies.
The statute's owner liability covers economic damages. If a bite caused scarring, pain, or other noneconomic harm, recovering for those losses may require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside the statutory claim. We evaluate which claims fit the facts of your case.
Building the Case: Serious Bodily Injury and Defenses
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 Denver Health Medical Center or another treating provider help establish the extent of the injury and whether it meets this threshold. A lesser bite that doesn't meet this definition can still support a negligence claim.
Owners may raise defenses such as provocation or trespass, and the statute lists exclusions for certain working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work. We look closely at how the incident unfolded to address any defense the owner raises and to determine whether an exclusion actually applies.
- Photos of the injury, the scene, and the dog if possible
- Medical records and any treatment notes from providers you saw
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Animal control or police reports filed in Denver
- Notes on where you were and whether you had lawful access to the property
Handling Dog Bite Claims in Denver
We handle dog bite claims arising throughout the City and County of Denver, from Cherry Creek to Highland to RiNo. When a claim proceeds to litigation, it's typically filed in Denver District Court.
We work with medical documentation from providers like Denver Health Medical Center to support the injury claim, and we gather scene and witness evidence from wherever in Denver the bite occurred.
What You May Recover
- Medical expenses for treatment of the bite injury
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Scarring and disfigurement, potentially through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering, potentially through a negligence claim
- Future medical costs tied to ongoing treatment or impairment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Denver — 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.
Denver Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous?
No. Under Colorado's dog-bite statute, you don't need to show the owner had prior knowledge of the dog biting someone before. This is different from many negligence claims involving animals.
What counts as serious bodily injury under the statute?
Serious bodily injury means a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ's function. Bites that don't meet this standard may still support a negligence claim.
Can I recover for pain and suffering under this statute?
The statute's owner liability covers economic damages like medical bills and lost income. Noneconomic losses such as pain and suffering or scarring may require a separate negligence claim.
What defenses do dog owners raise in Denver bite cases?
Common defenses include provocation and trespass. The statute also lists exclusions for certain working dogs and for people handling dogs as part of their job when the bite occurs during that work.
Where do Denver dog bite lawsuits get filed?
Claims arising in the City and County of Denver are typically filed in Denver District Court. We handle the filing and litigation process for you.
Discuss a Denver dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.