Pueblo County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Pueblo Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Pueblo dog bite victims may have a claim under Colorado's dog-bite statute. 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, as long as the injured person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's private property at the time. This applies whether the bite happened in a Pueblo West neighborhood, near Downtown Pueblo, or anywhere else in the city.
One of the most important features of this statute is that it does not require proof the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. Colorado law does not give every dog one free bite under this statute. If the injury meets the legal definition of serious bodily injury and the person was lawfully present, the owner can be liable for economic damages regardless of the dog's history.
The statute has limits. It covers economic damages, and it includes defenses and exclusions such as provocation and trespass, along with statutory carve-outs for certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work. We look at the facts of each Pueblo case to determine whether the statute applies and whether any exclusion is at issue.
Proving a Serious Bodily Injury Claim
Because the statute turns on whether the injury counts as serious bodily injury, meaning a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ, medical documentation matters. Records from treatment at CommonSpirit Parkview Medical Center or another provider help establish the extent of the injury and support the claim.
For injuries that do not rise to that level, a negligence claim may still be available, and separately, scarring and pain from any bite may require a negligence theory rather than the statute alone. We gather medical records, incident reports, and witness accounts from the scene, whether that's Bessemer, Belmont, or elsewhere in Pueblo, to build the strongest case under the applicable legal theory.
- Photos of the injury and the location where the bite happened
- Medical records and discharge paperwork from any treatment received
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Any animal control or incident report filed with local authorities
- Notes on where you were and whether you had lawful permission to be there
Handling Dog Bite Claims in Pueblo
We represent dog bite victims throughout Pueblo, including Pueblo West, Bessemer, Downtown Pueblo, and Belmont. Whether the bite happened on a walk, at a neighbor's home, or in a public space, we evaluate whether the dog-bite statute applies and what evidence supports the claim.
Claims arising from incidents in Pueblo may be filed in Pueblo County District Court. Our office is located at 301 N. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003, and we meet with clients from across Pueblo County to discuss their case and next steps.
Damages That May Be Available
- Medical bills and related treatment costs
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Scarring and disfigurement, potentially through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering, potentially through a negligence claim
- 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 Pueblo — and read client testimonials.
A pickup hit me from behind on Hwy 50 east of Pueblo. The insurer offered $2,600. McCormick & Murphy helped with treatment, filed suit, and the case settled at mediation for $165,000.
C. O., Pueblo · Highway 50 crash
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Pueblo Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before in Pueblo?
No. Colorado's dog-bite statute does not require proof the owner knew about a prior bite. If the bite caused serious bodily injury and you were lawfully present, that history is not a required element.
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 the function of a body part or organ. Bites that don't meet this standard may still support a claim under a negligence theory.
Can I recover for scarring or pain and suffering under the statute?
The statute itself addresses economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses typically require pursuing a separate negligence claim alongside or instead of the statutory claim.
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. Trespass is an exclusion, so lawful presence matters to whether the statute covers your situation.
Are there any exceptions for working dogs in Colorado?
Yes, the statute includes exclusions for certain working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite happens during that work. We can review the specific facts to see whether any exclusion might apply to your case.
Discuss a Pueblo dog bite
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