El Paso County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Security-Widefield Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
A dog bite in Security-Widefield may qualify for statutory liability. 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 make 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 along U.S. Highway 85, near Bradley Road, on Fontaine Boulevard, or anywhere else in Security-Widefield where the injured person had a legal right to be.
One of the most important features of this statute is that it does not require proof that the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. In other words, a first-time bite can still trigger owner liability under the statute, unlike claims that depend on showing the owner had prior notice of the dog's dangerous tendencies.
The statute has limits. It covers economic damages, while scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses may require a separate negligence claim built on the same facts. Defenses include provocation and trespass, along with statutory exclusions for certain working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work. We look closely at the facts of each case before deciding how to frame a claim.
What Serious Bodily Injury Means and Why Documentation Matters
The statute's protection turns on whether the injury meets the definition of serious bodily injury: a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a body part or organ. Medical records from providers such as UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs, where many Security-Widefield residents receive treatment after a serious injury, help establish whether an injury reaches that threshold.
A bite that does not meet the serious bodily injury standard may still support a negligence claim, so it matters to document the injury thoroughly regardless of severity. Photos of the wound as it heals, records of any follow-up care, and notes about ongoing limitations all help show the extent of harm and support the right claim under the right legal theory.
- Get medical care and keep all records of treatment and diagnosis
- Photograph the injury site and location, including near Widefield Boulevard or Fountain if relevant
- Identify the dog owner and any witnesses to the incident
- Note whether you were on public property or lawfully on private property when bitten
- Avoid giving statements to insurers before speaking with an attorney
Handling Dog Bite Claims in Security-Widefield
Security-Widefield sits in El Paso County, and dog bite claims arising here typically proceed through El Paso County Combined Courts. Whether the bite happened near U.S. Highway 85, along Bradley Road, or in a residential area off Fontaine Boulevard, the same statutory framework applies, but the facts of where and how the bite occurred matter to the legal analysis.
Our office is located at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, a short drive from Security-Widefield, and we meet with clients from Fountain and surrounding communities to review the circumstances of their case. We look at where the injured person was standing, whether they had a legal right to be there, and what the medical evidence shows about the severity of the injury.
Damages That May Be Available
- Medical expenses related to treatment of the bite
- Lost income from time away from work
- Future medical costs tied to ongoing care
- Scarring and disfigurement, potentially through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering, potentially through a negligence claim
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Security-Widefield — 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.
Security-Widefield Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Does the dog owner have to know the dog was dangerous before?
No. Colorado's dog bite statute does not require proof the owner knew the dog had bitten someone before. Liability can attach even for a dog's first bite, as long as the other requirements of the statute are met.
What if my injury was not that serious?
The statute applies specifically to serious bodily injury or death. A less severe bite may still support a claim, but it would generally need to proceed as a negligence claim rather than under the statute itself.
Can I recover for scarring or emotional distress under the statute?
The statute covers economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses often require pursuing a separate negligence theory alongside or instead of the statutory claim.
What if I was on the dog owner's property when I was bitten?
The statute can apply if you were lawfully on the owner's private property at the time of the bite. Trespass is one of the defenses an owner may raise, so how and why you were on the property matters.
Are there any exceptions for working dogs?
Yes. The statute lists certain exclusions for working dogs and for people whose job involves handling dogs when a bite happens during that work. These exceptions are specific, and we review the facts closely to determine whether one applies.
Discuss a Security-Widefield dog bite
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