Boulder County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Superior Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Superior dog bite? 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 bite happened near Rock Creek Parkway, along McCaslin Boulevard, or anywhere else in Superior, so long as you were somewhere you had a legal right to be.
A key feature of this statute is that we do not need to prove the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before. Unlike a traditional negligence claim built on prior warning signs, this statute focuses on the injury and where it happened, not the dog's history.
The statute covers economic damages tied to the injury. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses often require a separate negligence claim built alongside the statutory claim. We evaluate every Superior case for both angles from the start.
Proving a Statutory Dog Bite Claim
We need to show the bite caused serious bodily injury, meaning a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of a body part or organ, and that you were lawfully present when it happened. Medical records from providers such as AdventHealth Avista in Louisville help document the severity and nature of the injury, which matters for meeting that statutory threshold.
Owners may raise defenses like provocation or trespass, and the statute lists exclusions for certain working dogs and certain people whose job involves handling dogs during the incident. We look closely at where the bite occurred, whether it was public space near U.S. Highway 36 or private property in a Superior or Louisville neighborhood, and gather witness accounts and animal control records to address these defenses directly.
- Photos of the injury and the location where the bite occurred
- Medical records describing the wound and its severity
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Any animal control or incident report filed after the bite
- Notes on whether you were on public or private property at the time
Handling Dog Bite Claims in Superior
Superior sits in Boulder County, and dog bite cases arising here are typically handled through the Boulder County Justice Center. We're familiar with how these claims move through that court and what local insurers expect when a statutory dog bite claim is filed.
Bites happen throughout Superior's neighborhoods, from areas near Marshall Road to trails and parks close to Louisville. Wherever it happened in town, we look at the specific location to determine whether you were lawfully present and how that affects your claim under the statute.
Damages We Pursue
- Medical bills tied to treatment of the bite injury
- Costs of follow-up care or reconstructive treatment
- Lost income from time away from work
- Scarring and disfigurement, pursued through a negligence claim
- Pain and suffering, pursued through a negligence claim
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Superior — 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.
Superior Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Do I have to prove the dog bit someone before to win my case?
No. Colorado's dog bite statute does not require proof the owner knew about a prior bite. You do need to show serious bodily injury and that you were lawfully present when the bite happened.
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 a body part or organ. Bites that don't meet this threshold may still support a negligence claim instead.
Can the dog owner argue I provoked the dog?
Yes, provocation is a recognized defense under the statute, along with trespass. We investigate the circumstances of the bite closely to address these defenses.
Does the statute cover pain and suffering?
The statute itself addresses economic damages. Scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses generally require a separate negligence claim, which we pursue alongside the statutory claim when appropriate.
Where would my Superior case be handled?
Superior is in Boulder County, and dog bite claims from here are typically handled through the Boulder County Justice Center. We handle the process from our Denver office and work with clients throughout the area.
Discuss a Superior dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.