Jefferson County · Colorado dog-bite statute
Wheat Ridge Dog Bite Statute Lawyers
Wheat Ridge dog-bite claim? 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 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 bite happened along Wadsworth Boulevard, near Kipling Street, or on private property in Wheat Ridge. The person bitten does not need to show the owner knew the dog had bitten anyone before.
Under the statute, owner liability covers economic damages tied to the bite. If the bite left scarring, caused pain, or led to other noneconomic losses, recovering for those often requires a separate negligence claim built on the same facts. We look at both the statutory claim and any negligence theory available given how and where the bite happened.
The statute includes defenses and exclusions, including provocation and trespass, along with specific situations involving certain working dogs and people whose job involves handling dogs when the bite occurs during that work. We do not assume exceptions beyond what the statute actually lists, and we push back when an owner or insurer tries to stretch a defense that does not fit the facts.
Proving Serious Bodily Injury and Where It Happened
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 treatment, including care at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital, help establish the extent of the injury and whether it meets that standard. A bite that falls short of serious bodily injury may still support a negligence claim, so we evaluate the medical picture carefully before deciding which theory fits.
We also need to establish where the bite happened and whether the injured person was lawfully present. Whether the incident occurred in a public area near West 38th Avenue or on private property in a Wheat Ridge or Arvada neighborhood, witness accounts, animal control reports, and photos of the scene help confirm lawful presence and rule out provocation or trespass defenses before the owner's insurer raises them.
- Photos of the injury, the scene, and the dog if possible
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Medical records and bills from all treatment received
- Any animal control or incident report filed with local authorities
- Notes on where the bite happened and whether you were on public or private property
Handling Dog Bite Claims Near Wheat Ridge
Wheat Ridge dog-bite claims often move through Jefferson County Courts in Golden, and we handle the filings and deadlines that come with that venue. Whether the bite happened along the I-70 corridor, near Kipling Street, or in a residential pocket of Wheat Ridge or Arvada, we gather the local records and reports needed to support the claim.
Our office is in Denver, and we regularly work with Jefferson County clients and cases originating in Wheat Ridge. We know the area well enough to track down witnesses, animal control records, and scene evidence without wasting time.
Damages We Pursue in Dog Bite Cases
- Medical bills for treatment of the bite injury
- Future medical costs tied to scarring or lasting impairment
- Lost income from time away from work
- Pain and suffering under a negligence claim where applicable
- Costs of scar treatment or reconstructive care
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Wheat Ridge — 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.
Wheat Ridge Colorado dog-bite statute FAQ
Does Colorado's dog-bite statute cover every bite injury?
The statute applies to bites that cause serious bodily injury or death when the injured person was lawfully present in a public place or on the owner's private property. A less severe bite may not meet that threshold under the statute but could still support a separate negligence claim. We evaluate the injury and the circumstances to determine which approach applies.
Do I have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous?
No. Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, you do not need to show the owner had prior knowledge the dog had bitten someone before. That knowledge requirement is not part of this statute's liability standard.
What if the dog owner claims I provoked the dog?
Provocation is a recognized defense under the statute, along with trespass. We gather witness statements, scene evidence, and any reports to address these defenses directly rather than let them go unanswered.
Can I recover for scarring or pain and suffering under this statute?
The statute's owner liability is generally for economic damages. Recovering for scarring, pain, and other noneconomic losses typically requires pursuing a separate negligence claim based on the same incident.
Where would my Wheat Ridge dog bite case be handled?
Many Wheat Ridge dog-bite matters proceed through Jefferson County Courts in Golden. We handle the local filing requirements and work with records from the incident location, whether that is near Wadsworth Boulevard, West 38th Avenue, or elsewhere in the area.
Discuss a Wheat Ridge dog bite
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