Dog bites may leave victims with more than just physical scars — they may also create long-lasting emotional trauma and significant financial burdens. More than 500 cases of dog bites are reported in Colorado each year, with children being particularly vulnerable. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries after getting attacked by a dog while you were lawfully present on public or private property, our experienced Colorado dog bite attorneys and personal injury lawyers at Zobel Legal Group will hold the negligent pet owner accountable and recover the largest possible compensation you deserve.
Dog Bite Laws in Colorado
Strict Liability of the Dog Owner in Case of Serious Injury
According to Colorado’s Dog Bite Statute (C.R.S. 13-21-124), the owner of a dog that causes serious bodily injury or death to a person through biting, in a public place or lawfully in a private place (e.g., a home or yard), is liable for the damages suffered by the person bitten. The term “serious bodily injury” refers to a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, loss or impairment of any part of the body, or fractures.
In this case, the law does not require the victim to demonstrate that the dog had shown previous aggression or that the owner was aware of such aggression. However, there are a few exceptions to this. The dog owner cannot be held responsible if:
The victim provoked the dog.
The victim was trespassing on private property.
The dog was a working dog performing its duties (as a police or military dog) at the time of the attack.
The dog was protecting its owner, another person, or its owner's property from an immediate threat.
Negligence-Based Dog Bite Claims in Colorado
If the owner failed to act with reasonable care to restrain their pet, and it directly led to your dog bite injuries, your Colorado dog bite attorney might be able to file a negligence claim – even if the injury does not meet the “serious injury threshold.”
For example, in Denver, dogs must be kept on a leash when off the owner's property, and prevented from jumping on or threatening other people. If an owner violates Colorado dog bite laws or local leash laws, this could form the basis of your claim. You will need to prove that:
The owner had a duty to take reasonable steps to prevent their dog from causing you harm.
They breached this duty.
Your injury would not have occurred if the owner had properly controlled/restrained the dog.
You suffered actual damages from the attack, such as medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.
Unlike the strict liability claims, negligence-based dog bite claims do not require the owner to have had prior knowledge of their dog’s dangerous propensities.
How to File a Dog Bite Claim in Colorado?
You only have two years from the date of the dog bite attack to file a personal injury claim so do not delay taking the following steps:
Visit your nearest ER for treatment and start documenting your injuries. Ask the owner if their dog has been vaccinated for rabies; if you cannot obtain this information, it is wise to undergo preventive treatment.
Report the attack to animal control or the local police.
Take photos of your injuries, the scene of the attack, and the dog (if possible). Note details like the time, date, and location.
Get contact details of anyone who witnessed the attack.
Contact our dog bite lawyer in Colorado. We will verify if the dog has a history of aggression or previous attacks, and determine what type of claim to file to recover the highest possible settlement.
You may need to file an insurance claim with the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance – we recommend that you consult our lawyers first.
As your dog bite attorneys in Colorado, we will use the evidence we have gathered to negotiate with the other party. If a fair settlement is not reached, we may advise you to file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires.
Types of Evidence Our Dog Attack Lawyer Colorado will Collect to Prove Liability
To prove that the dog’s owner was negligent or irresponsible, and to counter the defense’s claims that you were partially to blame, our Denver dog bite attorney will build your dog bite case on the back of the following evidence:
Statements from neighbors about the dog's behavior.
Any statements or admissions made by the dog owner immediately after the attack or during the investigation.
Dog training and socialization records.
Previous legal complaints against that dog.
Visual proof that the owner did not maintain their property (e.g., fences and gates) to prevent the dog from escaping.
Testimonies from professional dog walkers or pet sitters who have experience with the dog.
Any citations or warnings issued to the dog owner by animal control.
Investigation reports from the dog owner's insurance company.
Reports from EMTs or paramedics who treated you at the scene.
Testimonies from psychologists or psychiatrists regarding your trauma.
Expert analysis to illustrate how the attack occurred and the sequence of events.
DNA evidence to confirm the identity of the dog (if there is a dispute).
Proof of the defendant's ownership of the dog (registration records, veterinary bills, or testimony from neighbors).
Your dog bite injury-related treatment records.
Time-stamped photographs of your injury immediately after and throughout the healing process.
Surveillance camera footage from nearby homes, businesses, or public spaces.
Reports from police officers and animal control officers who responded.
The dog’s veterinary records.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to report dog bites to the authorities?
Yes, Colorado’s dog bite law requires you to report a dog that has inflicted bodily injury or death to a person, or has demonstrated threatening tendencies to your local animal control officers. They will then decide if the dog needs to be on the Dangerous Dog Registry.
Can I file a claim if a dog bit me in someone’s home?
Yes – but only if you had the legal right or permission to be there as a guest, delivery person, utility worker, contractor, postal worker or public safety officer.
Is Colorado a one-bite state?
No, Colorado follows strict liability so the owner is liable regardless of the dog's history. Contact our personal injury services in Colorado for more information.
Can I receive compensation for psychological trauma alone?
Yes, you may file a claim to obtain compensation for therapy costs, lost income (if the trauma impacts your ability to work), and pain and suffering.
What if I was partially at fault for the dog bite?
In Colorado, as long as you are less than 50% responsible for the attack, you may still be compensated. But your damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you. For instance, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but found to be 30% at fault, you would receive $70,000.
Get Our Experienced Colorado Dog Bite Lawyer on Your Side
Imagine this scenario: A dog bit you on its owner’s property, the owner was your neighbor, and the dog has never attacked anyone before – it does not matter in Colorado. You may still be able to recover maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Dog bite attorney in Colorado, Wade Zobel of Zobel Legal Group, has helped numerous traumatized dog bite victims hold negligent pet owners accountable for their actions. Get legal help for your dog bite in Colorado today. To schedule your free consultation, call us at 720-434-6674 or fill out this online contact form.