Colorado Dog Bite Liability Laws

Dogs often seem like loyal, friendly companions. Many people never imagine that a pleasant day walking through a Denver neighborhood or a simple visit to a friend’s home in Colorado could end with a severe dog bite injury. Yet, each year, many individuals across Denver and throughout Colorado find themselves facing the trauma of a dog bite. 

If a dog injures you, there may be many questions on your mind. Who may be liable for a dog bite under Colorado law? What if the dog’s owner tries to blame you for what happened? What happens to the dog if you file a claim? There are many factors to consider. 

During this challenging time, it helps to work with an attorney who understands Colorado dog bite liability laws. A dedicated personal injury law firm, like Fuicelli & Lee in Denver, can stand by your side. Our experienced Denver dog bite lawyers will help you pursue full, fair, and complete compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other damages. 

A lawyer who knows the legal landscape in Denver and across Colorado can help set your mind at ease and give you a clear path forward.

The Reality of Dog Bites in Denver and Across Colorado

Colorado embraces outdoor living, and dogs often feel like part of that active lifestyle. These bonds can make a dog bite seem completely unexpected and unsettling. It might occur when visiting a friend’s backyard, while jogging along the Cherry Creek Trail, or when passing a neighbor’s home. 

A dog bite can cause deep puncture wounds, torn muscles, severe infections, and long-term scarring. Victims may face emotional trauma, including anxiety or fear around dogs after the incident. 

The financial toll can be significant—emergency room visits, follow-up care, physical therapy, and psychological counseling all add up. If the bite is severe enough to cause disfigurement or disability, that adds another layer of concern about the future. 

Many people who suffer a dog bite may worry about how to hold the responsible party accountable. They might feel unsure about their rights under Colorado law, especially if the dog’s owner is a friend, neighbor, or family member. Others may be tourists or newcomers to Denver, unfamiliar with local ordinances. 

This confusion can be overwhelming, but a personal injury attorney who understands Colorado’s dog bite liability laws can help bring clarity and encourage action.

An Overview of Colorado Dog Bite Liability Laws

Colorado’s dog bite laws are outlined under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-21-124. The state uses a framework that can hold a dog’s owner strictly liable under certain circumstances. Strict liability means that, in some cases, the injured person does not have to prove the dog’s owner knew the animal was dangerous. 

However, the specifics matter. Colorado law distinguishes between different levels of injury, and not every dog bite leads to strict liability.

Serious Bodily Injury or Death

If a dog bite results in serious bodily injury (defined as an injury posing a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss of a bodily function) or death, the dog’s owner may face strict liability for certain damages. This often includes direct medical expenses. You generally do not have to prove that the owner knew the dog might bite under these circumstances.

Other Injuries

If the bite results in less severe injuries, strict liability may not apply. Instead, the injured party may have to show that the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous. This can be demonstrated if the dog has a history of aggression, previous bites, or other warning signs.

Exceptions

Colorado law provides exceptions. For instance, if someone provoked the dog, trespassed on private property, or was unlawfully on the premises, strict liability may not apply. Similarly, if the victim was working in a professional capacity with the dog (such as a veterinarian), there may be different liability rules. 

These nuances can be confusing. Each case is unique, and the outcome often hinges on details like where the bite occurred, whether the dog showed previous aggression, and the severity of the injuries.

Denver Dog Bite Ordinances and Regulations

In addition to state law, Denver enforces its own local ordinances around dog ownership and animal control. For years, Denver was known for specific breed restrictions, particularly related to pit bulls. Although those regulations have evolved, and Denver now allows restricted breeds under certain conditions, the city remains vigilant about dog-related safety. 

Denver laws typically require that all dogs be properly leashed unless in designated off-leash areas. If a dog bite occurs in a city park, on a sidewalk, or in a public area where leashing rules apply, that can influence a negligence claim. 

Denver’s animal control may investigate a bite, potentially requiring the dog to be quarantined or evaluated. These steps help ensure public safety and can factor into the legal claim, as they may provide evidence that the dog’s owner did not follow local rules. 

A dog bite attorney who knows Denver’s ordinances can help clarify how liability may be assigned. A dog owner who violated local leash laws or failed to follow breed-specific requirements could be viewed as having failed to take reasonable steps to prevent a bite. This can strengthen a victim’s claim under Colorado law.

Who May Be Liable for a Dog Bite in Colorado?

When considering Colorado dog bite liability laws, the dog’s owner is often the primary focus. However, liability can sometimes extend beyond the owner. Potentially liable parties include:

The Dog’s Owner

Typically, the first party to consider is the owner. Colorado law aims to hold the individual who keeps and controls the dog responsible if the animal bites a person who is lawfully present. If the victim can establish strict liability for serious injuries, the owner may have to cover medical expenses and related damages.

Property Owners or Landlords

In some cases, a property owner or landlord could share responsibility. If they knew a tenant’s dog was dangerous and failed to take steps to address that risk, such as requiring the tenant to remove the animal or add proper fencing, they may share liability. These cases are more complex and hinge on whether the landlord had prior knowledge and the ability to prevent the incident.

Animal Care Providers

While veterinarians, groomers, and boarding services often have different liability rules, there may be instances where their actions or failure to maintain safe conditions contribute to an incident. However, Colorado law generally provides certain exceptions, so these situations require detailed analysis.

Third Parties

In rare cases, a third party who had control over a dog at the time of the bite might face liability. For example, if someone agreed to watch a friend’s dog and failed to leash the animal in public, leading to a bite, they might share responsibility. 

Seeking legal help from a Denver-based injury law firm familiar with Colorado dog bite laws can help you identify all potentially liable parties. Proper identification of defendants may expand the pool of resources available to compensate you.

Dealing With Liability Issues as a Dog Bite Victim

Victims sometimes worry that they may share the blame for a dog bite. What if the dog’s owner accuses the victim of provoking the animal, approaching without permission, or not taking reasonable care around the dog? 

Under Colorado law, comparative negligence rules may apply. If you are found partially at fault for a dog bite, that can reduce your compensation proportionally. For example, if you are deemed 20% at fault, your award may be reduced by 20%. This can be frustrating when dealing with mounting medical costs, lost wages, and emotional distress. 

How a Lawyer Can Help

A personal injury lawyer helps mitigate these issues by collecting evidence and building a strong case that defends your actions. This might involve:

• Interviewing witnesses who observed the incident
• Reviewing veterinary records and training documents for the dog
• Working with animal behaviorists who understand canine aggression
• Examining local Denver leash laws or city ordinances to show that the dog’s owner acted negligently
• Analyzing surveillance footage or photographs from the scene 

By taking these steps, an attorney aims to show that you were not at fault and that the dog’s owner or another responsible party should provide full, fair, and complete compensation for your injuries.

What Happens to the Dog if You File a Claim?

A dog bite victim often worries about what might happen to the animal if a legal claim is filed. Many people love animals and do not want to see a dog harmed, even if it causes an injury. Filing a claim against the dog’s owner for compensation does not automatically mean the dog will be taken away or euthanized. 

The legal process for compensation is usually separate from animal control investigations or public safety measures. Authorities, such as Denver Animal Protection, may require certain steps like quarantine or evaluation of the dog’s behavior. 

In some cases, if the dog is deemed dangerous and the owner refuses to implement safety measures, authorities may order the dog to be removed from the home or euthanized, but this process involves separate administrative or court proceedings. Your compensation claim focuses on the financial and personal losses you suffered—not on punishing the animal. 

If you feel uncomfortable with any potential harm to the dog, discussing your concerns with your attorney can help clarify the process.

The Goal: Full, Fair, and Complete Compensation

Pursuing a claim under Colorado dog bite liability laws aims to secure compensation that addresses these losses. Settlement or a court award may cover:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Scarring, disfigurement, and other permanent injuries
• Property damage (e.g., torn clothing, broken glasses)
• Ongoing therapy, counseling, or psychological care 

Full, fair, and complete compensation means considering the full picture. It is not just about settling for immediate medical bills but also about ensuring that the long-term effects of the bite are recognized and accounted for. A lawyer focuses on establishing the full value of your claim so that you can rebuild and move forward with your life.

Addressing Emotional Trauma and Non-Economic Damages

A dog bite injury does not always heal when the physical wounds close. Victims sometimes experience lingering fear, anxiety, and nightmares. They might avoid dogs altogether or feel unsafe walking through their Denver neighborhood. Emotional trauma can have lasting consequences, affecting quality of life and relationships. 

Colorado personal injury law allows victims to seek non-economic damages, such as compensation for emotional distress, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life. Although these damages are more subjective and harder to quantify, a careful legal strategy can document their impact. Mental health records, journals, or statements from friends and family can help show how the bite changed the victim’s life. 

Addressing emotional trauma in a legal claim underscores the full extent of the harm caused by the dog bite. It encourages the responsible parties to acknowledge not just the medical bills but also the lasting effect on the victim’s well-being.

How Long Do You Have to File a Dog Bite Claim in Colorado?

Under Colorado law, there is a time limit—known as the statute of limitations—governing how long you have to file a dog bite injury claim. Typically, you have two years from the date of the bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. Failing to meet this deadline can mean losing the right to compensation. 

It often helps to contact a lawyer as soon as possible. Collecting evidence, interviewing witnesses, and evaluating your injuries is easier when done early. Waiting too long can result in fading memories, lost evidence, and difficulty establishing a clear narrative. By acting promptly, you give yourself the best chance at a successful resolution.

Contact Fuicelli & Lee for Help After a Colorado Dog Bite

Colorado dog bite liability laws can feel complicated, especially when you are injured and worried about your future. Add Denver’s local ordinances and the emotional turmoil that follows a sudden attack, and it may seem overwhelming. Yet, you do not have to go through this process alone. 

Fuicelli & Lee in Denver is committed to pursuing full, fair, and complete compensation for its clients. The firm’s background handling trials, combined with a compassionate approach to client care, ensures that dog bite victims have a strong advocate on their side. The firm investigates every angle, addresses liability issues head-on, and stands by victims as they seek the compensation they deserve.

If a dog injured you or a loved one in Denver or anywhere in Colorado, you may have legal options. Reaching out to a lawyer can help you understand your rights and responsibilities under Colorado law, navigate Denver’s local regulations, and begin the path toward holding the appropriate parties accountable.

A dog bite does not have to define your future. With the right legal support, you can find a way forward, regaining peace of mind and a sense of stability in the wake of an unexpected incident. Call us at 303-444-4444 or contact us online.