Dog Bite Injury Lawyers

Colorado Dog Bite Laws

Colorado has a dual-track legal system for dog bite claims that depends on the severity of the injuries. Understanding which track applies to your case is essential for maximizing your compensation.

Strict Liability for Serious Injuries (C.R.S. 13-21-124)

Under Colorado's dog bite statute, a person who suffers serious bodily injury or death from being bitten by a dog while lawfully on public or private property may bring a civil action to recover economic damages against the dog owner. This is a strict liability statute, meaning you do not need to prove that the owner knew the dog was dangerous or that the dog had a history of aggression. The owner is liable regardless of the dog's prior behavior.

However, the strict liability statute only covers economic damages such as medical bills, lost wages, and other out-of-pocket costs. Non-economic damages like pain and suffering are not available under this statute alone. "Serious bodily injury" is defined as injury involving a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, protracted loss or impairment of any body part or organ, or breaks, fractures, and second- or third-degree burns.

Negligence Claims for All Dog Bite Injuries

For injuries that do not meet the "serious bodily injury" threshold, or when you want to pursue non-economic damages in addition to economic damages, you can file a negligence claim. Under a negligence theory, you must prove the dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care to prevent the bite. Examples include failing to secure a dog in a fenced yard, allowing a dog to roam freely, failing to use a leash, or violating local leash ordinances. The advantage of a negligence claim is that you can recover both economic and non-economic damages, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

Dog Bite Statistics

Dog bites are far more common than many people realize. According to the CDC, approximately 4.5 million dog bites occur in the United States each year, with roughly 800,000 requiring medical attention. Emergency department visits for dog bites reached approximately 395,000 in 2022, the highest number on record. In 2024, 127 fatal dog attacks were recorded nationally, a 165% increase from 48 deaths in 2019.

In Colorado, Denver reported 995 dog bite reports in 2024, the highest since the city began tracking in 2018. Denver also ranked 10th nationwide for dog bites on postal workers, with 34 attacks on mail carriers in 2024. El Paso and Pueblo Counties reported an average of 615 dog bites per year between 2022 and 2024.

According to the Insurance Information Institute and State Farm, U.S. insurers paid $1.57 billion in dog-related injury claims in 2024, across 22,658 claims. The average cost per claim was $69,272, up 18.3% from $58,545 in 2023. The average claim cost has risen 86.1% from 2015 to 2024.

Common Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor wounds to life-altering trauma:

• Puncture wounds, lacerations, and tissue avulsion: Deep puncture wounds can damage muscles, tendons, and nerves. Severe bites can tear skin and tissue away entirely.

• Broken bones and fractures: The crushing force of a large dog's bite can fracture bones, particularly in the hands, fingers, and arms.

• Scarring and disfigurement: Dog bites frequently leave permanent scars. Facial injuries are particularly devastating and may require corrective or cosmetic surgery.

• Infections: Between 10% and 20% of dog bite wounds become infected. Pasteurella bacteria is found in roughly half of infected dog bites, with symptoms appearing within 12 to 24 hours. Capnocytophaga canimorsus is particularly dangerous for immunocompromised individuals and can lead to sepsis. MRSA infections are also possible.

• Nerve damage: Bites to the hands, forearms, neck, and head carry the highest risk of nerve damage, which can result in permanent numbness or loss of function.

• Psychological trauma: Dog bite victims frequently develop PTSD, cynophobia (fear of dogs), anxiety disorders, and depression. These psychological effects can be particularly severe in children.

Children and Dog Bite Injuries

Children are disproportionately affected by dog bites. Children under 9 years old suffer the greatest burden of dog bite injuries nationally. Children under 6 are at higher risk of severe injuries involving the head, neck, and face. Research shows that 68% of facial dog bites occur in children 5 years old or younger, with the highest incidence in 3-year-olds. Dog bite injuries in pediatric populations account for more than 100,000 emergency department visits annually and more than 10,000 hospital admissions.

An important legal consideration for parents: if the victim is a minor under 18, the statute of limitations is tolled until the child turns 18. The two-year filing period then begins running from the child's 18th birthday, providing additional time to pursue a claim.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Dog Bite in Colorado?

• Dog owner: The primary liable party under both the strict liability statute and negligence claims.

• Landlord or property owner: Under the Colorado Premises Liability Act (C.R.S. 13-21-115), a landlord may be held liable if they knew or should have known the tenant's dog was dangerous and failed to take action to protect visitors.

• Dog walkers, pet sitters, or custodians: Any person exercising control over a dog at the time of the attack may share liability through negligence.

• Animal shelters or adoption agencies: May be liable if they placed a known aggressive dog without adequate warning.

Defenses in Colorado Dog Bite Cases

Dog owners may raise several statutory defenses. Under C.R.S. 13-21-124, the owner is not liable if:

• The victim was unlawfully on the property

• The property was clearly marked with "No Trespassing" or "Beware of Dog" signs

• The victim knowingly provoked the dog

• The dog was being used by law enforcement or military personnel in the performance of duties

• The victim was a veterinary worker, groomer, trainer, or other professional handling dogs in their professional capacity

Colorado's modified comparative negligence system also applies. If the victim is found more than 50% at fault, such as through provocation, they cannot recover damages.

Insurance Coverage for Dog Bite Claims

Most standard homeowner's insurance policies include liability coverage for dog bites, typically providing $100,000 to $500,000 under the personal liability portion. Renters' insurance may also provide coverage. Colorado prohibits insurers from denying coverage solely based on breed, which is a significant distinction from many other states. However, a dog's individual behavior history may still affect coverage eligibility. If the insurer can prove the owner knew the dog had a history of being dangerous, some policies may exclude coverage.

Breed-Specific Legislation in Colorado

Colorado cities have a complicated history with breed-specific legislation. Denver enacted a ban on pit bulls in 1989 following severe attacks, including the death of a 3-year-old child. That ban lasted 31 years before being repealed in 2020. Denver now requires pit bull owners to obtain a Breed-Restricted Permit, including a breed assessment at the Denver Animal Shelter. Owners may keep no more than two pit bulls per household.

Aurora had a pit bull ban in place since 2005 until voters approved Question 3A in November 2024, repealing the ban with over 61% voting in favor. Commerce City and Lone Tree also dropped their pit bull bans in 2021. While breed-specific bans are becoming less common, the impact of these laws on dog bite liability cases in Colorado can still be relevant.

Contact a Colorado Dog Bite Lawyer

Dog bite cases require an attorney who understands the nuances of Colorado's strict liability statute, negligence law, and the insurance challenges unique to these claims. At Anderson Hemmat, our personal injury attorneys have the experience and resources to pursue maximum compensation for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and emotional trauma.

The statute of limitations for dog bite claims in Colorado is two years from the date of the injury. Do not delay in protecting your rights. Contact us today for a free case evaluation or call (303) 782-9999.