What You Need to Know About the Colorado Dog Bite Law

In the United States, thousands of emergency room visits happen daily due to serious dog bites. Children can be especially at risk because of their size and inexperience reading a dog’s body language. But they’re not alone—adults, individuals with disabilities, and anyone who encounters an unfamiliar dog can also suffer severe injuries. Often, these attacks happen with no warning at all.

Although any dog can cause serious harm, some breeds are statistically linked to more severe injuries or fatalities. For instance, a CDC study found that pit bull-type dogs and rottweilers were involved in more than half of the dog bite-related deaths from 1979 to 1998. Even popular family breeds like Golden Retrievers can inflict serious bites, highlighting that breed alone doesn’t ensure safety (Source: CDC).

If you’ve been bitten, you may be facing mounting medical bills, missed work, and tough questions: Who’s responsible? Does insurance cover this? What are your legal rights?

This blog breaks down Colorado Dog Bite Law in clear, practical terms. You’ll learn how  Colorado laws protect victims, what steps to take after a bite, and the types of compensation you might pursue. Whether you’re considering consulting a dog bite attorney or simply need to know your options, this guide will help you move forward.

Dog Owner Responsibility in Colorado

Colorado has specific laws about dog bites, which decide when a dog owner is responsible for the injuries their dog causes. These laws include both “strict liability” and “negligence” rules. Let’s break those down:

• Strict Liability: Unlike some states that follow a “one-bite rule” (where owners might only be held responsible if their dog had bitten before), Colorado imposes strict liability in cases where a dog bite causes serious bodily injury—such as a risk of death, permanent disfigurement, or broken bones—and you were legally on the property or in a public space.
• In these situations, the law does not require you to prove the owner knew the dog could bite. Even if the dog had never shown aggression before, the owner can be held responsible if the harm is severe.
• Negligence: In situations where strict liability doesn’t apply, you can still hold the dog owner responsible if they acted carelessly. For example, if the owner let an aggressive dog roam without a leash. In these cases, you need to show the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the bite.

Keep in mind that Colorado also uses a “comparative negligence” approach. This means if your own actions helped cause the incident, the amount of money you can receive may be reduced. For example, if you were teasing the dog, you might get less compensation.

When Dog Owners Are Not Responsible

There are times when dog owners might not be held responsible for a bite. These include:

• If you were trespassing on private property
• If the dog was protecting its owner or property from a clear threat
• If the dog was a police or military dog doing its job

These exceptions generally mean you won’t be able to hold the owner strictly liable. However, depending on the specifics, you may still pursue a negligence claim if appropriate. All of these exceptions and nuances to Colorado dog bite law are important reasons why you should consult an attorney.

Deadlines for Filing a Dog Bite Claim

Colorado law gives you two years from the date of the dog bite to file a legal claim. Missing this deadline could prevent you from getting compensation for your injuries.

Why You Should Act Quickly

• Evidence, like photos and medical records, can be harder to gather over time
• Witnesses may forget details

Starting your claim sooner makes it easier to build a strong case.

What to Do After a Dog Bite

If you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, taking the right steps after the bite is critical. Here’s what to do:

• Get Medical Attention: Even a small bite can lead to infection or other problems. Don’t wait to see a doctor.
• Report the Bite: Call your local animal control or police department to file a report. This creates a record of the incident.
• Gather Information: Write down the dog owner’s name and contact information. Get contact details for any witnesses, too.
• Take Photos: Pictures of your injury, the dog, and the location can be helpful if you decide to file a claim.
• Contact an Attorney: Speaking with dog bite injury lawyers can help you understand your options and what steps to take next.

What Compensation Could You Receive?

If you file a successful claim, you might be able to recover money for:

• Medical Bills: Costs for doctor visits, medications, or surgeries
• Lost Wages: If you missed work because of your injury
• Pain and Suffering: For the physical and emotional toll the injury caused

In some cases, the court may award extra damages if the dog owner’s actions were especially careless or reckless.

At Heuser & Heuser, LLP, we understand how a dog bite can turn your life upside down, but Colorado law gives you options to hold dog owners accountable. Whether your injury is minor or serious, understanding your rights can help you take action.

If you’re dealing with a dog bite, talk to a lawyer who knows Colorado’s dog bite laws and can help you make the right decisions so you can be compensated for your injuries.

Get the Help You Need After a Dog Bite Injury

Whether you or a loved one has been bitten by a dog, you’re likely facing painful injuries, rising medical bills, and uncertainty about what to do next. You don’t have to face these challenges alone. At Heuser & Heuser, LLP, our dedicated dog bite injury lawyers will stand by you like family—helping you find peace of mind during this difficult time. We’ll work closely with you, drawing on our decades of experience to understand your unique situation and guide you on the road to recovery.

We focus on getting you the compensation you need for medical expenses, future treatment costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and any permanent scarring or disfigurement. With over 35 years of serving the Colorado Springs community, we know how to build strong cases. Our team handles every detail—from paperwork to negotiations—so you can focus on healing.

If you’re searching for “injury attorneys near me” or need guidance on Colorado dog bite law, call us at (719) 520-9909 for a FREE consultation. Prefer to reach out online? Fill out our confidential online form, and we’ll get back to you promptly. It’s just that easy.

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The information in this blog post (“post”) is provided for general informational purposes only and may not reflect the current law in your jurisdiction. No information in this post should be construed as legal advice from the individual author or the law firm, nor is it intended to be a substitute for legal counsel on any subject matter. No reader of this post should act or refrain from acting based on any information included in or accessible through this post without seeking the appropriate legal or other professional advice on the particular facts and circumstances at issue from a lawyer licensed in the recipient’s state, country, or other appropriate licensing jurisdiction.

Heuser & Heuser, LLP
625 North Cascade Ave, Suite 300
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
(719) 520-9909
https://heuserlaw.com/

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