Fort Collins Dog Bite Attorneys

Understanding Colorado’s Dog Bite Laws

Strict Liability vs. Negligence in Dog Bite Cases

If a dog bite causes serious injury or death and occurs while the victim is either on public property or lawfully on private property, the case becomes one of strict liability under Colorado law (Section 13-21-124), meaning that the dog owner can be sued for bodily injury even if they did not know that their dog had the propensity to bite or become aggressive.

Typically, if the owner wants to avoid liability in a strict liability dog bite case, it must be shown that:

• The dog was performing military or law enforcement duties.
• The dog was working as a hunting, herding, or farm dog at the time the bite occurred.
• The victim was working as a veterinarian, dog handler, groomer, or other dog-related professional at the time of the bite.
• The property where the bite occurred was clearly and conspicuously marked with signs stating “beware of dog” or “no trespassing.”
• The injured person was trespassing, provoked the dog, and/or harmed the dog or its owner.

Colorado’s negligence rules apply in cases where the injuries are less serious or in cases where the injuries are caused by the dog, but are not from a dog bite. 

An example of this might be if the dog knocked someone down in a fit of excitement. In negligent dog bite cases, the claimant must prove that the dog owner failed to use reasonable care or control in restraining the dog and preventing it from injuring someone. Additionally, the one-bite rule can apply in negligent dog bite cases, meaning that if the dog has bitten someone or acted in an aggressive manner at least one time before, then the owner can no longer say that they did not know that the dog was aggressive.

Our role as your Fort Collins dog bite attorneys will be to determine which liability rule applies to your case and prepare it based on that finding. Whether we have to prove negligence with compelling evidence or need to go head-to-head with a stubborn defendant in a strict liability case, we’ll be ready to represent you and your best interests.

Severe Injuries Can Lead to Significant Compensation

A dog bite can cause severe injuries, especially to vulnerable populations like the elderly and children.

Many dog bite accident claims involve severe injuries, such as:

• Amputations
• Skull and facial fractures
• Nerve damage
• Orthopedic injuries
• Eye injuries
• Internal organ damage
• Deep lacerations
• Scars and disfigurements
• Infections
• PTSD and emotional trauma

To recover from such injuries, especially emotional scarring, extensive and specialized care may be necessary. For many dog bite survivors, the process of recovery becomes very expensive, which is why it is so important to work with a law firm that knows how to pursue full compensation. Our dog bite lawyers have a long history of working on complicated, high-stakes injury claims, so you can trust that we’ll be able to thoroughly research your case to uncover all the different economic and non-economic damages that should be given to you by the defendant.

Comparative Negligence in Dog Bite Cases

Like other personal injury cases in Colorado, dog bite cases here are subject to comparative negligence rules. 

If a claimant is found to be at least partially responsible for the incident that caused their injuries, the award they obtain will be reduced by the percentage of their fault. Additionally, if the claimant is found to be at least 50% at fault for the injuries they sustained, they likely won’t receive an award at all.

In dog bite cases, it is a common tactic of the dog owner or the insurance carrier to attempt to place all or a portion of the blame for the bite on the victim. Some defenses that are commonly used in these cases are that the victim provoked the dog or was trespassing. When the defendant wants to pin blame on you, stand behind our team, and let us handle it. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Dog Bite Claims

What should I do if I'm bitten by a dog?

If you have been injured by a dog bite, it's important to take the following steps:

• File a report with the county animal control department in the county where the bite occurred. Colorado law requires filing the report within 12 hours after the bite occurred. Be sure to provide as many details as you can about where and how the bite happened and request a copy of your report.
• Identify the owner of the dog and get their insurance information, such as an applicable renter’s or homeowner’s insurance policy.
• Seek prompt medical attention for your injuries. The medical provider will be legally required to report the dog bite to the state health department.
• Speak to a dog bite attorney about the facts of your case and your legal options. Avoid making statements or discussing a settlement with the dog owner’s insurance company representatives until after you have spoken to an attorney.

How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Colorado?

Colorado law usually gives you two years from the date of the incident to file a dog bite claim. Waiting longer could result in losing your right to seek any compensation.

Will a dog always be removed from the owner or put to sleep after a bite?

Not necessarily. Removal of the dog depends on several factors, including the circumstances of the attack and the dog’s history. Local animal control may investigate, but doesn’t always require removal unless they find an ongoing risk, and destroying the dog is often only considered if the animal has a clear history of violence.

What evidence can help my dog bite claim?

Medical records, photos of your injuries, animal control reports, and witness statements all help prepare your claim.

Contact Our Fort Collins Dog Bite Lawyers Today

From our Fort Collins office, we offer highly experienced legal counsel to dog bite clients. Our record with Larimer County cases is built on careful navigation of rules, prompt communication, and respect for every client. We emphasize community resources and support, helping neighbors rebuild after traumatic experiences. Because our firm intentionally limits its caseload, we can respond directly to all your inquiries and keep you informed at every step. Together, we can pursue the justice and compensation you need to recover and move on. 

If you have been injured by someone’s dog, call us at (970) 510-8077 to schedule a free consultation with our dog bite attorneys in Fort Collins, CO.