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Why Choose Matlin Injury Law
Matlin Injury Law brings experience handling dog bite claims throughout Colorado. Our legal team understands Colorado’s strict liability statute and how to build strong cases for injured victims. We work on a contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Our team provides hands-on representation from initial consultation through settlement or trial, ensuring your case receives the attention it deserves.
Learn more about our attorneys and their experience handling personal injury cases across Colorado. Our Colorado personal injury lawyers have recovered millions for injured clients.
What Is a Colorado Dog Bite Claim?
A dog bite claim in Colorado is a personal injury case where the dog owner is held legally responsible for injuries caused by their animal. Unlike some states, Colorado does not require you to prove the dog owner was negligent or that the dog had a history of aggression. Instead, Colorado law imposes strict liability on dog owners for serious bodily injuries.
Under Colorado Revised Statute § 13-21-124, a dog owner is liable for damages if their dog bites someone and causes serious bodily injury, regardless of whether the dog was known to be dangerous or aggressive. This means the owner’s responsibility is automatic—you don’t have to show they were careless or failed to control the dog.
Dog bite victims typically pursue these claims to recover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. Legal action matters because it holds dog owners accountable and ensures their insurance covers the costs of injuries they caused.
How Colorado Dog Bite Cases Are Handled
Colorado dog bite cases involve two different legal standards depending on the severity of injury. For serious bodily injuries, strict liability applies—the owner is automatically responsible. For minor injuries, you must prove the owner was negligent (failed to control the dog or knew it was dangerous). Understanding these distinctions is critical to evaluating your personal injury claim.
Most dog bite cases are resolved through the dog owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. The insurance company investigates the claim, and negotiations typically follow. Our role is to gather evidence, document your injuries, coordinate with medical providers, and negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf. We handle the entire process so you can focus on recovery.
The types of situations that fall under dog bite claims include bites on public property (parks, sidewalks, streets), bites on private property (with or without permission), bites during delivery or service visits, and bites at veterinary clinics or grooming facilities. Each scenario has different legal considerations, and defenses may apply depending on the circumstances. Our Denver dog bite lawyers have handled all of these scenarios.
We have dog bite lawyers in Denver, Colorado Springs, and throughout Colorado ready to help with your case.
Evaluating Your Colorado Dog Bite Case
Not all dog bite claims are identical, and the strength of your case depends on several factors. We evaluate claims by examining the clarity of liability, the severity and documentation of your injuries, and any potential defenses the dog owner might raise. This comprehensive evaluation ensures we pursue the strongest legal strategy for your recovery.
Factors that strengthen a claim include clear liability (the dog owner was responsible for the dog), documented serious injuries with medical records, witness statements, and photographs of the injury scene. Cases with these elements typically result in higher settlements. We work with medical professionals to ensure all injuries are properly documented and valued.
Common defenses include claims that you were trespassing, that you provoked the dog, or that the dog was a working animal (police dog, service dog) or in the care of a professional handler. We address these defenses by gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and building a compelling case for your right to compensation. Our Colorado personal injury lawyers have successfully overcome these defenses in numerous cases.
Throughout your case, Matlin Injury Law provides comprehensive support. We coordinate with your medical providers to ensure all injuries are properly documented, handle all communication with the insurance company, and keep you informed at every stage. You focus on recovery while we handle the legal work.
Get Legal Help with Your Colorado Dog Bite Claim
Colorado law gives dog bite victims strong legal protections. Under the strict liability statute, dog owners are responsible for serious bodily injuries caused by their animals. You have the right to pursue compensation for medical bills, lost income, and other damages.
Matlin Injury Law is ready to evaluate your case and fight for the compensation you deserve. We work on a contingency basis—no upfront fees, and you pay nothing unless we recover money for you.
Contact firm-name today for a free consultation. Call (303) 487-8911 or fill out our contact form to speak with an attorney about your dog bite claim.
FAQs
What Makes the Dog Owner Legally Liable for My Injuries?
Colorado’s strict liability statute makes dog owners responsible for serious bodily injuries caused by their dogs. The owner is liable even if the dog had never bitten anyone before, was not known to be aggressive, and the owner took reasonable precautions. The only requirement is that the dog caused serious bodily injury. This is a significant advantage for dog bite victims compared to states with negligence-based standards.
Is Colorado a "One-Bite" State?
No. Colorado repealed the “one-bite rule” in 2005. Under the old rule, dog owners were only liable if their dog had previously bitten someone. Today, Colorado’s strict liability law applies to all dog bites that cause serious bodily injury, regardless of the dog’s history. This change strengthened protections for Colorado dog bite victims.
What Counts as Serious Bodily Injury Under Colorado Law?
Serious bodily injury is defined as an injury that creates a substantial risk of death or causes serious permanent disfigurement, serious impairment of health, or serious impairment of the function of any bodily organ. This includes severe lacerations, infections, scarring, and nerve damage. The Colorado statute provides clear guidance on what qualifies.
Can I Recover Damages If I Was Bitten on the Dog Owner's Property?
Yes. Colorado’s strict liability law applies whether the bite occurred on the dog owner’s property, public property, or elsewhere. However, there are exceptions—for example, if you were trespassing on the property, the owner may not be liable. Matlin Injury Law evaluates the specific circumstances of your case and identifies all available legal theories for recovery.
What Types of Compensation Can I Recover?
Under Colorado’s strict liability statute, dog bite victims can recover economic damages, including:
- Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, stitches, infection treatment, plastic surgery)
- Lost wages from time off work during recovery
- Rehabilitation costs (physical therapy, counseling)
- Scarring and disfigurement damages
- Permanent disability or impairment
Note: Pain and suffering damages may be available through separate negligence claims or other legal theories, but are not covered under the strict liability statute itself. Matlin Injury Law evaluates all available legal claims to maximize your recovery. We work with medical experts and economists to document the full extent of your damages.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Dog Bite Claim?
You have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a lawsuit in Colorado. This deadline is critical—if you miss it, you lose your right to pursue the claim. We recommend contacting an attorney as soon as possible after a dog bite to preserve evidence and meet all legal deadlines. Colorado’s statute of limitations is strictly enforced by courts.
How Long Does a Dog Bite Case Typically Take?
Most dog bite cases settle within 6 to 12 months. The timeline depends on the severity of injuries, complexity of liability, and how quickly the insurance company responds. Some cases resolve faster through negotiation, while others may take longer if litigation becomes necessary. Our experienced personal injury attorneys work efficiently to resolve your case.
Will My Case Go to Trial or Settle?
The majority of dog bite cases settle before trial. Insurance companies often prefer to settle rather than go to court. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we are prepared to take your case to trial. Matlin Injury Law has the experience and resources to litigate when necessary. Our trial experience gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.
Do I Have a Valid Case If the Dog Wasn't Known to Be Aggressive?
Yes. Colorado’s strict liability law does not require the dog to have a history of aggression. The owner is liable for serious bodily injuries regardless of whether the dog had bitten anyone before or was known to be dangerous. This is a major advantage for dog bite victims in Colorado. The statute removes the burden of proving the owner knew the dog was dangerous.
What If I Was Partially Responsible for the Incident?
Colorado follows comparative negligence rules. If you were partially at fault (for example, if you provoked the dog), your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, you can still recover damages. We evaluate your actions in context and work to minimize any comparative negligence claims. Our personal injury attorneys understand Colorado’s comparative negligence standards and how to present your case effectively.
Should I Accept a Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company?
Do not accept the first settlement offer without legal review. Insurance companies often offer less than your claim is worth. Matlin Injury Law negotiates to ensure you receive fair compensation for all your damages—medical bills, lost wages, and other economic losses. We have the experience to evaluate whether an offer is fair and the leverage to negotiate better terms.
What Happens If the Dog Owner Doesn't Have Insurance?
If the dog owner lacks homeowner’s or renter’s insurance, you may still pursue a claim directly against the owner’s personal assets. We investigate the owner’s financial situation and pursue all available avenues for recovery. In some cases, the owner’s assets or other insurance policies may provide compensation. Our Colorado personal injury lawyers know how to locate and pursue all available sources of recovery.
