Dog attacks don’t just leave bite marks, they leave questions. Why did this happen? Who’s responsible? And how long do I have to act? In Denver, where neighborhoods stretch from quiet suburbs to open ranch land, dog bites can happen anywhere, and the consequences for victims are real: physical injury, emotional distress, and mounting medical expenses. But while the pain may linger, your legal window to respond does not. Colorado law gives dog bite victims the right to pursue compensation, but under strict rules and strict timelines. Understanding the dog-bite statute of limitations in Denver is not just a legal detail; it’s your starting point if you’re seeking justice, clarity, and recovery after a dog attack.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how long you have to sue, how Colorado’s dog bite laws work, and what steps you need to take if a dog owner’s negligence caused your injury.
Understanding Colorado’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites
Colorado is one of the strict liability states when it comes to dog bites. Under Colorado Revised Statutes Section 13-21-124, a dog owner is strictly liable if their dog causes serious bodily injury or death, regardless of the dog’s prior behavior. This means that even if the dog had no history of aggression or viciousness, the dog owner can still be held liable.
Key points of Colorado’s strict liability law include:
- It applies only if the injury occurred on public or private property where the victim had legal access.
- The statute covers serious bodily injury, including broken bones, deep wounds, and injuries that require significant medical treatment.
- Victims do not have to prove the dog owner’s knowledge of the dog’s dangerous tendencies.
This strict liability framework helps protect dog attack victims and streamlines personal injury lawsuits, as it limits the need to demonstrate the owner’s negligence in serious cases.
Time Limit to File a Dog Bite Lawsuit in Denver
The statute of limitations determines how long you have to file a personal injury case after a dog bite. In Colorado, this time limit is typically two years from the date the injury occurred (Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-80-102(1)(a)). This means you must take legal action within two years of the dog attack, or you may risk losing your right to pursue compensation altogether.
Exceptions may apply in rare cases:
- If the victim was a minor, the clock may begin when they turn 18.
- If the dog owner intentionally concealed their identity, the time limit might be extended.
(Source: Colorado Legislative Council Staff – Statutes of Repose and Limitations Report)
Delays can harm your case. Evidence fades, witnesses become hard to locate, and insurance companies may argue you waited too long to take action. Victims should act quickly to preserve their rights and begin the legal process while the facts are still fresh.
When Does Strict Liability Apply and When Does It Not?
Strict liability in Colorado applies under specific conditions. To qualify, you must show that:
- The dog bite occurred on property where you were legally present.
- You suffered a serious bodily injury or worse.
However, strict rules apply, and not all dog bite claims qualify:
- If you were trespassing or committing a crime when bitten, strict liability may not apply.
- If you provoked the dog, the dog owner may argue that your behavior caused the attack.
- If the dog was a predator control dog or a working ranch dog performing its duties on rural property, Colorado law may shield the owner from liability.
In such scenarios, you may need to file a negligence claim, which requires showing that the dog owner failed to exercise reasonable care and that this failure caused your injury.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Dog Bite Case?
Dog bite injuries can result in long-term consequences, both physical and financial. Victims in Colorado may recover compensation for a range of economic damages and emotional harm, depending on the severity of the incident.
You may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical bills: emergency treatment, surgeries, follow-up visits
- Lost wages: income lost while recovering
- Property damage: damaged clothing, phones, or personal belongings during the attack
- Emotional distress: anxiety, PTSD, and trauma-related symptoms
If a dog bite caused your injury, you may have the right to file a personal injury claim that covers both your physical injuries and emotional suffering. Victims who experience permanent disfigurement or disability from a severe dog attack can also pursue compensation that fully reflects the long-term impact of their trauma.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Dog Bite Lawsuits?
In most dog bite lawsuits, the dog owner is held liable. But depending on where and how the injury occurred, others may also bear responsibility.
You may be able to pursue compensation from:
- The dog owner for being negligent
- A property owner under premises liability law if unsafe conditions contributed to the attack, for instance, if a landlord knowingly allowed a dangerous dog on the premises
Colorado law holds individuals accountable when they knowingly fail to prevent harm despite understanding the consequences.
Why Acting Quickly After a Dog Bite Matters
Time is critical after a dog bite. The longer you delay pursuing a claim, the greater the risk of losing essential evidence, such as medical records, physical injury photos, or eyewitness statements.
Acting promptly can:
- Protect your right to file a claim within the legal time limit
- Support a stronger case with detailed documentation
- Help you access medical treatment early, preventing complications
Additionally, dog bite attorneys can help ensure you meet all legal deadlines and handle the complex legal process. This includes gathering proof of the owner’s negligence, evaluating insurance coverage, and determining the full value of your personal injury case.
FAQ
What is a personal injury claim?
Personal injury claims refer to legal actions filed by victims seeking compensation for physical, emotional, or financial harm caused by another party’s actions or negligence. In Colorado, if a dog bite causes injury, you can file a personal injury claim under strict liability or negligence, depending on the facts.
When is a dog owner responsible for a bite?
Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-124, a dog owner becomes responsible when their dog causes serious injuries or death, even if the dog has no history of aggression. This strict liability law applies when the victim was legally present on public or private property.
What qualifies as a serious injury in a dog bite case?
Under CRS § 18-1-901(3)(p), serious injuries include broken bones, deep wounds, disfigurement, or any injury that poses a substantial risk of death or long-term impairment.
Should I hire a personal injury attorney after a dog attack?
Many victims choose to work with a personal injury attorney to strengthen their case. An attorney can gather evidence, handle communications with the insurance company, and help you seek compensation that reflects the full extent of your injuries.
What if my injuries don’t qualify for strict liability under Colorado dog bite law?
If your injuries don’t meet the threshold for strict liability, such as minor wounds, you can still pursue compensation through a negligence claim. To succeed, you must show that the dog owner’s knowledge of the dog’s behavior or failure to act responsibly created a substantial risk of harm. This approach requires proving fault but can still lead to recovery in cases that fall outside strict liability.
Do Colorado laws apply to dog groomers if a bite occurs during grooming?
If a dog groomer suffers a bite while legally performing their job duties, they may be able to file a claim depending on the circumstances. However, strict liability may not apply, especially if the groomer assumed the risk or the victim provoked the dog during grooming.
What happens if the dog bite leads to death?
If a death occurred due to a dog attack, eligible family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to recover damages such as funeral costs, lost financial support, and emotional suffering.
Know Your Rights, and Don’t Wait to Seek Justice
A dog bite can derail your health, peace of mind, and finances. Colorado law gives victims powerful legal tools, but those rights come with deadlines. If you’ve been injured in a dog attack, don’t let the time limit close the door on your chance to recover compensation. Whether you’re facing medical expenses, lost wages, or lasting trauma, you have legal avenues to seek justice.
At Bourassa Law Group, our experienced attorneys understand the complexities of Colorado dog bite law. We support victims, helping them handle the legal process with care and strength. If you or a loved one has suffered from a dog bite, contact us today for a free consultation.
1-800-870-8910