Off-leash dog parks are popular throughout Colorado, especially in cities like Denver and Colorado Springs, where dog lovers bring their pets to run freely and socialize. However, this sense of freedom sometimes comes with serious risks. Dog bite injuries at off-leash parks in Colorado are not uncommon, and when a bite happens, the legal, financial, and emotional consequences can be life-altering for the injured person.
Understanding Dog Behavior as a Dog Owner
While most dogs are well-behaved, playful, and properly supervised, not every dog owner respects the rules, or recognizes warning signs in their dog’s behavior. A single lapse in control can lead to a dog attack, leaving victims with serious injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and the psychological burden of recovering from the trauma.
Understanding Colorado dog bite law, strict liability, and your rights as a victim is essential if you’re considering a dog bite claim.
This article explains everything from how liability is determined to the types of compensation available and how an experienced law firm can guide you through the legal process.
Quick Tip: Check out the biggest dog injury settlements to get an idea of how your dog bite cases can turn out without professional help.
The Realities of Dog Bites at Public Parks
What Makes Off-Leash Parks Riskier?
Off-leash parks, by design, eliminate physical restraints. Dogs interact freely with each other, their owners, and other park visitors. But not every dog is socialized appropriately for that kind of environment. When a dog shows signs of aggressive behavior or becomes overstimulated, a bite or animal attack can happen in an instant.
Some dogs might act territorially around other dogs. Others may become reactive to unfamiliar people, especially small children. If the dog owner isn’t paying attention—or worse, if they ignore prior incidents involving their dog—the risk increases dramatically.
Even dogs trained for specific tasks, such as a hunting dog or a herding dog, can misread situations and react with bites or snaps. Regardless of breed or purpose, when a dog bite injury occurs, victims need clarity on liability and legal options.
Understanding Colorado Dog Bite Law
Strict Liability and What It Means for Victims
Colorado law operates under a strict liability framework when it comes to dog bites. Under Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-124, a dog owner is liable for bodily injury or serious bodily injury caused by their dog, whether the incident occurred on public or private property.
This law holds even if:
- The dog bite was the first aggressive act by the animal
- The owner knew nothing of previous issues
- The victim had a valid reason to be on the property
The victim does not need to prove that the dog owner’s liability arises from prior knowledge of aggression. If the bite occurred and it caused injuries, liability is presumed unless an exception applies.
When Is the Owner Not Liable?
There are some limited defenses under Colorado’s dog bite statute. If the victim knowingly provoked the dog or was trespassing on private property, the dog owner may not be held liable. However, these exceptions rarely apply at off-leash parks, where both the dog and victim are lawfully present.
The law also distinguishes between serious injuries and less severe injuries. While strict liability covers more severe outcomes like serious permanent disfigurement, broken bones, or hospitalization, milder injuries may require proving negligence instead.
Common Injuries Caused by Dog Bites
Even in minor bite case settlements, victims can face a large number of injuries as a result of the incident. However, here’s a general breakdown of such injuries.
Physical Harm
A dog bite injury can result in a wide range of injuries caused by tearing, crushing, or infection. These may include deep lacerations, torn ligaments, nerve damage, or broken bones, particularly in the hands, arms, or face.
Some bites result in serious bodily injury, such as facial trauma or the need for reconstructive surgery. Victims often need medical attention, emergency services, and sometimes physical therapy over an extended period.
Emotional and Psychological Impact
Beyond the physical pain, dog bite victims may suffer lasting emotional trauma. Anxiety, nightmares, or fear of dogs can affect daily life, especially for children. Some require psychological counseling to address the lingering fear or emotional distress caused by the attack.
Colorado law recognizes these non-economic damages and allows victims to pursue financial compensation for mental and emotional suffering as part of their personal injury lawsuit.
Establishing a Dog Bite Injury Claim
Proving the Attack and Its Consequences
To pursue a dog bite injury claim, a victim must gather evidence. This includes medical records, photographs of injuries, and any documentation of the dog’s behavior or prior incidents. Witness accounts, especially from others who were present when the bite occurred, can be powerful support for your legal claim.
An experienced dog bite attorney will investigate whether the dog owner violated park rules, ignored leash laws, or had any prior knowledge of aggression. They’ll also examine whether the dog was under the care of a dog groomer, sitter, or handler during the incident and whether that party shared any responsibility.
If the owner failed to act after signs of aggressive behavior or violated park guidelines, the case for liability becomes even stronger.
The Role of Insurance
Some dog owners have renters’ insurance or homeowners’ policies that cover medical expenses related to dog bites. However, insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts or deny medical bills if the policy contains exclusions.
That’s where having a skilled dog bite attorney comes in—someone who can challenge low offers and demand full, fair compensation that reflects the true cost of recovery, including future medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Dog Bites on Private Property
While off-leash parks are often public, dog bites can also happen on an owner’s property, during casual visits, or at events like a dog show judged by professionals. The same liability principles apply. If the dog bite results in injury and the victim did not knowingly provoke the dog, the owner’s liability holds.
Whether the victim was on the property for work (e.g., a delivery driver or contractor) or personal reasons, the dog’s owner has a responsibility to control the animal and warn visitors of any potential danger.
Legal Support After a Dog Bite
Why Hiring a Law Firm Matters
Handling a dog bite claim alone—especially one involving serious injuries—can leave victims vulnerable to low settlements. Experienced personal injury attorneys understand the intricacies of Colorado dog bite law and how to structure a winning case.
A reputable law dog bite lawsuit firm will:
- Investigate the incident thoroughly
- Handle communication with the insurance company
- File a strong legal claim on your behalf
- Work toward a fair compensation agreement or prepare for trial if needed
If you’re unsure where to begin, many law offices offer a free consultation or a no obligation consultation to assess your case.
What You May Be Entitled To
Victims of dog bites may pursue compensation for:
- Emergency care and ongoing medical treatment
- Costs of surgery or physical therapy
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Emotional distress and mental health treatment
- Pain and suffering, especially in cases involving serious permanent disfigurement
Each dog bite injury case is unique, and the compensation will depend on the severity of the injury, impact on daily life, and available insurance coverage.
Moving Forward After a Dog Bite
Healing from a dog bite isn’t just about recovering physically—it’s about reclaiming your peace of mind and holding responsible parties accountable. If the bite happened in a designated off-leash area, the dog owner’s liability is likely clear, and Colorado law is on your side.
Don’t wait to take legal action. Delay can affect evidence collection, witness availability, and medical documentation. By seeking early guidance, victims can protect their rights and improve their chances of obtaining a strong positive outcome.
Schedule Your Free Initial Consultation Today
If you’ve suffered a dog bite injury at an off-leash park in Colorado, Bourassa Law Group is here to help. Our dog bite attorneys offer a free initial consultation to discuss your case, explore your legal options, and answer your questions.
Let us help you pursue the justice and legal support you deserve—because recovering from a dog attack means more than just healing. It means getting back the control that was taken from you.
1-800-870-8910