Denver Dog Bite Attorney

Experienced Denver Dog Bite Attorneys

Dog bites can cause devastating physical injuries and lasting psychological trauma. According to the Insurance Information Institute, dog bite claims averaged $64,555 per claim in 2023—the highest average claim cost ever recorded. If you've been attacked by a dog in Denver, our experienced dog bite attorneys understand Colorado's strict liability laws and will fight aggressively for your right to full compensation.

Colorado's Strict Liability Dog Bite Law

Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-124 makes dog owners strictly liable for bite injuries when:

• Serious Bodily Injury: The bite causes serious bodily injury (defined as substantial risk of death, disfigurement, or impairment)
• Lawful Presence: The victim was lawfully on public or private property
• No Provocation: The victim did not provoke the attack

This means you don't need to prove the owner knew their dog was dangerous—unlike many other states. For less serious injuries, Colorado follows the "one-bite rule" where prior knowledge of aggression may be required.

Common Dog Bite Injuries We Handle

Dog attacks can cause severe, life-altering injuries requiring extensive medical treatment:

• Deep Lacerations & Puncture Wounds: Often requiring stitches, surgery, and leaving permanent scars
• Facial Injuries: Children are most commonly bitten on the face, head, and neck
• Nerve Damage: Permanent numbness, tingling, or loss of function
• Bone Fractures: Especially in elderly victims or from large breed attacks
• Infections: Including rabies, tetanus, MRSA, and pasteurella (occurring in 50% of dog bite wounds)
• Psychological Trauma: PTSD, anxiety, and lasting fear of dogs—especially in children
• Disfigurement & Scarring: May require reconstructive surgery and still leave visible scars

Breeds Most Frequently Involved in Severe Attacks

While any dog can bite, certain breeds are statistically overrepresented in serious injury cases:

• Pit Bulls and Pit Bull mixes
• Rottweilers
• German Shepherds
• Mixed breeds (often involving the above)
• Mastiffs and other large breeds

However, breed alone doesn't determine liability—owner negligence, training failures, and circumstances matter most in building your case.

What Compensation Can You Recover?

Dog bite victims in Colorado may be entitled to:

• Medical Expenses: Emergency care, surgery, hospitalization, medications, and ongoing treatment
• Future Medical Costs: Reconstructive surgery, physical therapy, and psychological counseling
• Lost Wages: Time missed from work during recovery
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
• Scarring & Disfigurement: Compensation for permanent visible injuries
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Impact on daily activities and quality of life

Steps to Take After a Dog Bite in Denver

1. Seek Immediate Medical Care: Even minor bites can become seriously infected
2. Report to Denver Animal Control: Call 311 or (720) 913-2080 to file a report
3. Document Everything: Photograph injuries, the dog, the location, and get witness contact information
4. Identify the Dog Owner: Get their name, address, and insurance information
5. Request Vaccination Records: Ensure the dog has current rabies vaccination
6. Contact a Denver Dog Bite Attorney: Before speaking with insurance companies

Denver Dog Bite Laws & Leash Requirements

Denver has specific ordinances that may strengthen your case:

• Leash Law: Denver requires dogs to be on a leash no longer than 6 feet in public areas
• Dangerous Dog Declaration: Previously declared dangerous dogs have additional restrictions
• Breed-Specific Legislation: Denver had a pit bull ban from 1989-2020; now requires breed-restricted permits
• At-Large Violations: Owners can be cited if their dog is not under control

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Depending on the circumstances, multiple parties may share liability:

• Dog Owners: Primary liability under Colorado's strict liability statute
• Property Owners: Landlords who knew of a dangerous dog on premises
• Dog Walkers/Handlers: Professional or temporary caretakers
• Animal Shelters: If they adopted out a known aggressive dog

If you or your child has been bitten by a dog in Denver, don't wait to get legal help. Dog bite cases require prompt investigation to preserve evidence and identify all responsible parties. Contact Conduit Law today for a free, confidential consultation—we'll review your case and explain your options for seeking maximum compensation.