Key facts
- Dog bite ruleAwaiting sign-off
- Owner strictly liable for serious injuryIf a dog causes serious bodily injury or death to someone lawfully on public or private property, the owner is liable for the economic losses (like medical bills and lost pay) even without proof the owner was careless. Exceptions apply, for example if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog.C.R.S. § 13-21-124
- Deadline to sue (most other injuries)
- 2 yearsMost other injury claims, like slip and falls, premises cases and dog bites, must be filed within 2 years.C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a)
Who is responsible when a dog bites someone in Colorado?
The dog’s owner can be. Colorado’s dog bite law makes an owner strictly liable for economic losses when a dog causes serious bodily injury (C.R.S. § 13-21-124). The rule applies to people who are lawfully on public or private property when the bite happens.
Colorado does not give a dog one free bite. An owner can be responsible even if the dog never bit anyone before.
Are there exceptions?
Yes. If a dog causes serious bodily injury or death to someone lawfully on public or private property, the owner is liable for the economic losses (like medical bills and lost pay) even without proof the owner was careless. Exceptions apply, for example if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog. Owners and insurers often raise these, especially provocation. Evidence from witnesses and photos matters.
What should you do right after a bite?
Get medical care first. Wash the wound, then be seen by a doctor or urgent care, even if the bite looks minor. Infection and hidden damage are real risks.
Then:
- Photograph the injury, now and as it heals.
- Photograph where it happened.
- Get the owner’s name, address and insurance, and ask about the dog’s vaccinations.
- Report the bite to animal control.
- Write down what happened while it is fresh, and keep your bills.
Our guide on what to do after a dog bite covers each step.
What injuries can a dog bite cause?
Puncture wounds, tears, crush injuries, infection, scarring, nerve damage and emotional trauma. Children, who are often bitten in the face, can have lasting effects. Our page on common dog bite injuries goes through them.
Who pays?
Often the owner’s insurance, and your own health coverage in the meantime. A homeowners or renters policy may respond to a bite, up to its limits. Your health plan can pay for treatment while the claim is pending, though it may ask to be repaid from a settlement. See how health insurance fits in.
What can you recover?
Economic losses are the clearest: medical bills, lost pay and other out-of-pocket costs. Pain and suffering, scarring and emotional harm may also be part of a claim, but they generally depend on showing the owner was careless.
How long do you have to file?
Not long. Most injury claims outside vehicle crashes must be filed within 2 years (C.R.S. § 13-80-102(1)(a)). The sooner you start, the easier it is to preserve evidence.
Where can you read more?
- Can you sue for a dog bite?
- What are Colorado’s dog bite liability laws?
- How long do dog bite settlements take?
- What happens to a dog after it bites someone?
Talk to us for a free case review about your bite.
Related questions
Can I sue if a dog bit me?
You may be able to. Colorado's dog bite law makes owners responsible for economic losses from serious bodily injury, with exceptions, so the details of your bite matter.
Does health insurance pay for a dog bite?
Usually it covers treatment, and the dog's owner may also be responsible. Your insurer may ask to be repaid from a settlement.
What happens to the dog after it bites someone?
That depends on the local animal control rules and the dog's history. We cover it on a separate page.