Colorado's Strict Dog Bite Injury Laws Explained

Dog bite injuries catch people off guard more than almost any other type of accident I see here in Colorado Springs. One moment you’re walking through your neighborhood or enjoying a trail in Red Rock Canyon Open Space, and the next you’re dealing with puncture wounds, fear, and a rush of questions. Colorado’s dog bite laws are strict—and if you’ve never had to navigate them, they can feel overwhelming.

At Kimball Injury Law, I walk clients through these laws every day. Understanding how Colorado treats a dog bite injury can make a major difference in how quickly you recover physically, emotionally, and financially.

How Strict Liability Applies to a Dog Bite Injury in Colorado

Colorado uses a strict liability rule for serious dog bite injuries. In simple terms, if a dog causes significant bodily harm, the owner is responsible—period. They don’t get a free pass just because the dog has “never bitten anyone before.”

Strict liability typically applies when:

• The bite causes serious bodily injury

• The victim was lawfully on public property or private property

• The attack wasn’t provoked

When I work with clients, I don’t have to prove the dog was dangerous or that the owner acted irresponsibly. The injury itself triggers the law. This often comes as a relief to victims who worry the owner might argue the dog was “usually friendly.”

When Strict Liability Doesn’t Apply (And What Happens Instead)

There are situations where strict liability won’t cover a dog bite injury, but that doesn’t mean the victim is out of options. In these cases, I turn to negligence law, which looks at whether the owner failed to act responsibly.

Strict liability may not apply if:

• You were trespassing

• You provoked the dog

• You were working in a role that carries assumed risk (such as veterinary work)

Even then, negligence claims often succeed when the owner violated leash laws, ignored warning signs, or failed to control the dog in busy areas like Bear Creek Dog Park or Garden of the Gods trails.

Why Dog Bite Injuries Are Taken So Seriously in Colorado

Medical complications from dog bites can escalate quickly. I’ve seen clients deal with infections, nerve damage, or scarring that lasts a lifetime. Colorado legislators created strict liability laws to protect victims from these outcomes and ensure they aren’t left paying the price for someone else’s pet.

Common injuries I see include:

• Deep puncture wounds

• Torn skin or muscle

• Permanent scarring

• Nerve and tendon damage

• Emotional trauma, especially in children

The law recognizes that dog bites are more than “minor accidents," and the compensation available reflects that reality.

What You Should Do After a Dog Bite Injury in Colorado Springs

If you’re bitten by a dog—on a trail, at a park, or in your own neighborhood—you need to take several steps right away. These help protect your health and strengthen your case.

Here’s what I tell clients to do immediately:

1. Get medical care from a provider like Penrose Hospital or UCHealth Memorial Hospital.

2. Identify the dog owner and confirm current vaccinations.

3. Take photos of the wound, the dog, and the area.

4. Report the bite to Colorado Springs Animal Control.

5. Contact Kimball Injury Law before speaking to any insurance company.

Small decisions made in the first hour after a bite often have long-term consequences in the claim.

How Kimball Injury Law Helps Victims Navigate Strict Liability Claims

When someone calls me after a dog bite injury, they’re usually shaken, stressed, and confused by the rules. My job is to take the worry off their shoulders.

Here’s how I walk clients through these cases:

• I review the facts and determine whether strict liability or negligence applies.

• I gather Animal Control reports, witness statements, and medical documentation.

• I deal with the dog owner’s insurance company so my clients don’t have to.

• I help calculate full damages, including scarring, trauma, and long-term care.

Because I’m local to Colorado Springs, I know how El Paso County courts evaluate these claims and what evidence carries the most weight.

Colorado’s Dog Bite Laws Are Designed to Protect You

A dog bite injury can change your life in an instant. Colorado’s strict liability laws exist to protect people like you—people who were doing everything right but were hurt anyway.

If you’re dealing with medical bills, fear of infection, or stress about dealing with insurance companies, let me help. At Kimball Injury Law, I’ll guide you through every step so you can focus on healing.

Schedule your free consultation today:

https://www.kimballinjurylaw.com/contactus