When a dog attack occurs, the physical and emotional trauma can be devastating. At Goldman and Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, our experienced Broomfield dog bite attorneys understand the complexities of Colorado’s dog bite laws, helping victims recover the compensation they deserve.
Colorado follows a strict liability approach when it comes to dog bites, which makes pet owners immediately responsible for injuries their dogs cause. This legal framework provides strong protections for victims while holding pet owners accountable for their animals’ actions. However, for dog bite victims, claiming compensation can still prove difficult, especially when insurance companies are involved.
To seek maximum compensation for your dog bite injury in Broomfield, contact the trusted injury attorneys at Goldman and Haydel. We provide a free consultation. Call us today at (720) 571-0606.
Liability for Dog Bites in Broomfield, Colorado
There are various legal frameworks that may allow you to pursue compensation if you’ve been attacked by a dog in Broomfield:
Strict Liability Dog Bite Claim
In Colorado, dog owners are strictly liable for economic damages resulting from serious injuries caused by their dog’s attack. This means that even if the dog owner had no idea their pet could be aggressive, they would still be immediately responsible for the injuries caused by their animal.
For people bitten by a dog in Broomfield, this strict liability law could be a path to compensation. Victims don’t need to prove that the owner was being careless with their pet. However, this law does not hold dog owners responsible for non-economic damages such as lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, or job loss. Non-economic damages are only available in a negligence-based claim.
Animal Attack Negligence Claim
In a negligence claim, claimants must prove that the owner acted negligently – for example, that the owner previously knew their dog had dangerous tendencies, or they violated animal control regulations.
Victims may also seek compensation under these additional theories of liability:
- The owner failed to intervene or stop the attack once it started.
- The owner engaged in intentional acts involving the dog.
- Unsafe conditions on the pet owner’s property caused the injuries (premises responsibility).
A dog owner is not legally liable for damages caused by a dog bite under the following circumstances:
- The victim was trespassing on private or public property.
- The property displayed clear and visible “no trespassing” or “beware of dog” signs.
- The dog was being used by law enforcement or military personnel during official duties.
- The victim provoked the dog.
- The victim was a veterinarian, trainer, groomer, or professional dog handler doing their job.
- The dog was actively working as a hunting, herding, or predator control dog under the owner’s supervision.
The dog bite injury attorneys at Goldman and Haydel can assess your best pathways to compensation after your dog attack injury. Don’t hesitate to consult with us for free.
Legal Requirements for Dog Owners in Broomfield
It’s helpful for dog bite victims to be aware of local Broomfield ordinances regarding dog safety. Violation of such laws can point to the negligence of a pet owner, which improves the injured person’s chances to get compensated.
Licensing and Registration
Broomfield law requires all dogs over 6 months old to be licensed within 30 days of residing in the city. This requirement helps ensure:
- Proper vaccination records
- Owner accountability
- Population tracking.
Leash Laws
Broomfield’s leash law mandates that dogs must be leashed and under owner control at all times in public areas, except in designated off-leash parks.
Dog Bite Laws in Colorado
The Colorado Dog Bite Statute (CRS 13-21-124) establishes clear guidelines for dog bite cases. Under this law, dog owners are strictly liable for any serious injuries or fatalities their pets cause to individuals lawfully present on public or private property.
A person is considered to be legally present on another’s property if:
- They are on the property while performing a duty required by local, state, or federal laws or regulations; or
- They are on the property with the explicit or implicit permission of the property owner (for instance, as a guest or customer).
The statute also clearly defines “dog owner” as a person, firm, organization, or corporation that owns, keeps, or harbors a dog.
Another important aspect of this law is that it guarantees rights only if you sustained “serious bodily injury” from the dog attack.
Serious Bodily Injury Definition
Colorado Revised Statutes 18-1-90 defines “serious bodily injury” as an injury that:
- Substantially poses the risk of death
- Substantially poses the risk of serious permanent disfigurement
- Substantially poses the risk of impairment or loss of a body part
- Involves breaks or fractures.
Many dog attacks unfortunately result in such serious injuries, leaving victims with severe lacerations, broken bones, disfigured body parts, and potentially fatal infections. If you or your loved one has been bitten by a dog, don’t dismiss it as a common incident. Seek medical treatment right away and talk to us at Goldman and Haydel for your potential compensation claim.
Broomfield Dog Bite Statistics
Data from Broomfield Animal Protection provides a glimpse of just how common dog bites are in the area. In 2024 alone, there were 991 recorded dog bites in Denver – a record high in at least seven years. Here are some breed-specific dog bite figures:
- Labrador retriever – 441
- German shepherd – 394
- American pit bull terrier – 379
- American bulldog – 237
- Chihuahua – 227
- Australian cattle dog – 214
- Siberian husky – 194
- Boxer – 192
- Rottweiler – 147
- Unknown breed – 873 bites.
Common Dog Bite Injuries
Dog attacks can result in various types of injuries, ranging from minor wounds to life-threatening trauma. Understanding these injuries is crucial for proper medical treatment and legal documentation.
Physical Injuries
Dog bites frequently cause several types of wounds:
- Lacerations – These are deep cuts or tears that penetrate beyond the skin’s surface, often requiring stitches and professional medical attention.
- Puncture wounds – While potentially appearing minor on the surface, these injuries can reach deep into tissue and carry a high risk of infection.
- Crushing injuries – The powerful jaw strength of dogs can cause significant damage to underlying tissues, even without breaking the skin.
- Facial injuries – The nose, lips, and cheeks are particularly exposed to dog attacks.
Types of Damages & Compensation in Dog Bite Cases
Victims may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Mental or emotional trauma
- Future medical care.
To determine the potential value of your case, discuss your injury with a reliable personal injury attorney.
Steps to Take After a Dog Bite
- Seek medical attention – Immediate medical care is crucial for preventing infections and documenting injuries for legal purposes.
- Report the incident – To report the bite, call 720-913-2080 to reach Broomfield Animal Protection. After the occurrence, the animal must be placed in quarantine for ten days.
- Document everything – Gather information about:
- The dog owner’s contact details
- Witness statements
- Photos of injuries
- Medical records.
- Consult a personal injury attorney – Once you’ve received medical treatment, you’ll want to explore your legal options to get compensated. Consult for free with the Goldman and Haydel law firm, and we’ll provide you with sound legal guidance on your case.
Frequently Asked Questions: Dog Bite Incidents in Broomfield, CO
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Broomfield?
Colorado law establishes a two-year statute of limitations for dog bite cases, starting from the date of the injury. This means victims must file their lawsuit within this timeframe to preserve their right to seek compensation.
The deadline is strict, and failing to file within this period typically results in the court dismissing the case without consideration. However, there are some exceptions, particularly for minors, who generally have two years from their 18th birthday to file a claim.
What happens if the dog has never acted aggressively before?
Under Colorado’s strict liability law, it doesn’t matter whether the dog has previously shown aggressive behavior or not. The owner is still liable for any serious injuries their dog causes, regardless of the animal’s prior history or the owner’s knowledge of potential aggressive tendencies.
This differs from states that follow the “one-bite rule,” where pet owners might face liability only if they knew their dog had aggressive tendencies. Colorado’s approach provides stronger protections for victims while ensuring dog owners maintain responsibility for their pets’ actions.
What constitutes “lawful presence” on property in a dog bite case?
Being lawfully present on property means you had a legal right to be there when the dog bite occurred. This includes:
- Public spaces like sidewalks and parks
- Private property with the owner’s explicit or implicit permission
- Professional visitors like mail carriers or utility workers
- Social guests and invitees.
The distinction is important because trespassers generally cannot pursue claims under the strict liability statute.
How does homeowner’s insurance factor into dog bite claims?
Homeowner’s insurance typically plays a crucial role in dog bite cases. Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies include coverage for dog bite liability, though coverage limits and excluded breeds may vary. If the owner lacks insurance, victims can still pursue compensation directly from the owner’s assets.
Working with an experienced dog bite injury lawyer is essential for navigating insurance claims and ensuring fair compensation.
What if the dog’s owner says I agitated the animal?
Provocation can be used as a defense in dog bite cases, potentially reducing or eliminating the owner’s liability. However, it is the dog owner’s responsibility to prove that provocation took place. What constitutes provocation varies by case and may include:
- Physical aggression toward the dog
- Threatening gestures
- Taunting or harassing the animal
An experienced dog bite attorney can help counter false claims of provocation and protect your right to compensation.
Free Consultation With Colorado Dog Bite Attorneys: Contact Goldman and Haydel
If you’ve been injured by a dog in Broomfield, don’t face the legal system alone. Call Goldman and Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers. Our experienced dog bite attorneys are ready to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Contact us today at (720) 571-0606 for a free consultation.
Our dedicated legal team offers:
- Free, no-obligation case evaluations
- 25+ years of combined legal experience
- Personalized attention throughout your case
- No fees unless we win your case.
Call (720) 571-0606 to arrange your free consult with our experienced Broomfield dog bite attorney, or visit any of our offices:
- Denver office: 1873 S Bellaire Street #1105, Denver, CO 80222
- Broomfield office: 520 Zang St, Suite 214, Broomfield, CO 80021
Don’t wait until it’s too late to seek justice. Colorado law limits the time you have to file a dog bite claim. Let our experienced legal team help you navigate the complex legal process while you focus on healing.
