A dog attack can cause lasting physical and emotional harm. If you or a loved one has been bitten, our Colorado Springs, CO dog bite lawyer can help you pursue justice and financial recovery. At Ganderton Law, LLC, we understand how traumatic these incidents can be, especially when they involve children or require medical treatment. Our team will handle the legal process with care and determination so you can focus on healing. Contact us today for a free consultation and take the first step toward recovery.

Dog Bite Lawyer Colorado Springs, CO

Dog bites can result in severe injuries, from puncture wounds and infections to nerve damage and lasting scars. Victims may also suffer anxiety, nightmares, or a fear of animals long after the attack. Colorado law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries their pets cause, meaning victims do not have to prove negligence, only that the bite occurred and caused harm. Our Colorado Springs dog bit lawyers help clients recover compensation for medical care, lost wages, and the pain that follows these frightening events.

Our animal attack lawyers begin by investigating the circumstances of the attack, identifying the dog’s owner or caretaker, and determining whether the animal had a history of aggression. Medical documentation is essential, so we work closely with healthcare providers to record the nature and extent of your injuries. In some cases, plastic surgeons or mental health professionals may provide statements about long-term effects. We also gather witness accounts, animal control records, and photos of the scene to build a strong foundation for your claim.

Many victims are unsure whether to file a claim, especially if the dog belongs to a friend, neighbor, or relative. Our firm approaches these cases with sensitivity and professionalism. Homeowners’ insurance often covers dog bite injuries, which means compensation can typically be sought without direct financial harm to the dog owner. Throughout the process, our dog attack injury lawyers maintain open communication and transparency, so you always understand your options and next steps.

Dog bite injuries deserve serious attention, and you don’t have to face insurers or medical expenses alone. With our dog bite attorneys, you can pursue justice with confidence.

Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm can help you if you’ve been hurt in Colorado Springs. While there’s more common kinds of accidents you could be involved in, even an atypical one like a dog bite can leave you facing serious injuries and other damage. No matter what the circumstances are, our team can help you through the claims process–and make sure you have what you need to get better. Set up a free, no-obligation consultation with us today.

Colorado Dog Bite Laws and Liability

Colorado is a strict liability state. This means that an injured victim can recover damages against the owner of the dog, regardless of the owner’s negligence or knowledge of the dog’s aggressiveness or propensity to bite. The victim does not have to prove that the dog had bitten someone previously, like other “one-bite” states.

Understanding Colorado Revised Statutes, Section 13-21-124

Colorado’s dog bite law is found in the Colorado Revised Statutes, Section 13-21-124. This law states that “a person or personal representative of a person who suffers serious bodily injury or death from being bitten by a dog while lawfully on public or private property, shall be entitled to bring a civil action to recover economic damages against the dog owner regardless of the viciousness or dangerous propensities of the dog or the dog owner’s knowledge or lack of knowledge of the dog’s viciousness or dangerous propensities.”

What Does Colorado’s Dog Bite Law Mean for You?

This means that, under Colorado law, as long as the victim was lawfully on the property where the incident took place, and the defendant either owned or was in lawful control of the dog at the time of the incident, you will have a dog bite claim against the owner and his or her insurance. This is true even if the owner was unaware that their dog was vicious or violent.

Compensation for Dog Bite Injuries

Dog bites can be extremely severe and cause serious bodily injury. Victims are entitled to receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other possible damages that can result in pain, suffering, emotional trauma, scarring, and more.

Filing a Claim Against Dog Owners in Colorado

Dogs are considered property in Colorado. As such, if an individual is injured by a dog in Colorado, a claim can be made with the owner’s homeowners insurance, renter’s insurance, commercial insurance, or other property insurance for damages related to the bite, claw, or other injury.

Why Would I Need a Lawyer After Being Bitten by a Dog?

Dog bites can happen in the most familiar places–walking through Palmer Park, taking a stroll down Tejon Street, or even in your own backyard. While most dogs are friendly, any dog might lash out if it feels scared or threatened. Sometimes the bite is just a scratch. Other times, it’s serious enough to need stitches, medical care, or time off work.

So, why would you need a lawyer? It basically depends on your own personal situation. If the bite was minor and didn’t lead to medical bills or missed work, you may not need legal help. But if you’re facing things that are extremely common in a dog bite–physical pain, medical expenses, or lasting injuries–it’s worth talking to someone who knows the law. Here’s how our Colorado Springs dog bite team can help you:

Take a closer look at what happened and why
Figure out who’s legally responsible under Colorado’s strict liability laws
Walk you through what kind of financial support you might be able to get

Getting bitten by a dog isn’t something anyone plans for. But when it happens, it’s important to understand your legal options–and that starts with looking at how the law applies here in Colorado Springs.

Dogs and owners at Palmer Park Dog Park off Maizeland Road in Colorado Springs

How Does the Law Approach Dog Bites in Colorado Springs?

Every state handles dog bite cases a little differently–and Colorado has its own approach where they hold dog owners to a higher standard in many situations.

If a dog causes serious bodily injury–like broken bones, deep cuts, or anything that requires surgery–the owner is strictly liable. That means it doesn’t matter if the dog had never been aggressive before. Their owner is still legally responsible for what happened.

With that said, even if your injuries aren’t considered “serious,” the dog’s owner can still be held accountable under Colorado’s general negligence laws. So you may still have a claim if you were:

Bitten
Knocked over
Otherwise injured by the dog

To get help for your injuries, you’ll likely need to file a legal claim–and that means showing where, how, and why the incident happened. The more clearly you can present that picture, the stronger your claim will be.

The rules at Palmer Park Dog Park in Colorado Springs

What Do I Need to Do For a Strong Dog Bite Claim?

Just because dog owners have strict liability in dog bite situations doesn’t mean you automatically get financial support when you file your claim. An insurance company’s goal is to limit how much they have to pay–and they’ll look for any reason to shift part of the blame onto you. That includes questioning what you did (or didn’t do) after the bite happened. So for a strong claim, here’s what you need to focus on:

Get medical care right away – Even a small bite can get infected or cause deeper damage. Getting medical care at an ER or an urgent care also documents your injury for the claim.
Take photos and video – Get pictures and videos of your injuries, torn clothing, and how it progresses over time. Visual proof helps tell your story, and show how hurt you are.
Write down what happened – Note where it happened, if the dog was leashed, and any details you remember. These facts matter later. This can also help you find the dog’s owner.
Follow your doctor’s instructions – Skipping treatment can hurt both your recovery and your claim. Stick to the plan, especially wound care.
Report the bite – File a report with El Paso County Animal Control. It creates an official record and helps track dangerous dogs.
Talk to witnesses – If anyone saw the bite, ask for their name and number. Their account can back up your side of the story.

Doing these things can help strengthen your claim. The reality is, insurance companies tend to drag things out–and the process can be difficult. One way to help that, though, is to look at how it actually plays out.

How Does the Claims Process Play Out After a Dog Bite in Colorado Springs?

When you’re bitten by a dog in Colorado Springs, the legal process to recover damages usually follows one of two paths: an insurance claim or a lawsuit.

Insurance claim – Most dog bite claims go through the dog owner’s homeowners or renters insurance initially. That means we’ll help you put together the evidence you’ll need: witness statements, medical records, photos of injuries, and any reports filed with animal control or the police. Once we’ve documented your damages (medical bills, lost income, scarring, emotional distress), we send a formal demand letter to the insurance company laying out what you’re owed and why. The company might accept the demand, reject it, or make a counteroffer. Our role is to stand up for you in those discussions and work toward a fair resolution.
Filing a lawsuit – If the insurance company refuses to take your claim seriously–or there’s no insurance coverage at all–we may need to file a lawsuit. That process typically includes pre-trial steps like discovery (gathering more evidence under oath), mediation (a final attempt to settle), and preparation for court. Some cases go before a judge or jury, while others settle just before trial. In either case, we handle everything for you.

No matter which option you choose, we’ll walk you through it step by step. You won’t have to guess what’s next. Dog bite injuries are both physically and emotionally troubling for you and your family. So, when you file, you can get damages that include things like:

Medical treatment and hospital bills
Lost wages from time off work
Scarring or disfigurement
Damage to personal property (like torn clothing or glasses)
Pain and emotional distress

Every dog bite case is different, but one thing stays the same: you have the right to hold the dog’s owner accountable. Also remember, because this is still an injury claim, you only have two years from the date of the bite to file.

Where Do Most Dog Bites Happen in Colorado Springs?

Dog bites can happen just about anywhere, but certain places tend to come up more often–especially when dogs aren’t properly trained, leashed, or supervised. And while the dog’s owner usually holds most of the responsibility, where the bite happens can affect who else may be legally involved. Here are some of the most common locations for dog bites around Colorado Springs:

Private homes – Many incidents happen inside a home–often involving a friend or family member visiting someone they trust. Even a “friendly” dog can react unpredictably when startled or stressed.
Dog parks – These parks are meant for off-leash play, but not all dogs play well with others. If an owner ignores warning signs or brings an aggressive dog, someone can get hurt.
Neighborhoods – Unleashed dogs in neighborhoods–even your own–can be a serious issue. People out walking, jogging, or biking can be especially vulnerable when a dog escapes a yard or is left to roam.
Public spaces – Places like Memorial Park, Palmer Park, or the Pikes Peak Greenway Trail are popular with dog owners. But a loose or poorly controlled dog in these spaces can quickly become a danger.

In any of these scenarios, dog owners still have a legal duty to prevent their pets from hurting others. When they don’t, and you get hurt, that’s when a claim may be necessary. And that’s when you can turn to our team for guidance and support.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I still file a claim if the dog has never bitten anyone before?

Yes. Under Colorado law, dog owners are still liable for injuries, even if it’s the dog’s first known bite–especially if the bite results in serious injury or death.

What if the bite happened on someone else’s property?

Where the bite occurred matters, but it doesn’t erase the dog owner’s responsibility. In some cases, a landlord or property manager might also be partially liable if they knew the dog was dangerous.

What if the dog belongs to a friend or relative?

This is common—and it can feel awkward. Just remember, you’re usually dealing with their insurance company, not the person directly. Your health and recovery still need to come first.

Yes. Under Colorado law, dog owners are still liable for injuries, even if it’s the dog’s first known bite–especially if the bite results in serious injury or death.

This is common—and it can feel awkward. Just remember, you’re usually dealing with their insurance company, not the person directly. Your health and recovery still need to come first.

Supporting Dog Bite Victims in Colorado Springs

A dog bite can flip your life upside down, but you don’t have to handle it alone. At Ganderton Law Personal Injury Law Firm, we stand up for people in Colorado Springs who’ve been hurt after being bitten by a dog and help them understand how compensation from personal injury settlements may be taxed.

Whether you’re dealing with a bite at a neighborhood barbecue, in a local park, or during your workday, we’ll help you explore your options and take care of the legal side so you can focus on getting better. Get started today with a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Experience Matters In Dog Bite Cases

Dog bite claims require a combination of compassion, precision, and deep knowledge of Colorado’s liability laws. Our firm brings these strengths together to help injured clients achieve meaningful results. Our team has:

Over 20 years of combined experience in personal injury and premises liability law across Colorado.
Founding attorney Dave Ganderton is known for his professionalism, communication, and client-first approach.
Consistent praise for accessibility, responsiveness, and honest legal guidance.

“David Ganderton is hands down the best personal injury lawyer in town! He is personable, knowledgeable, and available. Dave has always gotten back to me promptly to help me with any of my legal questions. If you need a personal injury lawyer, I highly recommend Dave!” – Thomas G.

When a dog bite turns your life upside down, you deserve an advocate who listens and acts quickly. At Ganderton Law, LLC, we combine legal skills with genuine care to help victims rebuild after injury. From gathering evidence to negotiating fair compensation, our firm is here to guide you every step of the way. Don’t wait to get the help you need, contact us today to speak with an experienced attorney who will stand by your side.

Colorado Springs Dog Bite Lawyer