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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
