Dog Bite Liability in Colorado
Whether a dog owner in Colorado is automatically liable for a bite, and the deadline to file a claim.
Short answer: A person who suffers serious bodily injury or death from a dog bite while lawfully on public or private property may recover economic damages from the dog's owner, regardless of whether the dog was known to be vicious (strict liability for economic damages). Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-124
| Dog bites | A person who suffers serious bodily injury or death from a dog bite while lawfully on public or private property may recover economic damages from the dog's owner, regardless of whether the dog was known to be vicious (strict liability for economic damages). The owner is not liable under this statute if the person was trespassing, was on the owner's property posted with a "no trespassing" or "beware of dog" sign, knowingly provoked the dog, or was a veterinary worker, groomer or trainer at work, among other exceptions. Other claims, such as negligence, are still available. Source: Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-124 |
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| Deadline to sue for an injury | Most tort lawsuits, including negligence claims for personal injury, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. Injury and property-damage claims arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle have three years. Assault, battery, false imprisonment, libel and slander have one year. |
More Colorado personal injury & wrongful death
- Deadlines to File an Injury Lawsuit in Colorado
- Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Colorado
- Medical Malpractice Rules in Colorado
- Car Accident Claims in Colorado
- Slip, Trip and Fall Injuries in Colorado
- Sidewalk and Public Property Falls in Colorado
- Motorcycle Accident Claims in Colorado
- Pedestrian Accident Claims in Colorado
- Bicycle Accident Claims in Colorado
- Uber and Lyft Accident Claims in Colorado
- Truck Accident Claims in Colorado
- Construction Site Injuries in Colorado
- All Colorado personal injury & wrongful death rules
FAQ
Is a dog owner liable for a dog bite in Colorado?
A person who suffers serious bodily injury or death from a dog bite while lawfully on public or private property may recover economic damages from the dog's owner, regardless of whether the dog was known to be vicious (strict liability for economic damages). The owner is not liable under this statute if the person was trespassing, was on the owner's property posted with a "no trespassing" or "beware of dog" sign, knowingly provoked the dog, or was a veterinary worker, groomer or trainer at work, among other exceptions. Other claims, such as negligence, are still available.
What is the statute of limitations for personal injury in Colorado?
Most tort lawsuits, including negligence claims for personal injury, must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. Injury and property-damage claims arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle have three years. Assault, battery, false imprisonment, libel and slander have one year.
General legal information, not legal advice. Laws change and local rules can differ; check the linked official source or talk to a lawyer about your situation.