To recover in Colorado for a dog attack, there is no longer a requirement that the victim prove that the owner of the dog knew of the dog’s vicious tendencies, if serious bodily injury results. A person who suffers serious bodily injury from being bitten by a dog while lawfully on public or private property is 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. C.R.S. 13-21-124.

Serious bodily injury means substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement, a substantial risk of protracted loss or impairment of the function of any organ of the body, or any break or fracture. C.R.S. 18-1-901.

If the  owner knew of the dangerous propensities of the dog, the victim may then recover noneconomic damages, such as pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment of life and permanent impairment. If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, call us for more information.

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