Colorado Dog Bite Law (2026)
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Quick answer
Colorado is a hybrid-rule state. Modified statutory rule: strict liability under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-124 applies to a dog bite causing serious bodily injury or death, subject to listed exceptions; negligence and common-law theories may govern other injuries. Victims generally have 2 years as a general injury-law reference. The actual deadline can differ.
Comparative research source: Michigan State University Animal Legal & Historical Center, 2025 survey. Individual statutory citations control.
Who is liable for a dog bite in Colorado?
Modified statutory rule: strict liability under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-124 applies to a dog bite causing serious bodily injury or death, subject to listed exceptions; negligence and common-law theories may govern other injuries.
Deadline to file: 2 years
Colorado's general statute of limitations for injury claims is 2 years. Special rules can extend it for minors: common in dog bite cases, since children are the most frequent victims. See the full Colorado statute of limitations guide.
How fault rules affect your claim
Modified comparative negligence (50% bar): you recover nothing if you are 50% or more at fault.
Damage-limit note: For non-medical tort actions filed on or after January 1, 2025, Colorado generally limits noneconomic damages to $1.5 million under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-102.5. Separate phased limits govern medical malpractice and wrongful death, and inflation adjustments begin in 2028.
Your real case may be worth more.
Bitten in Colorado? Homeowner's insurance usually pays these claims: find out what yours may be worth.
Get a free case reviewEstimate your numbers with the dog bite settlement calculator or see average dog bite settlement amounts.
Frequently asked questions
Is Colorado a strict liability state for dog bites?
Modified statutory rule: strict liability under Colo. Rev. Stat. § 13-21-124 applies to a dog bite causing serious bodily injury or death, subject to listed exceptions; negligence and common-law theories may govern other injuries.
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Colorado?
Generally 2 years from the date of the bite, with possible extensions for minors. Missing the deadline usually bars the claim entirely.
Who actually pays the settlement?
In most cases the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, not the owner personally. That's why claims between neighbors or family members are common.
General legal information, not legal advice. Claimelo is not a law firm. Laws and deadlines depend on your circumstances and may change. Consult a licensed attorney about your situation.