Colorado Springs Dog Bite Lawyers
Legal Help After an Animal Attack in Colorado Springs
Dogs are often touted as “man’s best friend.” While many of us do enjoy playing fetch with our furry companions, the truth is that dogs can be just as wild as any other animal. When their instinct kicks in, it doesn’t matter how well they’ve supposedly been trained. A dog attack can lead to dangerous, even fatal, injuries. On top of that, the emotional trauma caused by a vicious animal attack can last for years, potentially even the rest of your life. That is why you need the help of an experienced Colorado Springs dog bite attorney.
If you've been bitten by a dog, you have the right to be fully compensated for your medical bills and other related losses. In order to ensure that you are properly compensated following a dog bite, it is imperative that you consult with a Colorado Springs personal injury attorney who can advocate on your behalf.
Since 1991, Timothy R. Bussey, of The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., in Colorado Springs, has been successfully representing injury victims throughout the state. To get the compensation you deserve, call our offices for a free case evaluation by dialing (719) 475-2555.
Why Choose Us Over Other Dog Bite Attorneys in Colorado Springs?
- Over 30 years of legal experience—led by founding attorney Timothy Bussey, a former prosecutor and Air Force Judge Advocate.
- Proven success—millions recovered for personal injury victims, including those hurt by animal attacks.
- Listed by Super Lawyers for over 14 years—recognized by peers and legal professionals across the state.
- Recipient of the Martindale-Hubbell Gold Client Champion Award—a distinction based on client satisfaction and service.
- Fellow of the Litigation Counsel of America (LCA)—a prestigious honorary society for trial lawyers.
- Recognized by Expertise.com as one of the Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Colorado Springs.
- Nationally published author—Timothy Bussey has contributed to legal publications used by attorneys across the country.
- Courtroom-tested—we have secured wins in trial courts, the Colorado Court of Appeals, and the Colorado Supreme Court.
- No case mills—we don’t push quick settlements. Our clients receive personalized, strategic advocacy.
Talk to a Trusted Dog Bite Lawyer in Colorado Springs
If you’ve been injured by a dog in Colorado Springs, don’t wait. The legal team at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., is ready to help you pursue the compensation you deserve.
We offer compassionate guidance, aggressive legal representation, and an unwavering commitment to our clients' best interests. Call (719) 475-2555 today for a free consultation to discuss your case and map out a plan to move forward.
What Is Colorado Law Pertaining to Dog Bites?
The first consideration that people need to be aware of when it comes to dog bites is that Colorado law requires owners to be in full control of their dog at all times and that they are responsible for any injuries or damage they might cause. This is a legal concept known as "strict liability."
Furthermore, the law states, "A person or a 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."
That being said, there are times when a dog's owner is exempt from liability when their dog bites someone. Those instances are as follows:
- The victim was trespassing
- The victim was provoking the dog
- The victim was acting physically aggressive toward the dog's owner
The owner may try to claim that one of the scenarios happened, thus making them exempt from liability. However, a good attorney will be able to look into your case for you and find evidence that helps prove that your attack was unprovoked.
Don’t Wait: The Statute of Limitations for Dog Bite Claims in Colorado
Colorado law sets a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim after a dog bite. This means victims must take legal action within two years from the date of the attack, or they risk losing the right to seek compensation entirely.
Delays in filing can result in lost evidence, fading memories, and legal barriers. The sooner you speak with a Colorado Springs dog bite attorney, the better your chances of building a strong, evidence-backed case.
If you’re unsure when the clock started on your potential claim, we can help you determine your eligibility and advise you on the next steps.
Who Is Liable for a Dog Bite?
The most likely liable party for your injuries would be the owner of the dog. If they did not properly restrain their pet, then they are responsible for the damages that their negligence caused. However, the owner may not be the only one responsible for your injury. If the landlord or property owner of the area you were attacked on did not do their due diligence in keeping you safe from the dog, then that could mean that they are also responsible.
A lack of due diligence could be if they rented an apartment to the dog owner, knowing that the dog was highly aggressive. Or, if they provided a fenced-in area for the dog to play in, but the fence was not built properly, making it easy for the dog to escape and attack someone. A dog attack could also be a premises liability case in the right circumstance.
Colorado Dog Bite Liability: Strict Liability vs. One Bite Rule
There are two legal doctrines that apply to these cases, Strict Liability and the One Bite Rule. Understanding which rule applies to your situation is essential to building a successful case.
When Strict Liability Applies
Under Colorado Revised Statute C.R.S. § 13-21-124, a dog owner is strictly liable when a dog attack leads to significant injuries such as deep wounds, broken bones, or permanent disfigurement, even if the dog had no history of violence.
You don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You only need to prove:
- You were lawfully on public or private property, and
- The injury qualifies as serious bodily injury under the law.
When the One Bite Rule Applies
If your injury doesn’t meet the legal threshold for serious bodily injury, your case may fall under negligence principles. This is often referred to as the one bite rule. In these cases, the victim must show that the dog’s owner knew or should have known about the dog’s dangerous tendencies and failed to prevent the attack.
Evidence of prior bites, aggressive behavior, or complaints from neighbors may help prove the owner's knowledge of the dog’s danger. These cases can be more difficult to prove, but they still offer a valid path to compensation with the right legal strategy.
Immediate Steps to Take After Someone Is Bitten by a Dog
What you do in the minutes and hours after a dog bite can affect both your health and your ability to file a successful claim.
Seek Medical Attention & Prevent Infection
Even if the bite seems minor, seek immediate medical care. Dog saliva contains bacteria that can cause dangerous infections like:
- Capnocytophaga
- MRSA
- Rabies
- Tetanus
Puncture wounds can also damage to muscles, nerves and blood vessels. A prompt medical exam will document the injury and reduce your risk of infection or long-term complications.
Documenting the Attack
Photographs and your medical records provide important information that your attorney can use to strengthen your dog bite claim. If possible, you will want to capture photographs of:
- The dog
- The victim’s injuries
- The area where the attack occurred.
Medical Risks & Treatment Needs From Dog Bite Injuries
Dog bites can have serious consequences. The force of a dog’s jaw can crush bones and tear through muscle, leaving long lasting damage. Infections are common, and many victims require hospitalization, antibiotics, or surgery.
Common Types of Injuries
Some of the most common injuries we see in dog bite cases include:
- Deep puncture wounds
- Lacerations and torn skin
- Broken bones, especially in the hands or arms
- Facial disfigurement
- Infections requiring IV antibiotics or surgical drainage
- Emotional trauma or PTSD, especially in children
Long-Term Care: Surgeries, Therapy, Scarring
Many victims face long-term medical needs, such as:
- Reconstructive or plastic surgery
- Physical therapy for nerve or muscle damage
- Scar revision procedures
- Mental health treatment to address trauma or anxiety
These treatments are costly and time-consuming. A well-documented legal claim seeks compensation for these expenses.
Dog Owner & Insurance Information You Should Collect
If the owner is available, you can ask for their contact information and find out if the dog is up to date on rabies and other vaccinations. If the owner refuses to cooperate, animal control can help track down this information.
Owner Contact & Vaccination Records
Get the dog owner’s:
- Full name
- Address
- Phone number
- Homeowner’s or renter’s insurance details
- Copies of vaccination records for the dog that inflicted injury
Witness Statements & Other Evidence
If anyone saw the attack, ask for their contact information and share it with your attorney. The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. will collect and present evidence to strengthen your claim:
- Security or doorbell camera footage
- Evidence of a broken leash or open gate
- Reports filed with animal control or law enforcement
Proving Liability & Negligence in a Dog Bite Case
Proving liability in court requires a clear legal strategy. Whether your case falls under strict liability or the one bite rule, we work to uncover and present the facts that show the dog’s owner failed in their duty to protect others.
Owner’s Knowledge of Dangerous Propensity
If your case requires proof of owner negligence, neighbors, dog walkers, or delivery workers often have valuable insight into the dog’s history. We look for signs that the dog had:
- Previously bitten someone
- Shown signs of aggression (growling, lunging, etc.)
- Escaped from its yard or leash in the past
- Been reported to animal control
Exceptions (e.g., Provocation, Trespass)
Colorado law does include exceptions where the owner may not be liable. This may include:
- If the bite occurred while the victim was unlawfully on private property, such as trespassing.
- If the dog was provoked, either through teasing, hitting, or threatening behavior.
- If the victim was working in a professional capacity (e.g., a veterinarian or groomer) and was aware of the risks involved.
The dog’s owner must prove that an exception applies. Our firm can challenge weak or exaggerated owner defense legal tactics.
Contact a Colorado Springs Dog Bite Lawyer Today
If you or your child has been bitten by a dog, don’t try to navigate the insurance claims and legal system on your own. You need a lawyer who can investigate the attack, gather compelling evidence, and advocate fiercely on your behalf.
Let us help you pursue justice and the compensation you need to recover physically, emotionally, and financially.
Call The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. today at (719) 475-2555 for a free consultation.
What Injuries Can Dog Attacks Cause?
When dogs were first domesticated, it was with the purpose of using them to help us hunt. These days, there are breeds for herding, guarding, or even just sitting on our lap. However, just because dogs have gotten smaller does not mean they have lost their hunting instinct. A dog attack can result in serious and dangerous injuries. Even the smaller breeds can be deadly in the right set of circumstances. Some common dog injuries are:
- Crush injuries
- Nerve damage
- Internal bleeding
- Bruising
- Severe lacerations
- Puncture wounds
On top of the immediate wounds, a dog bite can also cause serious infections. A dog’s mouth is full of bacteria that are potentially dangerous to humans. Even if the bite wasn’t deep and came from a small dog that seems easy to fight off, an untreated bite could still make you incredibly ill. It could even be fatal, depending on the kind of bacteria introduced to your system. Even worse, a dog, like any other kind of animal, could be carrying rabies. Rabies is a highly dangerous disease that could easily kill you if it is not caught in time.
What Our Clients Have to Say About Us
“Very Efficient and Excellent” - Russ Wiley (5-Star Google Review)
If you want the best attorney in Colorado Springs, go to Tim Bussey. Not only is he knowledgeable, but they are very efficient and excellent in all the work they do. I’ve used him for many years and can’t recommend anyone more than him.
“An Extremely Intelligent, Savvy Attorney” - Melody VanDyne (5-Star Google Review)
Tim is an extremely intelligent, savvy attorney both in the courtroom and out of it. He really listens to his clients and works day in and day out to litigate cases successfully.
“Helpful and Always Stayed in Contact with Me” - Destiny Black (5-Star Google Review)
Very grateful for my experience with Tim and his team. They were so helpful and always stayed in contact with me about updates on my case.
What Should You Do After Being Bitten by a Dog in Colorado Springs?
After being bitten by a dog, you should exchange information with the owner, if they are present, before immediately seeking medical attention. Your safety is of the utmost importance, so if your only option is to flee the scene without getting the contact information of the owner, then you should do so. Your attorney can help lead an investigation to find the party liable for your injuries after you have received treatment.
Once you get the medical help you need, you should make sure the doctor properly cleans and sanitizes your wound in order to prevent a possible infection. You should also follow all of the instructions they give you, as that will ensure as speedy a recovery as possible. When you know your life is no longer in danger, you should then contact an experienced dog bite attorney who can help you recover the damages you suffered.
What Compensation Are You Entitled to for a Dog Bite Injury?
If you have suffered severe bodily injury, including a physical impairment and/or disfigurement, due to a dog bite in Colorado Springs, then you are entitled to be fully compensated. This includes but is not limited to, all medical bills, rehabilitation, lost wages, prescription medicine, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma.
In order to ensure that you are properly and fully compensated, you need to consult with an experienced Colorado Springs dog bite lawyer. The legal team at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., has the experience and resources to build a strong case on your behalf and get you the compensation you deserve.
Contact one of our knowledgeable and helpful legal representatives today at (719) 475-2555 to schedule a free consultation.
Dog Bite FAQs
Can I sue the dog’s owner even if the dog never bit anyone before?
Yes. Under Colorado’s strict liability statute, dog owners can be liable for injuries caused by their dog—regardless of the animal’s history.
What damages can I recover in a dog bite case in Colorado?
You may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and disfigurement or scarring.
Who is responsible if the bite happened on someone else’s property?
Usually, the dog’s owner is responsible. But landlords, property managers, or others in Colorado Springs may also share liability depending on the circumstances.
Can I file a claim if a dog knocked me down but didn’t bite me?
Yes. If a dog’s aggressive behavior caused you to fall and get injured, you may still have a valid claim under negligence laws.
Do I need a lawyer to handle a dog bite claim in Colorado?
While not required, having a knowledgeable attorney dramatically increases your chances of a favorable outcome. Insurers are more likely to offer lowball settlements to unrepresented victims.
How much does it cost to hire your firm?
We offer free consultations and handle dog bite cases on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we recover compensation for you.
About Our Attorney
Timothy R. Bussey
License Number: 23730
Timothy R. Bussey is the founder of The Bussey Law Firm, P.C. He has been practicing law in Colorado for over 30 years. A former prosecutor and Air Force Judge Advocate, Mr. Bussey is recognized statewide for his legal skill and trial experience. He is one of the few attorneys in Colorado to hold the ACS Forensic Lawyer-Scientist certification and has been named a Colorado Super Lawyer for over 14 years. Timothy Bussey has an impressive track record when it comes to recovering compensation for personal injury clients.
Additional Information
- A Dog’s Bite Is Always Worse Than Its Bark
- Who Is Responsible for Your Injuries After a Dog Bite?
- Why Do Dogs Bite? - American Veterinary Medical Association