Personal Injury — Animal Attacks
Colorado Animal Attack & Dog Bite Attorney
Animal attacks cause serious physical and psychological injuries. Colorado law holds pet owners and animal keepers accountable when their animals injure others. Call Jason Savela for a free consultation.
Animal Attacks: When an Owner's Negligence Causes Harm
It is not only dogs that are involved in animal attacks — cats, birds, reptiles, large cats, and other animals can also attack and cause serious injuries for which a pet owner may be liable. Animal attacks bring injuries ranging from scratches to severe disfigurement, as well as the possibility of rabies and other infections. Victims — particularly children — may also suffer severe psychological damage, including increased fear of the animal or the situation where the attack occurred. The laws regarding animal attacks differ across states and localities, and an experienced personal injury attorney will provide accurate advice for your specific situation.
Types of Injuries in Animal Attack Cases
Lacerations and Puncture Wounds
Bites and scratches can cause deep tissue damage, nerve injury, and scarring that may require surgery and leave permanent marks.
Infections and Disease
Animal bites carry serious infection risk, including rabies, Pasteurella, MRSA, and other bacterial infections that can become life-threatening without prompt treatment.
Broken Bones
The force of a large animal attack or a fall caused by an animal can break bones, particularly in the hands, arms, and face.
Facial and Permanent Scarring
Attacks to the face and neck are common, especially in children, and can result in disfigurement requiring reconstructive surgery.
Psychological Trauma
Victims — especially children — frequently develop PTSD, anxiety, and phobias following an animal attack. These psychological injuries are compensable damages.
Injuries from Fright
A person can be a victim even without being physically touched by the animal. If an animal's actions caused you to fall or flee and you were injured, you may still have a claim.
When Is an Owner Liable?
Colorado law imposes liability on animal owners and keepers in several circumstances. An experienced personal injury attorney will analyze the specific facts of your case to identify every available theory of recovery.
Negligence — Failure to Restrain
An owner is negligent if they failed to properly restrain or control their animal. Victims can recover damages without proving the animal was previously dangerous if the owner was negligent in restraining it. An unleashed dog in a public area, a broken fence, or an unsecured enclosure are common examples.
Negligence — Prior Knowledge of Danger
If the owner knew, or should have known, that their animal was dangerous — a history of biting, aggressive behavior, or prior attacks — and failed to take reasonable precautions, they may be found negligent under any circumstances. Uncontrollable animals must be secured away from the public.
Strict Liability for Wild Animals
Owners of animals considered wild — including those kept in habitats, exhibits, and zoos — are typically held strictly liable for any harm resulting from escaped animals. Even if the animal was not known to be dangerous in captivity, owners are responsible because wild animals may revert to natural behavior if they escape.
Colorado Dog Bite Statute
Colorado has a specific dog bite statute that imposes strict liability on dog owners when their dog bites someone who is lawfully on public or private property. The victim does not need to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous — the bite itself is enough to establish liability, subject to defenses like provocation.
What You Must Prove
Identity of the owner or keeper
You must establish who owned or was responsible for controlling the animal at the time of the attack.
Negligence or strict liability
You must show either that the owner failed to properly restrain the animal, that they knew or should have known of the animal's dangerous propensities, or that strict liability applies (wild animals or Colorado's dog bite statute).
Causation
The animal's actions must have directly caused your injuries — whether through a bite, a scratch, knocking you down, or causing you to fall while fleeing.
Nature and extent of injuries
You must document your physical and psychological injuries with medical records, photographs, and expert testimony where needed.
Defenses That Can Reduce or Bar Recovery
- Provocation: If you provoked the animal — teasing, hitting, or threatening it — your recovery may be reduced or eliminated, particularly if you knew the animal was dangerous.
- Trespassing: In many states, trespassers have limited rights to recover from animal attacks, especially where warning signs were posted on the property.
- Assumption of risk: Voluntarily entering an enclosure or interacting with a known dangerous animal may reduce your recovery.
- Comparative fault: Colorado's modified comparative negligence rule applies — if you were partly at fault, your damages are reduced proportionally, and you cannot recover if you were 50% or more at fault.
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Practice Areas
Injured in an Animal Attack in Colorado?
Animal attack cases require prompt action — medical records, witness accounts, and the animal's history of aggression must be documented quickly. Call Jason Savela today for a free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Call (720) 821-1001