Dog bites can be traumatic and sometimes life-altering—both physically and emotionally. When these incidents happen on private property, especially in someone’s home or yard, the question of legal responsibility becomes even more important. If you were bitten by a dog while visiting someone’s home in Colorado, can the homeowner be held liable? The answer is, in many cases, yes. Colorado law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their pets—even if the dog has never shown aggression before. 

When a dog bite occurs on a homeowner’s property, premises liability and strict liability laws may both come into play. Let us break down how responsibility is determined, what exceptions exist, and what injured victims should know about filing a claim.

Colorado’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites

Under Colorado Revised Statute §13-21-124, the state follows a strict liability rule when it comes to dog bites. This means that a dog owner can be held liable for bite injuries even if:

• The dog had never bitten anyone before
• The dog had no known history of aggression
• The owner had no reason to believe the dog was dangerous

As long as the victim was lawfully on the property and the bite caused serious bodily injury or death, the owner is responsible. There’s no need to prove negligence or that the owner was aware of any risk. This strict liability rule provides strong legal protection for victims—but it also raises important questions about what happens when the bite occurs on the dog owner’s private property.

When Are Homeowners Held Responsible?

In most cases, if a dog bite happens on the homeowner’s property, the homeowner is also the dog owner and therefore directly liable under Colorado's strict liability statute. However, there are additional legal layers when it comes to premises liability—particularly if the injured person was a guest, visitor, or worker on the property. Here's how it works:

• Invitees and licensees (such as friends, delivery drivers, or contractors) are generally protected under premises liability laws and may file claims if they are bitten on the property.
• Trespassers typically do not have the same rights, though there may be exceptions in cases involving children or extreme negligence.

In many cases, a dog bite claim on someone’s property may also fall under homeowners insurance, which often provides coverage for personal liability claims, including dog attacks.

If you were injured in a dog attack on private property, our premises liability attorneys in Denver can help you understand your legal options and navigate the insurance claim process.

Exceptions and Defenses in Colorado Dog Bite Cases

Although Colorado law is victim-friendly, homeowners do have several defenses available that could limit or prevent liability. These include:

• The victim was trespassing at the time of the bite
• The dog was provoked (e.g., hit, taunted, or injured)
• The victim was performing animal-related services such as grooming or veterinary care
• The dog was working in a professional capacity (e.g., law enforcement or military service)

Even in these scenarios, however, the details matter. For example, if a child entered a fenced yard to retrieve a toy and was bitten, the homeowner may still be liable—even if the child was technically trespassing. Determining whether a legal exception applies can be complicated. That’s why speaking with a knowledgeable personal injury attorney is essential.

Does Homeowners Insurance Cover Dog Bites?

In many situations, yes—homeowners insurance will cover dog bite claims. Most standard policies include personal liability coverage, which can pay for:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Legal costs if a lawsuit is filed

However, there are important caveats:

• Some policies exclude specific breeds labeled as "dangerous" (e.g., pit bulls or Rottweilers)
• Claims may be denied if the dog had a known history of aggression and the owner failed to act
• If the homeowner doesn’t have insurance, the victim may need to sue directly to recover damages

It’s also worth noting that the insurance company will do everything it can to minimize or deny payouts. That’s why injured victims should avoid making recorded statements or signing anything without legal guidance.

What Should You Do If You’re Bitten by a Dog on Someone’s Property?

If you suffer a dog bite while visiting a home or property in Colorado, here’s what you should do:

1. Seek immediate medical attention: Even minor bites can lead to infections or permanent scarring.
2. Report the incident: Notify local animal control or law enforcement. An official report can help document the facts.
3. Gather evidence: Take photos of your injuries, the location, and (if possible) the dog. Collect names of witnesses and the homeowner.
4. Avoid speaking with the insurer alone: The homeowner’s insurance company may reach out, but it’s best to consult an attorney before answering questions.
5. Consult a lawyer: A skilled personal injury attorney can determine whether the homeowner is liable and help you file a claim.

Dog bites can result in extensive physical, emotional, and financial damage. The law is on your side, but you have to take the right steps to protect your claim.

Contact Bell & Pollock After a Dog Bite Injury in Denver, Colorado

If you've been injured by a dog while visiting someone’s home, don’t try to handle it alone. Contact us today to speak with an experienced injury attorney in Denver. We're here to hold negligent homeowners accountable and help you recover the compensation you deserve.