A dog bite can turn a normal afternoon into a traumatic and life-changing event. Whether it happens while you are jogging through the Stearns Lake trails in Broomfield, visiting a friend’s house, or simply walking in a local park, the physical and emotional effects of a dog attack can be severe. Medical bills can pile up, taking a toll on your finances and time away from work, and the psychological impact of an animal attack can be underestimated.
At Arckey & Steele, our team of Broomfield-based dog bite injury lawyers are here to fight for every penny of compensation you deserve — without the impersonal and assembly-line approach of settlement mills.
Our firm represents individuals who’ve suffered serious injuries in dog attacks — puncture wounds requiring surgery, nerve damage, permanent scarring, and the lasting psychological effects of being attacked by an animal. Dog bite cases often involve homeowners insurance carriers that are quick to make low offers, hoping victims accept before they understand the full extent of their injuries. We prepare every dog bite case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us the leverage we need to push back on inadequate settlement offers. Our attorneys gather animal control records, prior incident reports, veterinary history, and witness accounts to build cases that insurers find hard to dismiss.
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Colorado Dog Bite Laws: What Broomfield Residents Need to Know
Colorado has a unique approach to liability for dog bites, known as the hybrid framework. The centerpiece of this system is the Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-21-124, which imposes strict liability on owners for injuries resulting from dog bites that cause serious bodily harm or death. This law is significant because it eliminates the need for victims to prove that the owner knew their dog was dangerous.
At the same time, Colorado courts also recognize claims based on negligence for less severe injuries and violations of local ordinances, including Broomfield’s own leash laws. Broomfield is located in both Jefferson County and Adams County, and dog bite cases in the area may involve city code enforcement, county animal control records, and Colorado state statutes. Navigating this complex legal landscape is where an experienced Broomfield dog bite attorney can be invaluable.
Representation for Dog Bite Victims in Colorado
Types of Dog Bite Claims We Handle for Broomfield Victims
Arckey & Steele handle every type of dog bite and animal attack case that Colorado law permits. We create customized legal strategies based on the unique circumstances of your situation — not a generic approach that fits all cases.
Strict Liability Dog Bite Claims
When a dog bite causes serious bodily harm, including broken bones, deep wounds that require surgery, permanent scarring, or a significant risk of death, the owner of the dog is strictly liable under Colorado law. The owner does not need to prove that they were negligent, knew about the dog’s aggressive behavior beforehand, or did something wrong to be held liable. Liability is automatic in these cases. These incidents often involve significant financial costs such as emergency medical care, hospital stays, surgery, physical therapy, reconstructive procedures, and long-term psychological treatment.
Negligence-Based Dog Bite Claims
Not every dog bite results in broken bones or surgical wounds, but that doesn’t mean you have no recourse. If a dog bite causes puncture wounds, bruises, soft-tissue damage, or infections — injuries that don’t meet Colorado’s definition of “serious bodily harm” — you may still be able to seek compensation through a negligence lawsuit. In these situations, your legal team will need to prove that the owner of the dog failed to exercise reasonable care, given what they knew or should have known about their animal’s behavior. Evidence like previous incident reports, witness testimony from neighbors, and veterinary records can all be important in building a strong case for negligence.
Leash Law Violation Claims (Negligence Per Se)
Broomfield’s city regulations require dogs to be leashed in public areas, unless in a designated off-leash zone. If a dog owner fails to comply with this regulation, Colorado law considers it negligence per se — meaning that the violation itself proves negligence. This greatly strengthens your case, as you do not need to prove separately that the owner’s actions were unreasonable; the violation of the city code proves it automatically. Claims for leash law violations can support recovery of both financial and non-financial damages.
The hours and days after a dog attack are critical for both your health and your legal rights. Acting quickly can mean the difference between a fully documented claim and one that’s easy for the insurance company to challenge.
11 – Get Medical Attention Immediately
Even seemingly minor dog bites can cause infections, nerve damage, and complications that aren’t visible at first. Go to an urgent care or emergency room right away. The medical record created at this visit is one of the most important pieces of evidence in your case — it documents the bite, the type of injury, and any recommended follow-up treatment.
22 – Identify the Dog and Its Owner
Get the dog owner’s name, address, phone number, and homeowners or renters insurance information if possible. Note the dog’s breed, size, and any identifying features. If the owner isn’t present, try to identify them through neighbors, witnesses, or the address where the dog lives. Photos of the dog can help confirm identification later.
33 – Report the Bite to Animal Control
Even if you feel “fine,” that could be from adrenaline, and you may have internal injuries or other issues where symptoms don’t appear immediately. Visit the nearest emergency room or urgent care right away. A medical record created shortly after the crash is the strongest evidence linking your injuries to the accident. Plus, your health and safety are paramount.
44 – Speak With a Lawyer Before the Insurance Company
Homeowners insurance carriers often call within days of a dog bite to take a recorded statement or offer a quick settlement. Don’t agree to anything before talking to a lawyer. Early offers almost never reflect the true cost of medical treatment, scarring, and psychological recovery. We handle all communication with the insurance carrier from the moment you retain us.
Don’t Settle for Less Than You Deserve
What Damages Can You Recover After a Dog Bite in Broomfield?
Dog bite cases in Colorado may involve claims for two broad categories of compensation. It is essential to understand both of these categories when assessing the true value of a claim.
Economic DamagesThe financial losses that can be measured and documented, directly caused by an attack. These losses include emergency room and hospital costs, follow-up medical appointments, specialist care, physical and occupational therapy, prescription medications, lost income due to inability to work, and any reduction in future earning potential due to permanent injury. In severe cases, economic damages can reach hundreds of thousands of dollars, especially in cases involving nerve damage or disfigurement.
Non-Economic DamagesCompensation for the human cost of an injury, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, post-traumatic anxiety, loss of enjoyment in life, and disruption to personal relationships. These damages are difficult to quantify, and insurance companies often undervalue them. This is why it is important to have a skilled Broomfield dog bite lawyer on your side who can fight for your rights and ensure you receive fair compensation.
Physical Impairment or DisfigurementIn cases where the owner’s behavior is particularly reckless, such as allowing an aggressive dog to roam without restraint, the Colorado courts may award punitive damages to punish the offender and deter similar behavior in the future.
Schedule a Free Case Strategy Session
Ready to Hold the Dog Owner Accountable?
Don’t let a homeowners insurance adjuster decide what your recovery is worth. Put your case in the hands of a trial-ready team that knows Colorado dog bite law and won’t settle for less than you deserve.
Colorado’s Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait to Contact a Broomfield Dog Bite Lawyer
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bite injuries, is governed by C.R.S. § 13-80-102. This section generally allows victims two years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. If this deadline is missed, it can almost always result in losing the right to recover any compensation, regardless of the strength of your case.
There are only a few situations that can delay this deadline, such as when the victim is a child or when the defendant hides evidence. However, these exceptions are rare and difficult to understand legally. If you or someone you know was bitten by a dog in Broomfield, it is best to talk to an attorney as soon as possible after the incident, while the evidence is still fresh and medical records are being created, and witnesses can be located.
Our Process
What to Expect When Starting a Dog Bite Claim with Us
Every dog bite case is different, but most move through a similar sequence. Here’s what the process generally looks like for our Broomfield clients.
1Investigating the Attack
We secure animal control reports, medical records, witness statements, and any prior complaints filed against the dog or owner. When the bite occurred on commercial property — a hotel, restaurant, or apartment complex — we investigate the property owner’s potential liability as well. The first 30 days after a bite often determine the strength of the case.
2Filing the Claim
Once we’ve established liability and documented the full extent of your injuries, we file a formal demand with the dog owner and their homeowners or renters insurance carrier. The demand lays out our valuation and puts the carrier on notice that we’re prepared to litigate.
3Negotiating a Settlement
Most dog bite cases resolve through negotiation, but only after the insurance carrier sees the full picture — your medical bills, future treatment needs, lost income, scarring, and the psychological impact of the attack. We don’t rush this step, particularly for clients dealing with long-term emotional recovery.
4Litigation, If Necessary
When the insurance carrier won’t make a fair offer, we file suit and prepare the case for a Jefferson or Adams County jury, depending on where the bite occurred. We try cases when trial is what the case requires.
Trial-Ready Advocacy
Choosing a Broomfield Dog Bite Lawyer
Arckey & Steele is a personal injury law firm that serves the greater Denver area, including Broomfield, Westminster, Thornton, Northglenn, and Lafayette. We take a different approach from high-volume settlement mills, which process cases in the hundreds and offer fast but undervalued payouts. Instead, we take the time to understand each individual dog bite case and provide personalized attention for our clients.
Our lawyers know that every dog bite case is different. The degree of your injuries, where the bite occurred, the dog owner’s insurance coverage, and whether the dog has a history of aggressive behavior all play a role in how we handle your case. We examine all the facts of your case before making any demands or filing any documents. The approach we take to your case depends on the extent of your injuries, the location of the attack, the dog owner’s insurance policy, and the dog’s history of aggressive behavior. We take the time to thoroughly analyze all aspects of your situation before making any demands or filing any legal documents.
We are ready for trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved through negotiated settlements, insurance companies are more likely to offer a better settlement if they know you have an experienced attorney who is willing to take your case to court if necessary. Our litigation experience gives Broomfield dog bite victims significant leverage in settlement negotiations and skilled advocates in the courtroom if litigation becomes the best course of action.
Why Choose Us
Why Choose Arckey & Steele for Your Dog Bite Case in Broomfield
Our goal is simple: do fewer cases, and do them exceptionally well.
Small caseloads, focused attention
We deliberately limit the number of cases we take so each client gets the time, focus, and resources their matter actually deserves.
Direct access to your attorney
When you call our firm, you work directly with the lawyer handling your case.
Proven track record
Our attorneys bring decades of combined experience and a strong record in serious injury and litigation-focused cases.
Meet Our Team
Our Trusted Broomfield Dog Bite Attorneys
When you hire Arckey & Steele, you work directly with experienced attorneys who are personally invested in your case.
Founder & PartnerEric S. Steele
Eric handles personal injury, business, and employment matters. He has significant experience securing meaningful recoveries for seriously injured clients.
Thomas brings over three and a half decades of litigation experience and a strategic approach shaped by years of representing individuals and businesses, often in the courtroom.
Under Colorado’s strict liability statute, that doesn’t matter. If your injuries qualify as serious bodily harm — broken bones, deep lacerations, permanent scarring, or disfigurement — the owner is liable whether or not they knew their dog was dangerous. Colorado eliminated the old “one free bite” rule for serious injuries decades ago.
Yes, in most situations. Colorado’s strict liability statute applies whether the bite happens on public property, on the dog owner’s property as an invited guest, or while you’re lawfully on the property for another reason. The main exceptions are if you were trespassing, provoking the dog, or working in a profession that assumes the risk (such as a veterinarian or animal control officer).
In most cases, yes. Standard homeowners and renters insurance policies in Colorado include liability coverage that pays for dog bite claims, typically with limits of $100,000 to $300,000. Some policies exclude certain breeds, and a small number of policies exclude dog bites entirely. We investigate the available coverage as part of building your case.
The same liability standards apply, but there are important differences in how a child’s case is handled. Colorado law preserves a minor’s right to file a personal injury claim until they turn 18, plus an additional two years — but waiting almost always weakens the case because evidence disappears. Settlements for minors also require court approval to make sure the funds are protected. We’ve handled child dog bite cases and know how to navigate both the legal and procedural requirements.
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Areas We Serve
Serving Dog Bite Victims Across Colorado
Our firm represents individuals in Broomfield who have been seriously injured in dog attacks. These cases often involve significant medical treatment, reconstructive procedures, and the lasting psychological effects of an animal attack. Our attorneys work to recover compensation for medical expenses, long-term treatment, and the personal impact of these injuries.
Contact a Dog Bite Injury Lawyer in Broomfield, CO Today
If you or a loved one have been injured as a result of a dog bite in Broomfield or anywhere in the Denver metro area, Arckey & Steele is here to help. It’s important to contact us as soon as possible so we can start gathering evidence, determine liability, and build a strong case on your behalf. Schedule your free case consultation today. Our lawyers will review the details of your case, explain the legal options available to you under Colorado’s dog bite laws, and provide an honest assessment of the value of your claim. You deserve compassionate and knowledgeable legal assistance — and that’s exactly what Arckey & Steele provides for injured residents of Broomfield.
