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Animals

negligent handling

The owner of a dog or other animal may be liable for negligence in handling the dog when the dog causes personal injury or property damage. Sometimes a plaintiff must show that the owner had knowledge of the dog's dangerous propensities in order for the dog's owner to be liable for negligent handling.

In Colorado, the liability of a dog owner for injuries or damages caused by their dog is governed by the 'dog bite statute' (C.R.S. 13-21-124) as well as common law principles of negligence. Under the dog bite statute, an owner can be held strictly liable for medical expenses resulting from a bite injury if the victim is lawfully on public or private property. However, for damages beyond medical expenses, or in cases of non-bite injuries, the plaintiff may need to prove that the owner acted negligently or knew of the dog's dangerous propensities. This is often referred to as the 'one bite rule,' where an owner may be held liable if they knew or should have known that their dog had the tendency to cause harm, even if the dog had never bitten someone before. Additionally, local ordinances may impose further responsibilities on dog owners, such as leash laws, which can affect the determination of negligence.

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Animals

negligent handling

Individual & Family Legal Plan

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Colorado State Code

Colorado State Code

Animals

negligent handling

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