Denver Dog Bite Legal Resource

Questions to Ask a Denver Dog-Bite Lawyer Before You Hire One

Use this printable checklist when you interview a lawyer about a dog-bite injury in Colorado. The goal is to compare answers, spot gaps, and verify credentials through official sources — not to rely on marketing language.

How to Use This Checklist

Print this page or copy the questions into a document. Ask the same set of questions to every lawyer you interview. Write down the answers, then compare them side by side. A lawyer who gives vague or evasive answers to the items below may not be the right fit for your case.

Before you start, confirm the lawyer is licensed to practice in Colorado. You can check with the Colorado Supreme Court’s attorney regulation office or use the Colorado Judicial Branch self-help page as a starting point for court-related resources. Do not rely on a lawyer’s own website or a directory listing as proof of credentials.

1. Relevant Dog-Bite Experience

  • How many dog-bite cases have you handled in Colorado?
  • How many of those went to trial, and how many settled?
  • What types of injuries did those cases involve — serious bodily injury, permanent scarring, or other?
  • Have you handled cases under Colorado’s dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13-21-124 (2024 edition)? Note that the statute was retrieved in 2026; later amendments or current application must be checked separately.
  • Do you have experience with the city of Denver’s animal ordinances, such as the dangerous animal rules in Denver Revised Municipal Code § 8-61 through § 8-65?

2. Conflicts of Interest

  • Have you or your firm ever represented the dog owner, the property owner, or an insurance company in a related matter?
  • Do you have any current or past relationship with the animal control agency or the city that might affect your independence?
  • Will any other lawyer or staff member in the firm have a conflict that could limit your representation?

3. Who Handles Your Case

  • Will you personally handle my case, or will a junior associate or paralegal do most of the work?
  • If a different lawyer takes over, what is their experience with dog-bite cases?
  • Who will be my main point of contact, and how quickly can I expect a response?

4. Fees, Costs, and Communication

  • How do you charge — hourly, contingency, or a flat fee? (Do not accept a vague answer; ask for a written fee agreement.)
  • What costs will I be responsible for if we lose? (Court filing fees, expert witness fees, deposition costs, etc.)
  • Will you advance costs, or do I need to pay them upfront?
  • How often will you update me, and through what channel — email, phone, or in-person meetings?
  • Will you provide a written estimate of the total costs, and will that estimate be binding?

5. Evidence and Local Rules

  • What evidence do you plan to gather — medical records, witness statements, animal control reports, photos of the scene?
  • Are you familiar with the local rules for Denver County Court or the district court where the case would be filed?
  • Do you know the reporting requirements for animal bites in Denver? (For example, Denver’s animal bite reporting page and the online bite form.)
  • How will you handle the 10-day quarantine requirement if the dog is still alive?

6. Limitation Questions

  • What is the statute of limitations for a dog-bite claim in Colorado? (Do not rely on the lawyer’s answer alone — verify with the current statute or a court resource.)
  • Are there any notice requirements I must meet before filing a claim against a government entity?
  • If the injury happened on someone else’s property, does that change the legal theory or the deadline?
  • What happens if I miss a deadline — can the case be dismissed?

7. Representation Agreement

  • Will you provide a written representation agreement before we start?
  • Does the agreement clearly state the scope of representation, the fee structure, and the responsibilities of both sides?
  • Can I terminate the agreement at any time, and what happens to my file if I do?
  • Will you give me a copy of the signed agreement for my records?

Compare Answers, Then Verify

After you interview two or three lawyers, compare their answers. Look for consistency, specificity, and a willingness to explain the law in plain language. A lawyer who cannot answer basic questions about Colorado’s dog-bite statute or Denver’s animal ordinances may not be prepared to handle your case.

Verify credentials independently. The Colorado Supreme Court licenses attorneys; you can check a lawyer’s standing through the court’s attorney regulation office. Do not rely on a lawyer’s own website or a third-party directory. The Colorado Judicial Branch self-help page provides general court information but is not a substitute for checking a specific lawyer’s license.

This resource is independent and not a law firm. It does not provide legal advice. Deadlines and case values are fact-sensitive; always verify with a licensed Colorado attorney and the current statutes.

Sources: C.R.S. § 13-21-124 (2024 edition, retrieved 2026); Denver Animal Bites; Denver Animal Bite Form; Denver Dangerous Animal Ordinances; Colorado Judicial Branch Self-Help.