A split system: strict liability for money, negligence for pain
Under C.R.S. §13-21-124, a dog owner is strictly liable for economic damages — medical bills, lost wages — when their dog causes serious bodily injury or death to someone lawfully on public or private property. No proof of the owner's knowledge is required for this piece.
But the statute stops there: it does not allow recovery of pain and suffering, disfigurement, or other noneconomic damages. To recover those, a victim must bring a separate negligence claim, showing the owner knew or should have known the dog had dangerous propensities — subject to Colorado's general noneconomic damages cap.
Provocation is a complete defense. Working dogs (hunting, herding, farm, and predator control dogs performing their function) and police/military dogs are exempt. Veterinary workers, groomers, humane agency staff, and professional handlers/trainers/judges cannot recover under the statute at all, given their professional role around dogs.