Jefferson and Adams counties · Dog bites and attacks
Arvada Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog attacks in Arvada can cause lasting injury and trauma; we pursue compensation for medical costs and pain and suffering.
How Colorado's Dog-Bite Statute Works
Colorado law holds a dog owner strictly liable for injuries caused by their dog's bite, even if the dog had no history of aggression. You do not have to prove the owner was negligent or knew the dog was dangerous—only that the dog bit you and caused injury. Our firm investigates who owned or controlled the dog, where the attack happened, and whether the animal was properly restrained or under the owner's care at the time.
Beyond the bite statute, we also pursue separate negligence claims when facts support them. A negligence theory may apply if the owner failed to restrain the dog in a safe manner, violated a local leash law in Arvada, or allowed a dangerous dog to roam freely. We examine police reports from the Arvada Police Department, animal-control records, and witness statements to build your case.
What We Investigate in Dog-Bite Claims
We gather animal-control reports, dog-ownership and vaccination records, and medical documentation of your injury. Photographs of wounds, scars, and any visible damage are critical evidence. We also obtain incident reports, animal-behavioral assessments, and records of any prior attacks or complaints involving the same dog.
Witness statements from neighbors, passersby, or family members who saw the attack are powerful. We review medical records from Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge or other treatment facilities, hospital bills, and follow-up care documentation. Insurance records—homeowners' or renters' policies that may cover the dog owner—help identify available compensation.
Local investigations may involve Arvada Police Department, scenes in Westminster or Golden, parks, trails, and residential yards.
Medical and injury documentation:
- Emergency room or urgent care records from Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge or other provider
- Photographs of wounds, scars, and bruising (take multiple photos over time)
- Prescriptions, medications, and therapy records
- Statements from all treating physicians and nurses
- Lab work or imaging results if infection or complications occurred
- Owner's name, address, phone number, and insurance details
- Dog's breed, age, coloring, and distinguishing marks
- Veterinary records showing vaccination status
- Any prior complaints or incidents involving the dog
- Exact location (street address, park, or property name in Arvada, Wheat Ridge, or nearby area)
- Date, time, and weather conditions
- Names and contact information for all witnesses
- Written account of what happened and how you were bitten or attacked
- Photographs of the scene, gate, fence, or leash (if relevant)
- Report filed with Arvada Police Department
- Animal control investigation report and findings
- Prior animal control complaints about the same dog
- Correspondence with the owner or their insurance company
- Medical bills and statements of charges
- Proof of lost wages or missed work
- Receipts for travel to medical appointments
- Documentation of ongoing pain, scarring, or psychological effects
- Records of any cosmetic or reconstructive treatment sought
Dog and owner information: Incident details: Official records: Damages documentation:
Injuries and Damages in Dog-Bite Cases
Dog bites often cause puncture wounds that can become infected or require surgical repair. Nerve damage, tendon injuries, and deep tissue trauma are common. Victims frequently need emergency care, stitches, rabies prophylaxis, and antibiotics, followed by multiple follow-up visits and sometimes reconstructive surgery.
Beyond immediate medical harm, many dog-bite victims experience lasting emotional distress, anxiety, and fear of dogs. Scarring may be permanent and visible, affecting self-image and social confidence. We fight for compensation that reflects both the immediate medical costs and the long-term physical and psychological impact.
Official Arvada hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
What You May Recover
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalization at facilities like Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital
- Ongoing wound care, infection treatment, rabies prophylaxis, and follow-up surgery or reconstructive procedures
- Scarring and disfigurement repair or ongoing dermatological care
- Lost wages if injury prevented you from working
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Costs associated with counseling or therapy for trauma related to the attack
We pursue these damages in Jefferson County Courts in Golden or Adams County Justice Center, depending on where the attack occurred or where the dog owner lives.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Arvada — and read client testimonials.
After I was hit by a drunk driver with no insurance, my own insurer refused UM benefits. McCormick & Murphy sued for uninsured motorist benefits and bad faith. A jury awarded me over $900,000.
C. O., Denver · UM / bad-faith verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Arvada Dog bites and attacks FAQ
What is Colorado's dog-bite law, and how does it apply in Arvada?
Colorado law holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, meaning the owner is responsible even if the dog was not known to be dangerous and even if the owner was not negligent. The owner must have kept the dog under control or confined. Additionally, a person injured by a dog may pursue a separate negligence claim based on how the attack happened—for example, a dog left unsecured near a public sidewalk on Wadsworth Boulevard or Ralston Road. The specific facts and location of the incident (whether on public or private property in Arvada, Wheat Ridge, or another area) affect the strength of your claim and any notice requirements.
How quickly do I need to act if bitten by a dog in Arvada?
Time is critical. File a report with the Arvada Police Department and animal control as soon as possible after the incident. Seek medical treatment immediately to prevent infection and create a medical record. Contact our office promptly to discuss your claim. The deadline for filing a lawsuit depends on the type of claim and who is responsible—whether it is a private owner or a public entity. Public entity claims often carry an early written-notice requirement. We review your case specifics to ensure you do not miss any filing deadlines.
What types of damages can I recover in a dog-bite claim?
Colorado allows recovery for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital or elsewhere. You may also recover for scarring and permanent disfigurement, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma or fear resulting from the attack. Some claimants pursue cosmetic or reconstructive surgery. The amount depends on the severity of your injuries, the permanence of scarring, and the impact on your daily life and work.
How does McCormick & Murphy charge for a dog-bite case?
We handle dog-bite claims on a contingency-fee basis. That means we earn an attorney fee only if your case is settled or you win at trial. You pay no upfront fee. Costs advanced by the firm—such as court fees, expert reports, or medical records—are separate from the attorney fee and are also typically recovered from the settlement or judgment if the case succeeds.
What if the dog belonged to someone in a neighboring city like Wheat Ridge or Westminster?
Dog-bite claims in Wheat Ridge, Westminster, Golden, Lakewood, and Denver have similar legal rules to Arvada, but court venue and procedural requirements may differ. If the bite occurred in Wheat Ridge or Adams County, your case would likely be filed in Adams County Justice Center. If in Golden or Jefferson County, you would file in Jefferson County Courts in Golden. Our firm handles dog-bite claims across the Denver metro area and will determine the correct venue and applicable law based on where the attack happened.
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