Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties · Non-bite dog attacks
Aurora Dog Attack Lawyers
Knocked down or chased by a dog in Aurora? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When It's Not a Bite, But It's Still an Attack
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, applies to bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin with its teeth, that injury usually falls outside the statute and is handled as a negligence claim instead.
A negligence claim asks different questions than the bite statute does. We look at whether the owner kept control of the dog, whether the dog was loose or off leash, and whether the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. That failure to use reasonable care is what drives the claim.
Some incidents involve both. If a dog knocked someone down and also broke skin during the encounter, the bite statute may apply to that part of the injury while negligence covers the rest. We sort out which facts fit which legal theory instead of forcing everything into one framework.
Building a Negligence Case
Because these claims turn on the owner's conduct, we look closely at how the dog got loose, whether it had a history of chasing or knocking into people, and whether the owner was present and able to control it. Witness accounts of the dog running free, jumping on people, or lunging matter here in a way they might not in a straightforward bite case.
We also document the physical harm. A knockdown can cause broken bones, a head injury from hitting the pavement, or torn ligaments from twisting away. A chase can leave someone with lasting fear of dogs even without physical contact. These are possible outcomes we investigate and document, not assumptions we start with.
- Photos of the scene, including any fencing, gates, or leash left behind
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the dog loose or chasing you
- Medical records from any fall, impact, or injury tied to the incident
- Information on the dog and owner, including address if known
- Notes on what you were doing and where you were when the attack happened
Handling These Claims in Aurora
We see non-bite dog attacks happen along East Colfax Avenue, near Parker Road, and around the E-470 corridor, often involving loose dogs in yards, on trails, or in parking areas. These cases can arise anywhere in Arapahoe, Adams, or Douglas counties, and many are filed through the Arapahoe County Justice Center.
If you were treated at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital or another facility after a fall or impact caused by a dog, those records help establish the extent of your injury. Our office is based in Denver, and we work with clients throughout the Aurora area on these claims.
What These Claims May Cover
- Medical treatment for fractures, head injuries, or torn ligaments
- Follow-up care such as physical therapy
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Pain and physical limitation during recovery
- Ongoing fear or anxiety around dogs stemming from the attack
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Aurora — 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.
Aurora Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
A dog knocked me down but didn't bite me. Can I still make a claim?
Yes. This type of injury is typically handled as a negligence claim rather than under the dog bite statute. We look at whether the owner controlled the dog and whether that failure caused your fall.
What if the dog chased me but never touched me?
You may still have a claim if the chase caused you to fall, injure yourself avoiding the dog, or suffer lasting fear as a result. We evaluate the full circumstances, not just physical contact.
Is a scratch treated the same as a bite under Colorado law?
Generally no. A scratch without a bite from the dog's teeth usually falls outside the bite statute and is evaluated as a negligence claim based on the owner's conduct.
What if I was both knocked down and bitten during the same attack?
Some incidents involve both types of harm. We separate the bite-related facts, which may fall under the statute, from the non-bite injuries, which are evaluated under negligence.
Do I need proof the owner knew the dog could cause harm?
Negligence claims focus on whether the owner used reasonable care, which can include whether the dog was kept under control or allowed to run loose. We gather witness statements and other evidence to show what happened.
Discuss a Aurora dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.