Boulder County · Non-Bite Dog Attacks
Boulder Dog Attack Lawyers
Boulder dog attack lawyers for people hurt by a dog in Boulder. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Non-Bite Dog Attack Claims: Statute vs. Negligence in Boulder
McCormick & Murphy are Boulder dog attack lawyers for people hurt by a knockdown, chase, or other attack that was not a bite. We file in Boulder County Justice Center.
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites. A knockdown, a chase that ends in a fall, or a scratch from a dog jumping up is generally handled as a negligence claim instead of a strict liability claim under that statute.
That distinction changes what we have to prove. Instead of relying on the statute's strict liability framework, we look at whether the owner controlled the dog, whether the dog was off leash or loose, and whether the owner failed to use reasonable care given the circumstances.
Some incidents involve both. If the dog knocked someone down and also broke skin with its teeth, the bite statute may apply to that part of the injury while the knockdown itself is analyzed as negligence. We sort out which facts fit which legal theory rather than forcing every attack into one box.
Steps To Take After A Non-Bite Dog Attack
Non-bite claims often turn on control and circumstance: was the dog on a leash, was it behind a fence or gate that failed, did the owner know the dog was prone to chasing or jumping, and what happened in the seconds before impact. Witness accounts, any video from businesses or homes nearby, and the scene itself all matter.
Injuries from a knockdown or chase can be serious even without broken skin. Broken bones, a head impact, torn ligaments, and lasting fear of dogs are all possible harms we look at, along with how the incident affected daily activities and work.
- Get medical attention even if no skin was broken
- Photograph the scene, any fencing or leash involved, and your injuries
- Get contact information for witnesses
- Write down what the dog did and how the owner reacted
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurer before talking to us
Knockdowns Near U.S. 36, Foothills Parkway, And Arapahoe Avenue
Boulder's mix of dense trail systems, bike paths, and busy corridors like Arapahoe Avenue, Broadway, and areas near U.S. Highway 36 means loose or poorly controlled dogs can cause knockdowns and falls involving cyclists, runners, and pedestrians. We also handle these claims for people injured in nearby Louisville and Lafayette.
If you were treated at Boulder Community Health Foothills Hospital or another local provider after a fall or collision caused by a dog, those records help document the injury. Claims that proceed to litigation in Boulder County are filed at the Boulder County Justice Center; our office is based in Denver, and we handle these matters throughout the area.
Investigating Boulder Non-Bite Dog Attacks & Client Office Access
McCormick & Murphy are Boulder dog attack lawyers handling knockdown, chase, and scratch injuries throughout Boulder County. Free consultation from the Denver office serving Boulder, Louisville, and Lafayette.
- Non-Bite Claims Filed as Negligence: A knockdown, chase-related fall, or scratch is generally handled as a negligence claim rather than under Colorado's dog bite statute. We examine whether the owner controlled the dog, whether it was off leash or loose, and whether reasonable care was used given the circumstances.
- Denver Office Handles Boulder County Cases: The nearest firm office is in Denver. Claims that proceed to litigation in Boulder County are filed at the Boulder County Justice Center. We represent clients from Boulder and surrounding communities including Louisville and Lafayette.
- Boulder Office Location Anchor: Clients meet with our team at Denver, CO — with home or hospital consultations available if severe injuries prevent travel.
Fractures, Lost Income, And Other Losses We Document
- Medical costs for fractures, head injury, or ligament damage
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain and suffering from the fall or impact
- Costs of physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Emotional impact, including fear around dogs afterward
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Boulder — 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.
Next Steps After A Boulder Non-Bite Dog Attack
Do I need Boulder dog attack lawyers after an injury?
Call Boulder dog attack lawyers when you were hurt, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The nearest office is in Denver, CO.
Do I have a claim if the dog never bit me?
Possibly. A knockdown, chase, or scratch that doesn't break the skin is generally treated as a negligence claim rather than a claim under Colorado's dog bite statute. We look at how the owner controlled the dog and whether they used reasonable care.
What if the dog knocked me down and also bit me?
Some incidents involve both a bite and a separate injury from the fall or impact. We evaluate which facts support a bite statute claim and which support a negligence claim, since they can apply to different parts of the same incident.
Is a broken bone from a dog knockdown worth pursuing even without a bite?
A broken bone, head injury, or torn ligament from being knocked down by a dog can be a serious injury regardless of whether you were bitten. We look at the owner's control of the dog and the circumstances of the fall to evaluate the claim.
What do I need to prove in a non-bite dog attack case?
We generally need to show the owner failed to use reasonable care, such as letting the dog run loose, failing to maintain a fence or leash, or ignoring known behavior problems. Witness accounts and scene evidence help establish what happened.
Where would a Boulder dog attack claim be handled?
If a claim results in a lawsuit in Boulder County, it would be filed at the Boulder County Justice Center. Our office is in Denver and we represent clients from Boulder and surrounding communities including Louisville and Lafayette.
Nearest McCormick & Murphy office
Discuss Your Boulder Dog Attack Case
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