Adams County · Fatal dog attacks
Brighton Fatal Dog Attack Lawyers
A fatal dog attack in Brighton is a family tragedy and a legal claim. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Bite Causes a Death
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a bite causes death, provided the person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property at the time. That statute establishes the basis for holding an owner responsible for the bite itself.
But the dog-bite statute does not, by itself, answer who in the family may bring a claim after a death. That question is controlled by Colorado wrongful-death law, which sets out which family members have the right to file and in what order. We do not guess at that answer here, because it depends on the family's specific circumstances.
If your family has lost a loved one to a dog attack in Brighton, we look at both bodies of law together: the dog-bite statute to establish the owner's responsibility for the attack, and wrongful-death law to determine who can pursue the claim and what losses it may address. For more on who may file and what a wrongful-death claim covers, see our wrongful-death page.
Records That Matter After a Fatal Attack
A fatal dog attack typically generates records beyond a hospital chart. Animal-control and police reports are often created when an attack results in death, and these records can document where the attack happened, the dog's history, and statements taken at the scene. We request and preserve these records early, before they are lost or destroyed.
If the death occurred after treatment, medical records from the responding hospital, including Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital, help establish the connection between the attack and the cause of death. We also gather witness statements, scene photos, and any prior complaints about the dog, since these details can matter for both the dog-bite claim and any related wrongful-death claim.
- Any animal-control or police report generated after the attack
- Hospital and treatment records from the time of the attack
- Photos of the scene, the dog, and the property where the attack occurred
- Contact information for any witnesses
- Any prior complaints or records about the dog's behavior
Handling Fatal Attack Claims From Brighton
We handle fatal dog attack claims arising from incidents in Brighton and nearby areas, including Bridge Street, Bromley Lane, U.S. Highway 85, Commerce City, and Thornton. Cases connected to Brighton are typically handled through the Adams County Justice Center, and we're familiar with how these matters proceed through that court.
Our office is based in Denver, and we meet with families from Brighton and throughout Adams County to talk through what happened and what the law allows. A fatal attack claim moves on two tracks at once, the dog-bite claim and the wrongful-death claim, and we help families understand how those two pieces fit together.
What a Wrongful-Death Claim May Address
- Losses tied to the death itself, as defined under wrongful-death law
- Medical and related expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial-related costs
- Loss of the support and companionship the family relied on
- Other losses recognized under Colorado wrongful-death law
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Brighton — 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.
Brighton Fatal dog attacks FAQ
Does the dog-bite statute cover a death caused by a dog attack?
Yes, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 can apply when a bite causes death, as long as the person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's property. That statute addresses the owner's responsibility for the attack itself.
Who can file a claim after a fatal dog attack in Brighton?
That question is governed by Colorado wrongful-death law, not the dog-bite statute alone. Because the answer depends on the family's specific situation, we recommend speaking with us directly rather than relying on a general answer.
Where can I learn more about wrongful-death claims tied to a fatal dog attack?
We have a dedicated wrongful-death page that explains who may file and what losses that type of claim can address. It works alongside the dog-bite claim to give a fuller picture of the family's options.
What records are important after a fatal attack in Brighton?
Animal-control and police reports created after the attack are often important, along with medical records from the treating hospital. We also look for witness statements and any prior history involving the dog.
Does the firm handle fatal dog attack cases from the Brighton area?
Yes, we represent families connected to Brighton and surrounding areas, including Commerce City and Thornton. These cases are typically handled through the Adams County Justice Center, and we work from our Denver office to support families throughout that process.
Discuss a Brighton dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.