City and County of Broomfield · Non-bite dog attacks
Broomfield Dog Attack Lawyers
A Broomfield dog attack that causes no bite can still support a negligence claim. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
When There's No Bite, Negligence Law Applies
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites. It does not automatically cover a dog that knocks someone down, chases them into traffic near U.S. Highway 36, or scratches them without breaking skin. Those incidents generally fall under ordinary negligence law instead of the strict liability rules that apply to bites.
That difference matters for how we build the case. Instead of relying on the statute, we look at whether the owner controlled the dog, whether the dog was off leash or otherwise loose, and whether the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. Fault has to be shown rather than presumed.
Some incidents involve both. If a dog knocks someone down and also bites them, the bite portion of the claim may fall under the statute while the knockdown or chase portion is evaluated separately as negligence. We sort out which facts fit which legal theory rather than trying to force the whole incident under one label.
Building a Negligence Case After a Non-Bite Attack
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 what the owner did or didn't do to keep it contained. Witness accounts from people along 120th Avenue or Midway Boulevard, animal control records, and photos of the scene can all help show whether the owner acted reasonably.
Medical records matter too, even without a bite wound. A knockdown can cause broken bones, a head injury, or torn ligaments, and records from a visit to UCHealth Broomfield Hospital help connect the physical harm to the incident. We treat these as possible outcomes to be documented, not assumptions to be argued from the start.
- Photos of the scene, any visible injuries, and the dog if possible
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Medical records from any treatment you received
- Information about the dog's owner and where the dog was kept
- Any prior complaints or animal control history involving the dog
Handling Non-Bite Attack Claims in Broomfield
Broomfield's mix of trail corridors, neighborhood streets, and open space near Superior and Westminster means loose dogs can end up chasing joggers, cyclists, or pedestrians without ever biting them. These cases still deserve a serious look, since a knockdown near 120th Avenue or a chase along Midway Boulevard can cause real injury even without a puncture wound.
When a claim needs to go to court, negligence cases arising in the City and County of Broomfield are generally handled in Broomfield Combined Courts. We work from our Denver, CO office and are familiar with how these claims are evaluated locally.
Possible Losses After a Non-Bite Dog Attack
- Medical bills for fractures, head injuries, or ligament damage
- Lost income from time away from work
- Costs of physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Pain and suffering from the incident
- Ongoing fear or anxiety around dogs
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Broomfield — 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.
Broomfield Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Can I still sue if the dog never bit me?
Yes. A knockdown, chase, or scratch that doesn't break the skin can still support a negligence claim against the owner. The legal theory is different from a bite claim, but the harm can still be compensable.
How is a negligence claim different from a bite claim?
Colorado's dog bite statute applies strict liability to bites in many cases, meaning fault doesn't have to be proven the same way. A non-bite claim requires showing the owner failed to use reasonable care, such as letting the dog run loose or ignoring known aggressive behavior.
What if the dog both knocked me down and bit me?
Some incidents involve both types of harm. We look at the facts and apply the statute to the bite portion of the claim while treating the knockdown or chase portion as a separate negligence issue.
What kind of injuries come from non-bite attacks?
Being knocked down or chased by a dog can cause broken bones, head injuries, torn ligaments, and lasting fear of dogs. These are possible outcomes we document through medical records, not assumptions we start with.
Where would my case be handled if it goes to court?
Claims arising from incidents in the City and County of Broomfield are generally handled in Broomfield Combined Courts. We work from our Denver, CO office on these cases.
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