Fremont County · Non-bite dog attacks
Cañon City Dog Attack Lawyers
A dog knocked you down or chased you in Cañon City? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When It's Not a Bite: How These Claims Work
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin with its teeth, that injury usually falls under ordinary negligence law instead of the strict liability standard the bite statute provides.
That difference matters because a negligence claim requires us to show the owner failed to use reasonable care, for example by letting the dog run loose, ignoring known aggressive behavior, or failing to secure a gate or leash. We build that case using the facts of what happened, not just the fact that a dog was involved.
If the same incident involved both a knockdown and a bite, we look at each part separately. Teeth breaking skin may support a bite-statute claim, while the fall or chase that caused a separate injury may be argued as negligence. We sort out which facts fit which legal theory rather than forcing everything into one box.
Building the Negligence Case
Because there's no strict liability shortcut, proof of the owner's conduct carries more weight. We look at whether the dog was on a leash or behind a fence, whether the owner had prior notice the dog might act this way, and whether the dog was running loose in an area like Royal Gorge Boulevard, 9th Street, or Lincoln Park. Witness accounts, photos of the scene, and any animal control history can all support the claim.
Medical records also matter, even without a bite wound. A knockdown can cause a broken bone, a head injury from hitting pavement, or torn ligaments, and a chase can leave someone with a lasting fear of dogs. Documentation from providers such as CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital helps connect the incident to the injuries you're now dealing with.
- Photos of the scene, including any fence, gate, or leash involved
- Contact information for anyone who saw the dog before or during the incident
- Medical records for any fall, impact, or strain injury
- Notes on where the dog came from and whether it was loose or contained
- Any prior complaints or animal control reports involving the same dog
Handling Your Claim Near Cañon City
We handle these claims for people injured along U.S. Highway 50, in Florence, and throughout the Cañon City area, including cases where a loose dog caused a fall or chase rather than a bite. If a lawsuit becomes necessary, it would typically be filed in Fremont County Combined Courts.
Our office is located at 301 N. Main Street in Pueblo, and we meet with Cañon City clients to go over what happened, gather the evidence needed for a negligence claim, and explain how the process works before any commitment is made.
Possible Losses We Look Into
- Medical treatment for broken bones or head injury from a fall
- Costs related to torn ligaments or physical therapy
- Lost income while recovering
- Pain and suffering from the injury itself
- Emotional impact, including fear of dogs after a chase or knockdown
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Cañon City — and read client testimonials.
A pickup hit me from behind on Hwy 50 east of Pueblo. The insurer offered $2,600. McCormick & Murphy helped with treatment, filed suit, and the case settled at mediation for $165,000.
C. O., Pueblo · Highway 50 crash
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Cañon City Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Can I still sue if the dog never bit me?
Yes. A knockdown, chase, or scratch without a bite generally falls under negligence law rather than the dog bite statute. We would need to show the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog.
What has to be proven in a negligence-based dog attack claim?
We generally need to show the owner knew or should have known the dog could act this way, and that they failed to take reasonable steps to prevent it, such as securing a leash or fence. The specific facts of how the dog got loose or behaved matter a great deal.
What if the dog bit me and also knocked me down?
We look at each injury separately. The bite may support a claim under the dog bite statute, while the fall injury may be argued as negligence, depending on the facts.
Can a chase without any physical contact still be a valid claim?
It's possible if the chase caused a fall, injury, or documented emotional harm. We would evaluate the specific circumstances and any resulting injuries before determining how strong the claim is.
Where would a non-bite dog attack claim be filed if it goes to court?
For incidents near Cañon City, a lawsuit would typically be filed in Fremont County Combined Courts. Most claims are worked toward resolution before reaching that stage.
Discuss a Cañon City dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.