Douglas County · Non-bite dog attacks
Castle Rock Dog Attack Lawyers
Castle Rock dog attack that left you hurt without a bite? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Attack Isn't a Bite Under Colorado Law
C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 is Colorado's dog bite statute, and it applies specifically to bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking the skin, that incident generally falls outside the statute and is handled as a negligence claim instead.
That distinction matters for how we build the case, but it does not mean the injury was minor. A knockdown can cause broken bones or a head impact. A chase can end with torn ligaments from a fall or a bad landing. Some clients also deal with a lasting fear of dogs after an attack like this. We treat these as possible harms we investigate, not outcomes we promise.
Because a negligence claim doesn't carry the same strict liability standard as a bite claim, we have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care. That is the heart of a non-bite dog attack case in Castle Rock, and it shapes everything from the questions we ask to the evidence we gather.
Building a Negligence Case for a Non-Bite Attack
In a non-bite case, we focus on control and reasonable care. Was the dog on a leash or fenced in? Did the owner know the dog had a habit of running at people or knocking them over? Was the dog loose because of a broken gate, a failed leash, or a door left open? These facts help show whether the owner's conduct fell short of what a reasonable dog owner would have done.
We also look at whether teeth broke the skin at any point during the encounter, even if the main injury came from the fall or the chase itself. If there was any bite contact, the bite statute may apply alongside a negligence claim. We sort through the facts of your specific attack rather than trying to force it into one legal box, which means asking early about what actually happened, in what order, and what the dog and owner did before, during, and after.
- Photos of any visible injuries, bruising, or torn clothing
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the attack
- The owner's name, address, and any info on the dog's history
- Records from any medical visit tied to the fall or impact
- Notes on where the attack happened and whether the dog was loose or restrained
Handling Non-Bite Dog Attack Claims in Castle Rock
Castle Rock has a lot of open, walkable areas where dogs are common, from the trails and paths near Founders Parkway and Meadows Parkway to residential streets closer to I-25. Non-bite attacks often happen when a dog gets loose during a walk, a yard visit, or a chance encounter near a fence line, and we work with clients from Castle Rock as well as nearby Parker and Highlands Ranch on these claims.
If you were treated at AdventHealth Castle Rock or another local facility after a fall or impact caused by a dog, those records help document the injury. Claims that go to litigation in this area are generally filed through the Douglas County Justice Center, and our office in Denver, CO handles these cases throughout Douglas County.
What a Non-Bite Attack Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment for fractures, sprains, or head injury from a fall
- Physical therapy or follow-up care tied to the attack
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Pain and suffering, including ongoing anxiety around dogs
- Property damage, such as torn clothing or a damaged phone
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Castle Rock — 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.
Castle Rock Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
If the dog never bit me, do I still have a case?
Yes. A knockdown, chase, or scratch that doesn't break the skin is typically handled as a negligence claim rather than under the dog bite statute. We look at whether the owner failed to control the dog or use reasonable care, which can still support a claim.
What do I need to prove in a non-bite dog attack case?
We generally need to show the owner didn't take reasonable steps to control the dog, such as keeping it leashed or fenced, and that this failure led to the attack. Witness accounts, photos of the scene, and details about the dog's history all help build that picture.
What if the dog bit me a little but mostly knocked me down?
If teeth broke the skin at any point, the bite statute may apply to that part of the injury, and a negligence claim may cover the rest. We sort through the specific facts of your attack rather than assuming it fits neatly into one category.
Can I still have a claim if my main injury is emotional, like fear of dogs?
Fear of dogs and related anxiety are harms we look at as part of a broader claim, alongside any physical injury from the fall or chase. We evaluate the full picture of what happened and how it has affected you.
What should I do right after a non-bite dog attack in Castle Rock?
Get medical attention if you're hurt, take photos of the scene and any injuries, and get contact information for witnesses and the dog's owner. The sooner we can look at these details, the better we can assess how the owner's conduct led to the attack.
Discuss a Castle Rock dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.