Arapahoe County · Dog bites and attacks
Centennial Dog Bite Lawyers
Centennial dog bite lawyers for bites on E-470 and Arapahoe Road and across Centennial. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
How Dog-Bite Claims Work in Centennial
McCormick & Murphy are Centennial dog bite lawyers for people bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property. We get the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office report, the AdventHealth Littleton records, and file in the Arapahoe County Justice Center.
Colorado holds a dog owner or keeper liable for injuries caused by a dog bite under a strict statutory rule. You do not have to prove the dog was vicious or that the owner knew of any prior bad behavior. If the dog bit you, and you were in a public place or lawfully in a private place when the bite occurred, the owner is liable for your medical costs and other damages. We gather evidence about where the attack happened, who owned or controlled the dog, and what injuries you sustained.
Many dog-bite cases also involve a separate negligence claim. For example, if the owner failed to secure the dog or ignored obvious warning signs of aggression, we may pursue recovery based on negligence as well as strict liability. Our firm investigates the full circumstances of the attack to identify all legal theories available to you and to build a thorough claim.
Evidence We Examine in Dog-Bite Cases
Animal-control reports filed with the Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office often document the initial incident, witness statements, and the dog's vaccination and ownership records. We request these public records early and review them carefully. We also obtain photographs of your wounds taken immediately after the attack and during your recovery, as well as medical records from AdventHealth Littleton or other treatment facilities. Scarring and nerve damage can become apparent weeks or months later, so we track your ongoing medical care.
Prior incidents involving the same dog strengthen a negligence claim. We search for records of earlier bites, attacks, or animal-control complaints. Witness statements from people present at the scene or who know the dog's history are valuable. We also investigate insurance coverage held by the owner or resident, because homeowner's or renters' policies often cover dog-bite liability. The more complete our evidence, the stronger your position in settlement discussions or litigation at the Arapahoe County Justice Center.
Local investigations may involve Arapahoe County Sheriff’s Office, scenes in Englewood or Littleton, parks, trails, and residential yards.
A dog bite can cause serious injury—puncture wounds, infection, nerve damage, and scarring. The following checklist covers key evidence needed to support your claim under Colorado's dog-bite statute and any negligence theory:
- Animal control report filed with Arapahoe County Sheriff's Office
- Dog owner or keeper identification and contact information
- Dog ownership, registration, or vaccination records
- Photographs of injuries (take multiple angles and dates to show healing)
- Medical records from AdventHealth Littleton or other treating provider
- Emergency room visit notes and discharge summaries
- Surgeon or specialist reports (if stitches, surgery, or ongoing care needed)
- Prescription records and receipts for medications
- Names, phone numbers, and written statements from any witnesses
- Information about prior incidents involving the same dog
- Dog's prior behavior (aggression, similar attacks, or complaints)
- Location details: whether incident occurred on public property (E-470, Arapahoe Road, University Boulevard, I-25 vicinity) or private property
- Insurance policy information from dog owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance
- Documentation of lost wages or time away from work
- Photographs of scarring or permanent marks (take ongoing as they evolve)
- Mental health records if you sought counseling or treatment for fear or trauma
- Pay stubs or employment verification showing income loss
Medical Injury and Recovery Documentation
Dog bites cause puncture wounds that carry a high risk of infection, including from bacteria in the dog's mouth and the victim's own skin. Even a seemingly minor bite can require emergency care, antibiotics, tetanus boosters, and sometimes rabies post-exposure prophylaxis. Deep bites may damage nerves, tendons, or blood vessels, leading to lasting pain, numbness, or loss of function. We document every medical visit, prescription, procedure, and specialist consultation.
Scarring and emotional trauma are compensable injuries under Colorado law. Psychological injury—such as fear of dogs, anxiety, or PTSD after an attack—is a real harm that physicians, psychiatrists, and therapists can document. We work with your medical team to build a complete picture of your physical and emotional recovery. This record becomes central to calculating damages and demonstrating the full cost of the attack.
Official Centennial hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Compensation for Dog-Bite Injuries
- Medical bills, emergency care, surgery, and ongoing treatment
- Scarring, disfigurement, and cosmetic or reconstructive procedures
- Lost wages during recovery and any loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and anxiety or PTSD
- Permanent nerve damage, reduced function, or disability
We present these damages in settlement negotiations and, if necessary, before a judge or jury at the Arapahoe County Justice Center.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Centennial — 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.
Centennial Dog Bite Lawyers FAQ
Do I need Centennial dog bite lawyers after a bite?
Call Centennial dog bite lawyers when the bite needs medical care, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The Denver office is in Denver, CO.
What does Colorado's dog-bite statute require, and how is it different from a negligence claim?
Colorado's dog-bite statute holds a dog's owner liable if the dog causes injury while at large or unprovoked in a public place, or while trespassing on private property. You don't have to prove the owner was negligent—liability is automatic under the statute if those conditions are met. A separate negligence claim can also apply if, for example, the owner kept a dog they knew was dangerous but it wasn't technically 'at large.' Both theories strengthen your case. McCormick & Murphy examines which legal theory or theories apply to your specific attack in Centennial or the surrounding Arapahoe County area.
The dog owner's insurance company contacted me. Should I speak to them before calling a lawyer?
No. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. Anything you say can be recorded and used against your claim. Contact McCormick & Murphy first. We can handle all communications with the insurance company, protect your rights, and negotiate on your behalf. Your focus should be on medical care and recovery, not managing the insurance process alone.
How long do I have to file a dog-bite claim in Centennial?
The deadline depends on the type of claim and who is responsible. If a private party (the dog owner) is at fault, you generally have two years from the date of the bite. If a public entity is involved—for instance, if the attack occurred near a county facility or involved an animal-control issue—there may be an earlier written-notice requirement. Do not delay. Call us promptly for a case-specific review of your deadline and any notice obligations.
What happens if the dog bite left permanent scarring? Can I recover for that?
Yes. Permanent scarring, especially on the face, neck, hands, or arms, is a significant part of your damages. You can recover for past and future medical care related to the scar, and for pain, disfigurement, and emotional distress caused by the scarring. Photographs showing how the scar evolves over time, along with medical documentation, strengthen this claim. We also consider reconstructive surgery costs if recommended by your doctor.
How much will I have to pay in legal fees if I hire McCormick & Murphy?
McCormick & Murphy handles dog-bite injury claims on a contingency fee basis. That means we earn an attorney fee only if your case is settled or won—you don't pay unless we recover money for you. However, advanced case costs—such as expert reports, medical records, investigation, and filing fees—are separate from the contingency fee and are your responsibility. We discuss these costs upfront so you understand the full financial picture before we proceed.
Related legal guides
Same service in nearby communities
Nearest McCormick & Murphy office
Discuss your Centennial claim
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.