Adams County · Non-Bite Dog Attacks
Commerce City Dog Attack Lawyers
Commerce City dog attack lawyers for people hurt by a dog in Commerce City. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Non-Bite Dog Attacks In Commerce City: A Negligence Claim, Not A Bite Claim
McCormick & Murphy are Commerce City dog attack lawyers for people hurt by a knockdown, chase, or other attack that was not a bite. We file in Adams County Justice Center.
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's usually not a bite claim under the statute. It's a negligence claim instead, and it works differently.
A negligence claim asks whether the owner controlled the dog and whether the dog was loose when it shouldn't have been. It asks whether the owner knew the dog might act this way and failed to use reasonable care to prevent it. These are different questions than the strict liability standard that applies to bites.
Non-bite attacks can still cause serious harm. A knockdown can lead to broken bones or a head injury. A chase can cause someone to fall into traffic or off a curb. Torn ligaments and lasting fear of dogs are also possible. We look at what actually happened to you before deciding how to frame the claim.
Sorting Bite And Non-Bite Facts From The Same Attack
Because these claims turn on the owner's conduct, we look closely at how the dog got loose, whether it had done this before, and whether the owner had any warning signs like a fence gap or broken gate. Witness accounts of the chase or knockdown matter, along with photos of the scene, any leash or enclosure involved, and your injuries right after the attack.
If teeth also broke the skin during the same incident, the bite statute may apply alongside the negligence claim. We don't try to force every fact into one legal box. We sort out which parts of the attack are bite-related and which are not, then build the strongest version of your claim from both angles.
- Photos of any bruising, swelling, or injury from the impact
- Names and numbers of anyone who saw the dog loose or chasing you
- Photos of the fence, gate, or leash situation where the dog got out
- Any medical records from care you received after the fall or impact
- Notes on what the owner said about the dog's past behavior
Platte Valley Hospital Records And Your Commerce City Claim
We take on non-bite dog attack cases from around Commerce City, including areas near 104th Avenue, U.S. Highway 85, and the I-76 corridor, as well as neighboring Brighton and Thornton. If your care after a knockdown or chase took you to Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital, we can help connect those records to your claim.
Claims that need to go through the court system in this area are filed at the Adams County Justice Center. We handle that process so you can focus on recovering from your injuries.
Investigating Commerce City Non-Bite Dog Attacks & Client Office Access
Commerce City dog attack lawyers handle knockdown, chase, and non-bite injuries caused by dogs. These claims are filed as negligence cases in Adams County Justice Center when a dog causes harm without breaking skin with its teeth.
- Non-Bite Claims Work Differently: If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin with its teeth, that's usually not a bite claim under Colorado statute. It's a negligence claim that asks whether the owner controlled the dog and whether the dog was loose when it shouldn't have been.
- What Evidence Matters: We look at how the dog got loose, whether it had done this before, and whether the owner had warning signs like a fence gap or broken gate. Witness accounts of the chase or knockdown matter, along with photos of the scene, any leash or enclosure involved, and your injuries right after the attack.
Medical Costs And Lost Wages From A Non-Bite Attack
- Medical treatment for fractures, head injury, or torn ligaments
- Lost income while you recover
- Pain and physical limitation from the injury
- Counseling or treatment for fear of dogs after the attack
- Property damage, such as torn clothing or a damaged bike or stroller
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Commerce City — 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.
Commerce City Non-Bite Dog Attack Questions
Do I need Commerce City dog attack lawyers after an injury?
Call Commerce City dog attack lawyers when you were hurt, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The nearest office is in Denver, CO.
Can I still sue if the dog never bit me?
Yes. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or otherwise caused injury without a bite, you may have a negligence claim against the owner. It's a different legal path than the bite statute, but it can still lead to compensation.
What do I have to prove in a non-bite claim?
You generally need to show the owner failed to control the dog or keep it properly contained, and that this failure caused your injury. Evidence about how the dog got loose and any prior behavior helps establish that.
What if the dog scratched me but didn't break the skin?
A scratch without a puncture from teeth usually falls outside the bite statute and is treated as a negligence claim. We look at the specific facts to determine the right approach.
What if I was bitten and knocked down in the same attack?
Both parts of the incident can matter. The bite may fall under the bite statute while the knockdown injury is evaluated under negligence principles. We sort through the facts rather than forcing everything under one legal theory.
Do I need to have fallen or been physically touched by the dog?
Not necessarily. A chase that causes you to fall, swerve, or get injured while trying to avoid the dog can still form the basis of a negligence claim. We evaluate what happened and how the owner's conduct contributed to it.
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