Adams County · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Commerce City Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by an off-leash dog in Commerce City? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash Attacks and the Law
Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, a person hurt by a dog in a public place can bring a claim if they were lawfully there and the injury is serious. It does not matter that the attack happened on a trail near 104th Avenue instead of at the owner's house. What matters is where you were, whether you had a right to be there, and how badly you were hurt.
An off-leash dog running loose along U.S. Highway 85 frontage roads or through a neighborhood near Brighton or Thornton can also support a straightforward negligence claim. If an owner let a dog off leash in an area where it was not under control, and that led to your injury, we look at what a reasonable owner would have done differently. We do not need to point to a specific leash ordinance to build this case, though the fact of loose control matters.
Every off-leash case turns on its own facts. We look at where the dog was, how it got loose, what the owner did or did not do, and how serious your injuries are before we tell you what kind of claim you have.
What Helps These Cases
Location matters. We want to know exactly where the attack happened, whether it was a sidewalk, a stretch near I-76, a dog park, or open space, and whether the dog was on a leash at the time. Photos of the scene, the dog, and any visible leash or collar help establish what happened before memories fade.
Witnesses are often the difference in these cases, since off-leash incidents happen fast and owners do not always agree on what took place. Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the dog, saw it get loose, or saw the attack itself. If you sought care afterward, records from a visit to Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital or another provider help connect the injury to the incident and show its severity.
- Note the exact location: trail, street, or park name
- Write down whether the dog was leashed or running free
- Collect names and contact information from any witnesses
- Photograph the scene, the dog if possible, and your injuries
- Keep records from any medical visit connected to the attack
Handling Cases From Commerce City
Commerce City sits along corridors like 104th Avenue and U.S. Highway 85, with I-76 running through the area and neighboring communities in Brighton and Thornton. Off-leash incidents here happen on sidewalks, in open space, and in public parks throughout the city, and each location changes what evidence is available and who saw what.
Claims tied to Commerce City incidents are generally handled out of Adams County, with court proceedings at the Adams County Justice Center when a case is filed. We work with clients throughout the area from our Denver, CO office and can meet to discuss what happened near your home.
What You Can Recover
- Medical bills and follow-up care for bite injuries
- Lost income if you missed work recovering
- Pain and suffering from the attack and its aftermath
- Scarring or disfigurement from bite wounds
- Costs tied to ongoing treatment or therapy
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 Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I still file a claim if the attack happened at a dog park?
It depends on the facts. Dog parks involve some accepted contact between dogs, so not every incident there leads to liability, but a serious injury caused by an owner's failure to control their dog can still support a claim. We review exactly what happened before telling you what your options are.
Does it matter that the dog was off leash when it bit me?
Yes. An off-leash dog in an area where it should have been under control can support both a claim under the dog-bite statute and a separate negligence claim against the owner. We look at where the attack happened and whether you were lawfully present.
What if I don't know who owns the dog?
We can still investigate, especially if you have photos, a description of the dog, or witness information. Witnesses near the scene often know the owner or can describe the dog well enough to help identify them.
I was walking on a public trail near 104th Avenue when I was bitten. Does that count as a public place?
Yes, sidewalks, trails, and other public areas generally qualify as public places under the law, as long as you were lawfully there. Combined with a serious injury, this can support a claim under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124.
What should I do right after an off-leash attack?
Get to safety, seek medical attention if needed, and try to note the location and whether the dog was leashed. Get witness contact information if anyone saw it happen, and photograph the scene and your injuries as soon as you can.
Discuss a Commerce City dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.