the City and County of Denver · Dog bites and attacks
Denver Dog Bite Lawyers
Denver dog bite lawyers for bites on Colfax Avenue, Federal Boulevard, and across Denver. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Dog Bite Claims in Denver
McCormick & Murphy are Denver dog bite lawyers for people bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property. We get the animal-control or Denver Police Department report, the records from Denver Health, and we file in Denver District Court when the insurer will not pay a fair number.
Colorado's dog-bite statute holds an owner liable when their dog bites someone in public or lawfully in private. The statute applies regardless of the dog's history. We also pursue separate negligence claims based on the owner's failure to control the animal, restrain it properly, or warn of known dangerous behavior. Whether the attack happened on Colfax Avenue, Federal Boulevard, I-25, or in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Five Points, or Cherry Creek, we investigate how the dog escaped control.
Many dog attacks happen despite no prior incident record. Owners may ignore basic precautions: leaving gates unlatched, failing to use leashes, or letting the dog roam near playgrounds and parks. We gather evidence of negligence—including eyewitness statements, animal-control reports, and prior complaints—to support both statutory liability and negligence claims. Our goal is to secure full compensation for your injuries and losses.
Evidence We Examine
We obtain animal-control reports filed with the Denver Police Department or Colorado State Patrol, vaccination and ownership records, photographs of injuries, and medical records from Denver Health Medical Center or other area providers. We also request prior-incident reports, witness statements, and any local ordinance violations regarding dog restraint or licensing.
Insurance records are crucial. Many dog-attack claims are covered by homeowner's or renter's insurance. We identify all potential sources of recovery and build a factual record that clearly shows ownership or control, the circumstances of the attack, and how the owner's negligence led to your injury.
Local investigations may involve Denver Police Department or Colorado State Patrol, scenes in Five Points or RiNo, parks, trails, and residential yards.
A dog bite or attack in Denver—whether on Colfax Avenue, Federal Boulevard, I-25, or in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Five Points, or Cherry Creek—requires prompt evidence collection. Colorado's dog-bite statute and negligence law depend on facts about ownership, control, location, and the dog's prior behavior. Collect the following:
- Photographs of all wounds, scarring, and puncture marks (take multiple angles and dates as healing progresses)
- Medical records from Denver Health Medical Center or other treatment providers, including initial exam notes, infection screening, and follow-up care
- Names, phone numbers, and statements from eyewitnesses at the scene
- The dog owner's name, address, phone, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information
- Animal-control report filed with Denver Police Department or Colorado State Patrol, if applicable
- Dog's vaccination records and ownership/registration documents
- Evidence of the dog's prior aggressive behavior or prior bites (if available)
- Photographs of the location where the attack occurred
- Documentation of lost wages, medical expenses, and ongoing treatment
- Written incident description with date, time, and circumstances of the attack
Medical Treatment and Injury Documentation
Dog bites often cause puncture wounds that carry infection risk, including staph and rabies exposure. Treatment at Denver Health Medical Center or an urgent-care facility may include wound cleaning, antibiotics, tetanus protection, and rabies prophylaxis. Some bites damage nerves, cause permanent scarring, or require plastic surgery. We document all medical care and its costs.
Psychological injury is real. Fear of dogs, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress after an attack are valid damages. We work with your medical providers to establish the full scope of injury—physical and emotional—and use that evidence to support your claim for compensation.
Official Denver hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Damages in Dog-Bite Cases
- Medical expenses: emergency treatment, wound care, antibiotics, rabies prophylaxis, and follow-up visits
- Surgical and cosmetic repair: scar revision or reconstruction to minimize permanent disfigurement
- Lost income: wages lost during recovery and ongoing therapy
- Pain and suffering: physical pain, scarring, and emotional distress from the attack
- Disability or permanent injury: nerve damage, reduced function, or chronic complications
- Counseling and mental-health treatment: therapy to address fear, anxiety, and trauma
We pursue these damages in Denver District Court or through settlement with the dog owner's insurance company.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Denver — 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.
Denver Dog Bite Lawyers FAQ
Do I need Denver dog bite lawyers after a bite?
Call Denver 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 is Colorado's dog-bite statute and how does it apply in Denver?
Colorado law holds dog owners liable for damages if their dog bites or attacks someone, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. This is called strict liability. In Denver, this applies on public property and private property where the victim had a right to be. Additionally, a claim may exist for negligence if the owner failed to control or contain a known dangerous dog. Our attorneys review both the statutory claim and any negligence claim based on the specific facts of your case.
When do I need to notify Denver or act on a dog-bite claim?
Timing is critical. Colorado law sets a general statute of limitations for personal injury claims, but if a public entity (such as Denver Police or a city agency) is involved, an early written notice may be required before you can sue. We recommend seeking a case-specific review as soon as possible after the incident to determine the exact deadline and any notice requirements that apply to your claim.
What damages can I recover in a dog-bite claim in Denver?
Damages in a dog-bite case can include medical expenses from Denver Health Medical Center or other providers, scarring and permanent disfigurement, lost wages if you missed work, pain and suffering, emotional trauma and psychological treatment, and ongoing medical needs. Your specific damages depend on the nature and severity of the bite and its long-term effects.
How much does it cost to hire McCormick & Murphy for a dog-bite claim?
We handle dog-bite and injury claims on a contingency fee basis, which means we earn an attorney fee only if your case is settled or won. You pay no legal fee out of your own pocket. Case costs—such as filing fees, medical records retrieval, and expert reports—are advanced by the firm and are separate from the attorney fee. We discuss all costs and fees during your consultation.
What information do I need to provide about the dog owner and the incident location?
Provide the dog owner's full name, address, phone number, and insurance information if available. For the location, note the street (such as Colfax Avenue or Federal Boulevard), neighborhood (Capitol Hill, Five Points, Cherry Creek, Highlands Ranch, or RiNo), date, time, and circumstances of the attack. If the incident occurred near I-25 or I-70, indicate that as well. The location affects which law applies and which entity may be responsible. Any prior incidents involving the same dog are also important.
Related legal guides
City pages for this practice area
Denver dog-bite claims
Colorado dog-bite statute
Owner liability under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 when a bite causes serious bodily injury.
Child dog-bite injuries
Bites to minors, who may bring the claim, and scarring that shows up as a child grows.
Landlord liability
Apartment, rental, and HOA cases where the dog owner is not the only possible defendant.
Non-bite dog attacks
Knockdowns, chases, and other attacks that are not a bite under the statute.
Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Public paths, parks, and attacks away from the owner's home.
Facial scarring
Disfigurement, infection, nerve injury, and reconstructive care after a bite.
Homeowner's insurance
Homeowner and renter coverage, breed exclusions, and delayed or denied claims.
Fatal dog attacks
Death from a dog attack, and how that claim connects to Colorado wrongful-death law.
Nearest McCormick & Murphy office
Discuss your Denver claim
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