Larimer County · Dog bites and attacks
Fort Collins Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bites in Fort Collins cause deep injury and lasting trauma—we build strong liability claims under Colorado law, free consultation and no fee unless we re…
Dog Bite Claims Under Colorado Law
Colorado holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, even without proof of prior dangerous behavior. This strict-liability rule applies when the victim is in a public place or lawfully in a private place. Beyond strict liability, we also pursue negligence claims based on the owner's failure to control, confine, or warn about the dog.
Fort Collins incidents—whether on College Avenue, Harmony Road, near Mulberry Street, or in neighborhoods across Larimer County—often involve questions of trespass, warning signs, fence condition, and leash compliance. We examine all facts to identify every responsible party and maximize recovery for your medical bills, scarring, lost income, and emotional distress.
Evidence We Gather
Animal-control reports filed with Fort Collins Police Services or Larimer County Sheriff's Office are essential. We obtain vaccination and ownership records, photographs of your injuries immediately after the bite and during healing, and all medical documentation from UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital or other treatment providers. Witness statements from people who saw the attack carry significant weight.
Prior-incident reports—whether the dog previously bit someone, escaped, or lunged—help prove the owner knew or should have known of danger. We review fence integrity, signage, leash policies, and insurance coverage to identify all avenues of recovery. Testimony about the dog's behavior, training, and the circumstances of the attack round out our evidence strategy.
Local investigations may involve Fort Collins Police Services and Larimer County Sheriff’s Office, scenes in Wellington or Timnath, parks, trails, and residential yards.
Other local risks include College Avenue at Harmony Road, winter conditions on Lemay Avenue, and congestion near the Colorado State University campus.
Gather and preserve the following to support your claim:
- Animal control report from Fort Collins Police Services or Larimer County Sheriff's Office
- Proof of dog ownership, registration, and vaccination records
- Medical records from UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital or other treatment provider
- Photographs of all injuries, scarring, and wound progression
- Witness statements (names, phone, account of the attack)
- Location details: exact address, whether you were on public or private property
- Prior incident reports involving the same dog
- Documentation of lost wages or ongoing medical expenses
- Dog's prior behavior history or complaints
- Insurance information for the dog owner or property owner
- Communications with the dog owner
- Evidence of negligence (unsecured yard, known vicious behavior, violation of leash laws)
Medical Treatment and Damages
Dog bites often require emergency care at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital, followed by wound cleaning, stitches or surgical repair, tetanus updates, and rabies prophylaxis. Deeper bites can damage nerves, muscles, and tendons, requiring ongoing orthopedic or plastic surgery. Infection risks and long-term scarring may necessitate reconstructive procedures and psychological counseling.
We document every treatment, including emergency visits, follow-up appointments, prescription costs, and future medical needs. Medical records establish the severity and permanence of your injury, supporting claims for pain and suffering, disfigurement, lost earning capacity, and the cost of scar revision or other remedial care.
Official Fort Collins hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Can Include Recoverable Damages
- Medical expenses: emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, ongoing treatment, and future procedures related to infection, scarring, or nerve injury
- Pain and suffering: physical pain during healing and chronic discomfort from nerve damage or scarring
- Scarring and disfigurement: both visible marks and their psychological impact on appearance and self-image
- Lost wages: income lost during recovery and time away from work for medical appointments
- Emotional distress and fear: post-traumatic stress, anxiety around dogs, and reduced quality of life
- Permanent disability or impairment: lasting functional limitations or cosmetic damage affecting employment or daily activities
Claims are resolved through settlement, insurance recovery, or judgment at Larimer County Justice Center.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Fort Collins — 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.
Fort Collins Dog bites and attacks FAQ
What is Colorado's dog-bite law?
Colorado holds dog owners strictly liable if their dog bites someone in a public place or lawfully in a private place, including the dog owner's property. This means you do not need to prove negligence—only that the dog bit you and you were where you had a right to be. You may also have a separate negligence claim if the owner failed to control or warn of a dangerous dog.
Do I need to report the bite to Fort Collins Police or the Larimer County Sheriff's Office?
Yes. File a report with Fort Collins Police Services or Larimer County Sheriff's Office as soon as possible. Animal control will document the incident, check the dog's vaccination status, and create a record that strengthens your claim. Keep a copy of that report.
What is the deadline to file a claim?
Deadlines vary depending on the type of claim and who is responsible. If a government agency or official is involved, Colorado law requires written notice before suit—often within a shorter timeframe than standard injury claims. Contact us promptly for a case-specific deadline review, especially if the incident occurred on public property or involved a public official.
How does McCormick & Murphy charge for dog-bite cases?
We handle dog-bite claims on a contingency fee basis. We earn an attorney fee only if your case is settled or won in court. You pay no attorney fee out of pocket. Costs for investigation, medical records, and expert reports are separate and are advanced by the firm; those costs are recovered from any settlement or judgment.
Can I recover damages for emotional trauma and scarring?
Yes. Colorado law allows recovery for medical expenses, permanent scarring, disfigurement, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma caused by the attack. Scarring and fear of dogs are common damages in bite cases. Medical records and photographs documenting your injuries are key to proving these damages.
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