Arapahoe County · Dog bites and attacks
Greenwood Village Dog Bite Lawyers
A dog bite in Greenwood Village leaves physical and emotional scars—we investigate ownership and liability to recover compensation, with free consultation.
Dog Bite Claims Under Colorado Law
Colorado law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites, regardless of the dog's prior behavior. If a dog bit or attacked you in Greenwood Village or Arapahoe County, the owner is responsible for your injuries even if the dog had never bitten anyone before. We also pursue separate negligence claims when the owner failed to restrain, leash, or warn of a dangerous dog.
We investigate where the attack happened—whether on your property, a public path along Belleview Avenue or Orchard Road, or elsewhere—and whether the owner knew of the dog's dangerous propensities. Your medical records, photographs of wounds, and witness testimony all support your claim. We work with the Greenwood Village Police Department reports and animal-control findings to establish liability and damages.
Gathering Evidence of Liability
We obtain animal-control reports, vaccination records, and ownership documents to prove the defendant's responsibility for the dog. We photograph your injuries, document scarring, and collect medical records from HCA HealthONE Swedish, Sky Ridge Medical Center, or other providers. Witness statements from neighbors or bystanders who saw the attack are critical.
Prior-incident reports—earlier bites, complaints, or aggressive behavior—show the owner knew or should have known of the danger. Insurance coverage, homeowner or renter policies, is identified early to ensure recovery. We review the scene and any negligence in control, restraint, or fencing. All evidence is organized and presented to support your damages claim in Arapahoe County Justice Center or through settlement negotiation.
Local investigations may involve Greenwood Village Police Department, scenes in Englewood or Cherry Hills Village, parks, trails, and residential yards.
After a dog bite or attack in Greenwood Village, Arapahoe County, collect the following to support your claim:
- Animal control report filed with Greenwood Village Police Department
- Dog owner's name, address, phone, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information
- Proof of dog ownership and registration; vaccination records
- Your medical records from HCA HealthONE Swedish, Sky Ridge Medical Center, or other provider documenting the bite, infection risk, wound depth, and treatment (stitches, antibiotics, rabies protocol)
- Photographs of the wound taken shortly after the attack and during healing (day 1, week 1, month 1)
- Names and contact information for all witnesses present during the attack
- Prior complaints or incidents involving the same dog (ask animal control)
- A timeline of where and why the attack occurred (street name—Belleview Avenue, Orchard Road, University Boulevard, I-25 vicinity, or other location)
- Documentation of lost wages or medical expenses you incurred
- Written descriptions of physical pain, scarring, and emotional or psychological impact (fear, anxiety, nightmares)
- Any video footage from nearby cameras or cell phones
- Your medical bills, receipts, and insurance statements
- Follow-up medical records if nerve injury, infection, or delayed healing occurred
Documenting Your Injury and Recovery
Dog bites often cause deep puncture wounds, bacterial infection, nerve damage, and permanent scarring. Even if initial wounds seem minor, infection or cosmetic damage can require emergency care, surgery, or ongoing wound management. We work with your medical team to document every treatment, surgery, and specialist visit.
Scarring, disfigurement, and loss of function are compensable. Equally important is emotional trauma—anxiety, fear of dogs, post-traumatic stress, or hesitation to walk near parks. Medical evidence of psychological injury supports your damages claim. We ensure all treatment and recovery costs are captured and valued in settlement or trial.
Official Greenwood Village hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Compensation Available in Dog Bite Cases
- Medical expenses: emergency treatment, stitches, surgery, antibiotics, specialist consultations, and ongoing wound care
- Scarring and disfigurement damages: cosmetic surgery or laser treatment to reduce permanent marks or discoloration
- Lost income: wages lost during recovery, hospital visits, or inability to work due to pain or functional limitation
- Emotional distress: anxiety, fear of dogs, nightmares, or post-traumatic stress documented through medical or psychological records
- Pain and suffering: compensation for physical pain during healing and emotional trauma
- Permanent injury or disability: reduced earning capacity or lifelong impact on quality of life
In Arapahoe County, damages are pursued through negotiation, mediation, or trial at the Arapahoe County Justice Center.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Greenwood Village — 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.
Greenwood Village Dog bites and attacks FAQ
What is Colorado's dog-bite law, and how does it apply in Greenwood Village?
Colorado law makes a dog owner strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog biting a person in a public place or a place where the person has a right to be. This means the victim does not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. However, the person bitten must prove the dog caused injury (puncture wound, tear, infection, or scarring), the owner owned or controlled the dog, and the bite occurred in a public place or where the victim had a right to be. A separate negligence claim may also apply if the owner failed to properly contain or control the dog. Greenwood Village Police Department investigates animal incidents, and records may support your claim.
How long do I have to file a dog-bite claim in Greenwood Village?
The deadline depends on the type of claim and who may be responsible. A claim against a private dog owner typically follows Colorado's general injury statute of limitations, but a claim involving a public entity (such as a government facility or public property where the bite occurred) may require an early written notice. Contact McCormick & Murphy promptly to review your specific situation, identify all potential defendants, and ensure you meet all applicable deadlines.
What damages can I recover if a dog bite caused scarring or emotional trauma?
Colorado allows recovery for medical treatment (emergency care, stitches, antibiotics, rabies vaccination), past and ongoing medical expenses, scarring and permanent disfigurement, pain and suffering, lost wages, and emotional distress (fear of dogs, anxiety, nightmares). The amount depends on the severity of the wound, visibility of scarring, impact on your daily life, lost income, and available insurance coverage. Photographs of the wound and healed scar, medical records, and witness testimony about your emotional state strengthen your claim.
How does McCormick & Murphy charge for a dog-bite claim?
McCormick & Murphy handles dog-bite injury claims on a contingency fee basis. This means the firm earns an attorney fee only if your case is settled or won. You do not pay the attorney fee upfront. Advanced case costs (such as medical records, expert review, investigation, and filing fees) are separate from the attorney fee and are discussed with you before they are incurred.
What evidence is most important in a dog-bite case?
The strongest evidence includes the animal-control report from Greenwood Village Police Department, proof of dog ownership and vaccination status, your medical records showing the bite injury and treatment, photographs of the wound and scar, witness names and statements, the location of the attack (Belleview Avenue, Orchard Road, or other Greenwood Village address), and any prior incidents or complaints involving the same dog. Insurance information for the dog owner is also critical. Early documentation is key—photographs and written accounts taken within days of the bite are most credible.
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