Arapahoe County · Non-bite dog attacks
Englewood Dog Attack Lawyers
Englewood dog attack that left you hurt but wasn't a bite? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Knockdowns, Chases, and Other Non-Bite Attacks
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you into traffic, or scratched you without breaking skin, that injury usually falls under ordinary negligence law rather than the strict liability standard the bite statute provides.
That does not mean the injury is minor. A knockdown can cause broken bones, a head injury from hitting pavement, torn ligaments, or lasting fear around dogs. These are possible harms depending on the facts of your case, not outcomes we can promise before we know what happened.
In a negligence claim, we look at whether the owner controlled the dog, whether it was off leash or otherwise loose, and whether the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the dog from getting free. Those questions drive whether the owner is responsible for what happened to you.
What We Look At In Englewood Non-Bite Cases
We start by sorting the facts. If teeth broke your skin at any point during the incident, the bite statute may apply to that part of the injury even if the dog also knocked you down or chased you first. We do not force every attack into one legal box. We look at what actually happened and match the facts to the right claim.
For the negligence side, we look at how the dog got loose, whether the owner knew the dog tended to chase or jump on people, and whether a leash, fence, or gate failed. Witness accounts, any video from the area, and records from where you were treated all help establish what the dog did and how the owner's conduct fell short.
- Get medical attention for falls, head impact, or joint injuries even without broken skin
- Photograph the scene, any fencing or leash involved, and your injuries
- Get contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- Write down exactly what the dog did before and during the attack
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurer before talking with us
Handling Non-Bite Dog Attack Claims Near Englewood
Englewood neighborhoods like South Broadway, Hampden Avenue, Santa Fe Drive, and areas near Littleton and Sheridan see plenty of foot traffic, dog walking, and shared trails. A dog that gets loose along these corridors can knock down a pedestrian or cyclist without ever biting them, and those injuries deserve the same serious look as a bite claim.
If you were treated at HCA HealthONE Swedish or another facility after a fall or collision caused by a loose dog, those records help document the injury. Claims arising in Englewood are handled through Arapahoe County, including filings at the Arapahoe County Justice Center when a case proceeds there. We work from our Denver office and handle these matters throughout the area.
Losses We Evaluate In Non-Bite Attack Claims
- Medical bills for fractures, head injuries, or joint damage
- Costs of physical therapy or ongoing treatment
- Lost wages while you recover
- Pain and suffering, including lasting fear of dogs
- Property damage, such as a bicycle or personal items damaged in the attack
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Englewood — 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.
Englewood Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Can I still make a claim if the dog never bit me?
Yes. A knockdown, chase, or scratch without a bite is typically handled as a negligence claim rather than under Colorado's bite statute. We evaluate whether the owner failed to control the dog or keep it secured.
What do I need to prove in a non-bite dog attack case?
You generally need to show the owner did not use reasonable care, such as letting the dog run loose or failing to maintain a fence or leash, and that this failure caused your injury. Witness statements and documentation of the dog's behavior help build that case.
What if the dog bit me and also knocked me down?
We look at the full sequence of events. If teeth broke the skin at any point, the bite statute may apply to that injury, while the knockdown portion may be evaluated under negligence. We sort out which facts support which claim.
Are non-bite injuries taken as seriously as bites?
They can be. Broken bones, head injuries, and torn ligaments from a fall caused by a loose dog can be just as significant as a bite wound. We evaluate the injury itself, not just how it happened.
Where would my case be handled if I was hurt in Englewood?
Englewood is in Arapahoe County, and matters that proceed to filing are typically handled through the Arapahoe County Justice Center. We work with clients from our Denver office and handle these cases throughout the surrounding area.
Discuss a Englewood dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.