Arapahoe County · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Englewood Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Englewood while walking, jogging, or at a park? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash Dog Bites and Colorado Law
Colorado's strict liability statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, is not limited to attacks on the owner's property. If you were lawfully in a public place in Englewood, such as a sidewalk, trail, or park, and you suffered a serious injury from a dog bite, the statute can apply the same way it would at a private residence.
An off-leash dog also opens the door to a negligence claim against the owner or handler. If a dog was running loose in a place where it should have been controlled, and that lack of control led to your injury, we can build a case around the owner's failure to keep the animal restrained. We do not rely on any specific municipal leash ordinance to make this argument; we look at what a reasonable dog owner should have done under the circumstances.
Dog parks raise a different question. People who bring their dogs to a dog park generally accept some level of normal contact between dogs. That does not mean every incident at a dog park is automatically a viable claim, and it does not mean an injury at a dog park can never be one either. The facts of what happened, how the dog behaved, and whether the owner had control matter a great deal in these cases.
What Matters in Off-Leash Cases
Location details make or break these claims. We want to know exactly where the attack happened, whether it was on South Broadway, near Hampden Avenue, along Santa Fe Drive, or in a park or open space. We also need to know whether the dog was on a leash, off a leash, or had broken free from one, since that detail speaks directly to the owner's control over the animal.
Witnesses are often the strongest evidence in a public-place attack. Anyone who saw the dog before the bite, saw whether it was leashed, or saw how the owner reacted can support your account. Photos of the scene, including any leash or collar left behind, and photos of your injuries all help us document what happened before memories fade.
- Get the names and contact information of anyone who saw the attack
- Note the exact location, including nearby cross streets or park landmarks
- Photograph the scene, the dog if possible, and your injuries
- Seek medical care and keep records of treatment, including any visit to HCA HealthONE Swedish
- Write down what you remember about the dog's behavior and whether it was leashed
Handling Claims Across Englewood
We take cases from across Englewood, including areas near South Broadway, Hampden Avenue, Santa Fe Drive, and into neighboring Littleton and Sheridan. These are areas with heavy foot traffic, parks, and trails where off-leash incidents happen. We know how to gather scene evidence quickly in these settings before it disappears.
When a claim requires filing in court, cases from Englewood are typically handled through the Arapahoe County Justice Center. Our office is based in Denver, and we work with clients throughout Arapahoe County to build these claims from the ground up, starting with a free consultation.
Damages We Pursue
- Medical bills for treatment of bite wounds and related injuries
- Future medical costs, including scar treatment or reconstructive care
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering from the attack and recovery
- Emotional distress, especially after a public or frightening 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 Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I still file a claim if the attack happened in a public place, not at the owner's home?
Yes. Colorado's dog bite statute applies as long as you were lawfully in that public place and suffered a serious injury. Being on a sidewalk, trail, or in a park does not remove your right to pursue a claim.
What if the dog was off its leash when it attacked me?
An off-leash dog can support both a strict liability claim and a negligence claim against the owner. We look at whether the owner failed to control the animal, which can strengthen your case.
Does an attack at a dog park automatically count as a valid claim?
Not automatically. People at dog parks generally accept some normal contact between dogs, so we look closely at what actually happened, how the dog behaved, and whether the owner had proper control. Some dog park incidents do support a claim, and others do not.
What evidence should I gather after a dog park or trail attack?
Get names of witnesses, note the exact location, and take photos of the scene and your injuries. Details about whether the dog was leashed are especially important in these cases.
Where would my case be handled if I was bitten in Englewood?
Claims from Englewood are typically handled through the Arapahoe County Justice Center. We work with clients throughout the area from our Denver office, starting with a free consultation to review your situation.
Discuss a Englewood dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.