Fremont County · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Florence Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by an off-leash dog in Florence? Free consultation, no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash Attacks and Colorado Dog Bite Law
A dog does not have to bite someone on the owner's property for a claim to exist. If you were bitten while lawfully in a public place in Florence, whether on a path near Main Street, along East 3rd Street, or elsewhere in town, and the injury was serious, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 can apply the same way it would to an attack at a private home.
An off-leash dog also raises a separate negligence question. If an owner let a dog run loose in a place where leashes are expected, or lost control of the dog near traffic on Colorado Highway 115 or in a residential area, that failure to control the animal can support a claim even apart from the statute.
We look at where the attack happened and whether the owner had the dog under control. Loose dogs near roads, in yards without fencing, or wandering through neighborhoods create real risk, and Florence residents and visitors who get hurt in these situations have options worth discussing.
What Matters in a Public-Place or Off-Leash Case
Dog parks sit in a different category. People who bring dogs there accept some degree of normal contact between animals, so not every scuffle or nip turns into a claim. But that does not mean a dog-park injury is automatically off the table, especially where a dog showed clear aggression, an owner ignored posted rules, or the injury went beyond what anyone reasonably expects from dogs playing together.
Because these cases turn on where the dog was and how it behaved, the details matter more than in a straightforward home-property bite. We look at whether the dog was leashed or off-leash, the specific location, who saw what happened, and how quickly you can document the scene before it changes.
- Note the exact location, including street or park name and nearest landmark
- Write down whether the dog was on a leash, and if not, how it got loose
- Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the attack
- Photograph the scene, the dog if possible, and your injuries
- Keep records from any medical visit related to the bite
Handling Florence Cases
We handle off-leash and public-place dog bite claims for people in Florence, including incidents near Main Street, East 3rd Street, Colorado Highway 115, and surrounding areas toward Cañon City and Penrose. Injuries from these cases are often treated at CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City, and those records can become part of the evidence we gather.
When a case needs to be filed, it goes through Fremont County Combined Courts in Cañon City. Our office is in Pueblo, and we work with Florence clients by phone, video, or in person to fit your schedule while we build the claim.
Damages We Pursue
- Medical bills for treatment of the bite or attack
- Future medical costs if scarring or complications continue
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering from the attack and recovery
- Scarring or disfigurement from the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Florence — and read client testimonials.
A pickup hit me from behind on Hwy 50 east of Pueblo. The insurer offered $2,600. McCormick & Murphy helped with treatment, filed suit, and the case settled at mediation for $165,000.
C. O., Pueblo · Highway 50 crash
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Florence Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I still file a claim if the attack happened in a public park?
Yes. C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 can apply to attacks in public places as long as you were lawfully there and the injury was serious. Location alone does not rule out a claim.
What if the dog was off-leash but the owner says it never bit anyone before?
A dog's history is one factor, but an off-leash dog that causes injury can still support a negligence claim based on the owner's failure to control it. We look at the full picture, not just past behavior.
Are dog-park injuries automatically covered?
Not automatically. People at dog parks accept some normal contact between dogs, so minor incidents may not lead to a claim. Serious injuries or clear aggression that goes beyond normal play are a different matter, and we evaluate each case on its facts.
What if I don't know who owns the dog that bit me?
Witness information, photos, and details about the dog's appearance and location can help identify the owner. The sooner these details are gathered, the better the chances of tracking down who was responsible.
Do I need to go to the hospital right after an off-leash attack?
Getting evaluated matters for your health and for documenting the injury. Records from a visit to CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital or another provider can support your claim later.
Discuss a Florence dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.