Larimer County · Non-Bite Dog Attacks
Fort Collins Dog Attack Lawyers
Fort Collins dog attack lawyers for people hurt by a dog in Fort Collins. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Non-Bite Dog Attacks: Negligence Claims Under Fort Collins Law
McCormick & Murphy are Fort Collins dog attack lawyers for people hurt by a knockdown, chase, or other attack that was not a bite. We file in Larimer County Justice Center.
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites specifically. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin, that claim generally falls under ordinary negligence law rather than the strict liability standard that applies to bites.
That distinction matters because a negligence claim requires us to show the owner failed to use reasonable care, such as letting the dog run loose, ignoring known aggressive behavior, or failing to restrain the animal properly. It is a different path to holding the owner responsible, but it is still a real path.
Non-bite attacks can cause serious injuries: broken bones from a fall, head impact, torn ligaments, and lasting fear of dogs. We look at what actually happened and whether the owner's conduct fell short of what a reasonable dog owner should have done.
Proving a Non-Bite Dog Attack Happened the Way You Say
We start with the basic facts: was the dog off leash, did it get loose from a yard or fence, and did the owner have any warning signs the dog might behave this way. Witness accounts, photos of the scene, and any history of prior incidents with the same dog all help establish whether the owner acted reasonably.
Medical records matter here too, even without a bite wound. Documentation from a visit to UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital or another provider showing a fracture, head injury, or ligament damage ties your injury directly to the fall or impact caused by the dog. If teeth did break skin during the same incident, we also look at whether the bite statute applies alongside a negligence claim.
- Get medical attention even if there's no visible wound
- Photograph bruises, scrapes, and the scene where it happened
- Get contact information for the dog's owner and any witnesses
- Note whether the dog was on a leash or had escaped a yard
- Write down what happened while details are fresh
Non-Bite Attacks Along College Avenue, Harmony Road, and I-25
We see these cases happen along College Avenue, near Harmony Road, and around Mulberry Street, where foot traffic, cyclists, and loose dogs sometimes collide. Similar incidents come up in Loveland and Wellington, where yards and open space put people and dogs into closer contact.
When a claim requires filing, that happens through the Larimer County Justice Center. Our office is based in Denver, but we handle Fort Collins non-bite attack cases without requiring you to travel for most of the process.
Investigating Fort Collins Non-Bite Dog Attacks & Client Office Access
Fort Collins dog attack lawyers for knockdown, chase, and scratch incidents that fall under negligence law rather than Colorado's bite statute. We file in Larimer County Justice Center and handle cases without requiring you to travel to our Denver office for most of the process.
- Negligence Standard for Non-Bite Attacks: When a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin, the claim generally falls under ordinary negligence law rather than strict liability. We show the owner failed to use reasonable care, such as letting the dog run loose, ignoring known aggressive behavior, or failing to restrain the animal properly.
- Evidence We Gather for Your Claim: We look at whether the dog was off leash, whether it escaped from a yard or fence, and whether the owner had warning signs. Witness accounts, photos of the scene, prior incidents with the same dog, and medical records from providers like UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital showing fractures, head injury, or ligament damage all help establish the owner acted unreasonably.
Fractures, Lost Income, Therapy, and Other Recoverable Costs
- Medical bills for fractures, head injuries, or torn ligaments
- Lost income from time away from work
- Pain and suffering from the injury and recovery
- Costs of physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Emotional impact, including fear of dogs going forward
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.
Should I Call a Lawyer After a Fort Collins Non-Bite Attack?
Do I need Fort Collins dog attack lawyers after an injury?
Call Fort Collins dog attack lawyers when you were hurt, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The nearest office is in Denver, CO.
If the dog never bit me, do I still have a case?
Yes, but it works differently than a bite claim. We would need to show the owner failed to use reasonable care, such as letting the dog run loose or ignoring signs it might act aggressively. It's a negligence case rather than a strict liability case under the bite statute.
What counts as a non-bite dog attack?
This includes being knocked down, chased, or scratched by a dog without the teeth breaking skin. These incidents can still cause serious injuries like broken bones or head trauma from a fall.
What if the dog bit me and also knocked me down?
We sort out which facts fall under the bite statute and which fall under general negligence. Both types of claims can sometimes apply to the same incident, and we address each part based on what actually happened.
How do I prove the owner was negligent?
We look at whether the dog was properly restrained, whether the owner knew of any prior aggressive behavior, and whether reasonable precautions were in place. Witness statements, photos, and any history with the dog all help build that picture.
Do I need to go to the hospital if there's no bite wound?
Yes. Injuries like fractures, head impact, or ligament damage from a fall aren't always obvious right away. Getting checked out, for example at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital, creates a medical record that connects your injury to the incident.
Nearest McCormick & Murphy office
Discuss Your Fort Collins Dog Attack Case
Speak directly with an experienced injury attorney. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.