Larimer County · Fatal dog attacks
Fort Collins Fatal Dog Attack Lawyers
A fatal dog attack in Fort Collins is a family's worst day. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Bite Causes Death
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a fatal attack happens while the victim was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property. That statute sets out when an owner is liable for the injury the dog caused. When the injury results in death, the case moves into wrongful-death territory, and different rules control who can bring the claim and what it covers.
We look at both bodies of law together. The dog-bite statute helps establish the owner's liability for the attack itself. But the question of who may file suit on behalf of the person who died, and what losses that suit can recover, is controlled by Colorado wrongful-death law, not by the dog-bite statute alone.
If you've lost a family member to a dog attack in Fort Collins, we can walk you through how these two areas of law fit together and what that means for your family's case.
Building the Record After a Fatal Attack
A fatal dog attack investigation typically draws on animal-control and police records documenting the incident, witness statements, and the dog's history if it had prior complaints. Medical records establish the cause and circumstances of death. We gather these records early, because they can be difficult to obtain later and because they shape how the case against the owner is built.
We also look at where the attack happened and whether the victim had a legal right to be there, since that goes to the heart of a claim under the dog-bite statute. Photos of the scene, any recordings, and prompt witness accounts all help establish what happened before that information fades or is lost.
- Any records or reports created after the attack
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Photos of the location where the attack occurred
- Information about the dog and its owner, including any prior incidents
- Medical and hospital records related to the death
Handling Fatal Attack Cases From Fort Collins
We represent families across Fort Collins and Larimer County, including near College Avenue, Harmony Road, Mulberry Street, Loveland, and Wellington. Fatal attacks can happen in a neighborhood, a park, or on someone else's property, and where it occurred matters to the legal analysis under Colorado's dog-bite statute.
Cases connected to a Fort Collins attack may involve court proceedings at the Larimer County Justice Center and medical records from UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital. Our office is in Denver, and we work with families throughout the region to handle these matters without adding travel burden during an already difficult time.
What a Wrongful-Death Claim May Address
- Funeral and burial costs
- Medical expenses connected to the fatal attack
- Loss of the deceased's income and financial support
- Loss of companionship and support for surviving family
- Other losses recognized under Colorado wrongful-death law
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.
Fort Collins Fatal dog attacks FAQ
Can we file a claim if a family member died from a dog attack in Fort Collins?
Possibly. The dog-bite statute can establish the owner's liability if your family member was lawfully in a public place or on the owner's property. Who in the family may actually bring the wrongful-death claim is governed by separate Colorado wrongful-death law, and we can explain how that applies to your situation.
How does the dog-bite statute relate to a wrongful-death claim?
The dog-bite statute addresses when a dog owner is liable for an attack. When that attack causes death, the case also involves wrongful-death law, which controls who can sue and what damages are available. We use both together to build the family's case.
What records are important in a fatal dog attack case?
Animal-control and police records, witness statements, and the dog's prior history are all important, along with medical records documenting the death. Gathering this evidence early helps prevent it from being lost or becoming harder to obtain.
Does it matter where the attack happened?
Yes. The dog-bite statute applies when the victim was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property, so the location of the attack is central to the claim. We evaluate this carefully as part of building the case.
Do you charge anything for a consultation about a fatal dog attack?
No. We offer a free consultation and do not charge an attorney fee unless we recover for your family. We can discuss what happened and explain your options at no cost.
Discuss a Fort Collins dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.