Jefferson County · Non-bite dog attacks
Golden Dog Attack Lawyers
If a dog knocked you down or chased you in Golden without biting, we can still help. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
When There's No Bite, Colorado Law Still Protects You
C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, the Colorado dog bite statute, applies to bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you into traffic, or scratched you without breaking the skin, that injury generally falls under ordinary negligence law rather than the strict liability rules that apply to bites.
That distinction matters for how we build the case, but it does not mean the injury is any less real. A knockdown or chase can lead to broken bones, a head injury from a fall, torn ligaments, or a lasting fear of dogs. We treat these as possible harms we investigate and document, not outcomes we promise.
In a negligence claim, we look at whether the owner kept control of the dog, whether the dog was off leash or otherwise loose, and whether the owner took reasonable steps to prevent the animal from harming someone. If the facts show the owner failed to use reasonable care, that failure can support a claim even without a bite.
Building a Negligence Case Without a Bite Mark
Because this type of claim depends on showing the owner's lack of reasonable care, the details around the encounter matter. Was the dog restrained. Did it get loose from a yard or slip a leash. Had it acted aggressively before. We gather witness accounts, animal control records if they exist, and photos of the scene to show how the incident happened.
We also look closely at whether teeth made contact with skin at any point during the incident. If they did, the bite statute may apply alongside a negligence theory. We do not try to force every attack into one legal box. Instead, we sort out which facts point to a bite claim and which point to a negligence claim, and we build the strongest combination the facts support.
- Photos of any bruises, scrapes, or injuries from the fall or impact
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the dog or the incident
- Notes on where the dog came from and whether it was on a leash or fenced
- Any medical records from care you received for the fall or injury
- The owner's name and address if you were able to get it at the scene
Handling Non-Bite Dog Attack Claims in Golden
Golden's mix of trails, open space, and residential streets near Washington Avenue and West Colfax Avenue means dogs are often off leash or loosely supervised outdoors. A dog running loose near Colorado Highway 93 or through neighborhoods bordering Lakewood and Arvada can knock down a runner, cyclist, or pedestrian without ever biting. We take these incidents seriously and build the negligence case around what actually happened.
If you were treated at CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood after a fall or collision caused by a dog, those records help document the injury. Claims arising in Golden are typically handled through Jefferson County Courts, and we're familiar with how negligence claims move through that system.
What a Non-Bite Attack Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment for fractures, sprains, or head injuries from a fall
- Physical therapy or follow-up care for torn ligaments or joint injuries
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Ongoing anxiety or fear around dogs following the incident
- Other losses tied directly to the negligent handling of the dog
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Golden — 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.
Golden Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
The dog never bit me, just knocked me down. Do I still have a claim?
Possibly, under a negligence theory rather than the strict liability dog bite statute. We look at whether the owner controlled the dog and whether that failure led to your fall or injury. Many serious injuries come from knockdowns and chases even without a bite.
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 restrain a dog known to chase people. Witness statements, photos, and any record of the dog's behavior help support that showing.
What if the dog scratched me but didn't break the skin?
A scratch without a break in the skin is usually treated as a negligence issue rather than a bite claim. We still investigate the owner's control of the dog and whether reasonable care was used.
Can a case involve both a bite and a non-bite injury?
Yes. Some attacks include a bite as well as a fall, scratch, or other harm. We sort through the facts to see whether the bite statute, a negligence claim, or both apply to your situation.
What should I do after being knocked down by a dog in Golden?
Get medical attention if needed, take photos of the scene and any injuries, and get contact information for witnesses and the dog's owner if possible. Then reach out for a free consultation so we can look at the details and explain your options.
Discuss a Golden dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.