Jefferson County · Dog Bites and Attacks
Golden Dog Bite Lawyers
Golden dog bite lawyers for bites on Washington Avenue and Highway 93 and across Golden. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Golden Dog Bite Claims Under Colorado's Strict Liability Law
McCormick & Murphy are Golden dog bite lawyers for people bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property. We get the Golden Police Department or the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office report, the CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital records, and file in Jefferson County Courts.
Colorado law holds dog owners liable for injuries their dogs cause, even without proof the owner knew the dog was dangerous. If a dog bit you in Golden, near Highway 93, on Washington Avenue, or anywhere in Jefferson County, we examine who owned or controlled the dog, where the attack happened, and what warnings or barriers existed. We also look for separate negligence—for example, if an owner let a dog run loose knowing it had attacked before.
Your claim may include strict liability under Colorado's dog-bite statute and negligence claims based on the owner's carelessness or prior knowledge of the dog's aggressive behavior. We gather police reports from the Golden Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff's Office, animal-control records, witness statements, and medical documentation to show exactly how the attack occurred and who is responsible.
Evidence That Supports Your Golden Dog Bite Case
Animal-control reports, vaccination records, and ownership documents establish who had control of the dog. Photographs of your injuries taken immediately after the attack—and during healing—show the severity and lasting marks. Medical records from CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood or other treatment facilities document infection risk, wound depth, and professional care you received.
Prior-incident reports reveal if the dog had bitten or attacked before. Witness statements confirm what happened and where. Insurance coverage details tell us whether the owner's homeowner's or renters' policy will compensate you. We also collect evidence of lost income, ongoing medical needs, and the emotional impact the attack has had on your daily life.
Local investigations may involve Golden Police Department and Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office, scenes in Wheat Ridge or Arvada, parks, trails, and residential yards.
Washington Avenue and Highway 93 toward Idaho Springs are recurring local collision corridors.
A dog bite claim in Golden involves proving ownership or control of the dog, the circumstances of the attack, compliance with Colorado's dog-bite statute, and the full extent of your injuries and losses. Collect the following:
- Dog owner or keeper identification and contact information
- Proof of dog ownership or control (registration, vaccination records, prior incident reports)
- Location of the attack (private property, public space, business premises)
- Names and contact details of all eyewitnesses
- Photographs of the dog, the bite wounds, and the location
- Medical records from CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood or any other treatment facility, including ER visits, follow-up care, and infection testing
- Scarring photographs taken over time (document healing progression)
- Statements from your employer regarding missed work and lost income
- Police or Golden Police Department incident reports
- Animal-control reports and investigation findings from Golden Police Department or Jefferson County Sheriff's Office
- Veterinary or animal-control records showing prior incidents or complaints about the dog
- Insurance information for the property owner or dog owner
- Documentation of any permanent nerve damage, disability, or emotional distress
- Receipts for medical expenses, medications, and therapy
- Any prior warnings or complaints about the dog's aggressive behavior
Jefferson County Courts and the Medical Realities of Dog Bites
Dog bites often seem minor until infection sets in. Puncture wounds can introduce bacteria deep into tissue, requiring antibiotics, wound cleaning, and sometimes surgery. Nerve and tendon injuries may not be obvious at first but can cause numbness, weakness, or chronic pain months later. Scarring and disfigurement—especially on the face, hand, or arm—may require plastic surgery or ongoing dermatological care.
Beyond physical healing, many bite victims experience anxiety, fear of dogs, or post-traumatic stress. Treatment may include therapy, medication, and reconstructive procedures. We document all medical bills, prescriptions, physical therapy, and psychological care as part of your damages claim.
Official Golden hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Future Medical Care and Other Damages in a Golden Dog Bite Claim
- Medical expenses: emergency care, wound treatment, infection management, surgery, and ongoing therapy
- Scarring and disfigurement: cosmetic or reconstructive procedures and the permanent impact on appearance
- Lost wages: time away from work during recovery and treatment
- Pain and suffering: physical pain, emotional distress, anxiety, and reduced quality of life
- Future medical care: anticipated surgeries, therapy, or psychological treatment
Jefferson County Courts recognize the full scope of harm a dog attack causes, and we pursue every available avenue of compensation.
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.
When You Need Golden Dog Bite Lawyers: Your Questions Answered
Do I need Golden dog bite lawyers after a bite?
Call Golden dog bite lawyers when the bite needs medical care, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The Denver office is in Denver, CO.
What is Colorado's dog-bite statute, and how does it apply to attacks in Golden?
Under Colorado law, a dog owner is strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog if it was running at large in violation of local ordinances, or if the owner knew the dog had dangerous propensities. Golden and Jefferson County enforce leash laws and animal-control regulations. We examine whether the dog was restrained, whether the owner had prior knowledge of dangerous behavior, and whether statutory requirements were met. This is separate from any negligence claim based on the owner's careless conduct.
I was bitten near Highway 93. How do I report this to authorities?
Report the incident to the Golden Police Department or Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Document the location, time, and the dog's description. If you required emergency care, CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital in Lakewood or your nearest facility will have medical records that support your claim. Request a copy of any police report or animal-control investigation. These records are critical evidence for your claim.
What is the deadline to file a dog-bite claim in Golden?
The deadline varies depending on the type of claim and who may be responsible. If a city or county government entity is involved, there may be an early written-notice requirement before you can file a lawsuit. We recommend contacting us promptly after the attack so we can review the specific facts and applicable deadlines. Waiting too long can forfeit your rights.
How do you charge for a dog-bite claim?
McCormick & Murphy handles dog-bite claims on a contingency fee basis. We earn an attorney fee only if your case is settled or won. You do not pay attorney fees upfront. Case costs, such as medical records requests or expert reports, are separate from the attorney fee and are discussed with you in advance.
What damages can I recover from a dog bite in Jefferson County?
You may recover medical expenses, including surgery and ongoing care; scarring and disfigurement; pain and suffering; lost wages and earning capacity; permanent disability or nerve injury; and emotional distress such as fear or anxiety. We examine your medical records, work history, and the lasting impact of the attack to build your damages claim. Each case is unique, and we evaluate all available evidence.
Related legal guides
Same service in nearby communities
Golden dog-bite claims
Colorado Dog-Bite Statute
Owner liability under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 when a bite causes serious bodily injury.
Child Dog-Bite Injuries
Bites to minors, who may bring the claim, and scarring that shows up as a child grows.
Landlord Liability
Apartment, rental, and HOA cases where the dog owner is not the only possible defendant.
Non-Bite Dog Attacks
Knockdowns, chases, and other attacks that are not a bite under the statute.
Off-Leash and Dog-Park Attacks
Public paths, parks, and attacks away from the owner's home.
Facial Scarring
Disfigurement, infection, nerve injury, and reconstructive care after a bite.
Homeowner's Insurance
Homeowner and renter coverage, breed exclusions, and delayed or denied claims.
Fatal Dog Attacks
Death from a dog attack, and how that claim connects to Colorado wrongful-death law.
Nearest McCormick & Murphy office
Discuss Your Golden Dog Bite Case
Speak directly with an experienced injury attorney. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.