Weld County · Non-bite dog attacks
Greeley Dog Attack Lawyers
Knocked down or chased by a dog in Greeley? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Attack Isn't a Bite Claim
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking the skin, that is generally a negligence claim rather than a strict liability claim under that statute. The legal path is different, but the case can still be strong.
A negligence claim asks whether the owner failed to use reasonable care. That might mean a dog left off leash near 10th Street or 47th Avenue, a gate left open near U.S. Highway 34, or a known jumper or chaser that the owner didn't control around neighbors in Evans or Windsor. We look at what the owner knew about the dog and what they did, or didn't do, to keep it under control.
These attacks can cause serious injuries even without a bite: broken bones from a fall, head impact, torn ligaments, and lasting fear of dogs. We build the claim around what actually happened and what it cost you, not around forcing the facts into a statute that doesn't fit.
Building a Negligence Case
Because non-bite attacks fall under general negligence law, we have to show the owner failed to control the dog and that failure caused your injury. That means documenting where the attack happened, whether the dog was loose or on a leash, any fence or gate issues, and whether the owner had reason to know the dog might act this way. Witness accounts from people nearby, whether in a Greeley neighborhood or along a shopping corridor, help establish what the owner knew and did.
Medical records matter just as much in a non-bite case. If you were treated at Banner North Colorado Medical Center or another facility, those records tie your injuries directly to the fall, impact, or physical reaction caused by the dog. If teeth also broke the skin during the same incident, we look at whether the bite statute applies to that part of the claim while building the negligence case around the rest.
- Photos of the scene, including any fence, gate, or leash involved
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the attack
- Medical records from any treatment you received
- Notes on what the owner said about the dog's history or behavior
- Any animal control or police report filed after the incident
Handling Greeley Non-Bite Attack Claims
We take these cases in Greeley and throughout Weld County, filing in Weld County Combined Courts when a claim needs to go to court. Non-bite attacks happen in all kinds of settings here, from a loose dog near 10th Street to a chase along 47th Avenue or near U.S. Highway 34, and we adjust our approach based on where and how the incident occurred.
We also work with clients in Evans and Windsor who were knocked down or chased by dogs whose owners didn't keep them under control. Our office is based in Denver, but we handle these claims for people throughout the Greeley area and stay in direct contact as the case moves forward.
What You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical treatment for fractures, sprains, or head injuries
- Follow-up care such as physical therapy
- Lost income while you recovered
- Pain and suffering from the injury and the attack itself
- Ongoing fear or anxiety around dogs after the incident
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Greeley — 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.
Greeley Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
If the dog didn't bite me, do I still have a case?
Yes. A knockdown, chase, or scratch without a bite is usually handled as a negligence claim rather than under the dog bite statute. We look at whether the owner failed to control the dog and whether that failure caused your injury.
What has to be proven in a non-bite dog attack case?
We generally need to show the dog was not under control, the owner failed to use reasonable care, and that failure led to your injury. Evidence like witness statements, the dog's history, and the scene itself all play a role.
What if the dog both knocked me down and bit me?
We look at both parts of the incident separately. The bite portion may fall under the bite statute while the knockdown or chase is treated as a negligence claim, and we build the case around whichever facts fit each part.
Can I still have a claim if I wasn't touched by the dog at all?
It's possible. If a dog's aggressive behavior, like charging or chasing, caused you to fall or get hurt trying to get away, that can still support a negligence claim depending on the circumstances.
Do you handle these cases outside Greeley proper?
Yes. We handle non-bite dog attack claims throughout Weld County, including areas like Evans and Windsor, and file in Weld County Combined Courts when needed.
Discuss a Greeley dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.