Arapahoe County · Non-bite dog attacks
Greenwood Village Dog Attack Lawyers
A dog knocked you down or chased you in Greenwood Village? 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 off a bike on Orchard Road, chased you into traffic near University Boulevard, or scratched you without breaking skin, that attack usually falls outside the statute's strict liability rule. Instead, it's a negligence claim, and we have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care.
That doesn't mean the injuries are any less real. Knockdowns and chases can cause broken bones, head injuries, torn ligaments, and a lasting fear of dogs. We treat these as possible outcomes we investigate and document, not assumptions we build a case around before we know the facts.
Proving a negligence claim means looking at whether the dog was under control, whether it was off-leash or loose in a yard without a proper fence, and whether the owner knew the dog posed a risk. We build the case around those specific facts rather than trying to force a non-bite incident into the bite statute.
What We Look At
We start by figuring out exactly what happened: was the dog loose, was it on a leash that failed, did the owner call it off, or did the owner do nothing while the dog knocked someone down or gave chase. Witness accounts, any video from homes or businesses near Belleview Avenue or in neighborhoods like Cherry Hills Village and Englewood, and the owner's own statements all matter here.
If the skin was broken during the same incident, we also look at whether the bite statute applies alongside a negligence theory. We don't assume one label fits the whole event. Sorting bite facts from non-bite facts up front helps us build the strongest version of the claim instead of guessing which law applies.
- Get medical care, even if there's no visible bite wound
- Write down exactly what the dog did: knocked you down, chased you, jumped
- Get the owner's name, address, and contact information if possible
- Photograph the scene, any fencing or leash involved, and your injuries
- Ask any witnesses nearby for their names and what they saw
Handling Non-Bite Dog Attack Claims Near Greenwood Village
We work with clients hurt in incidents around Belleview Avenue, Orchard Road, and University Boulevard, as well as neighboring areas like Englewood and Cherry Hills Village. If you were treated at HCA HealthONE Swedish or Sky Ridge Medical Center after a fall or collision caused by a dog, those records help establish what happened and how it affected you.
When a claim requires filing, Arapahoe County matters run through the Arapahoe County Justice Center. Our office is in Denver, and we handle these negligence-based dog attack claims throughout the Greenwood Village area.
Possible Damages in a Non-Bite Dog Attack Claim
- Medical treatment for fractures, head injuries, or ligament damage
- Rehabilitation or physical therapy costs
- Lost income while you recover
- Pain and suffering from the incident and recovery
- Ongoing fear or anxiety around dogs
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Greenwood Village — 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.
Greenwood Village Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Can I still make a claim if the dog never bit me?
Yes. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or otherwise caused injury without breaking skin, you may have a negligence claim against the owner. It's a different legal path than the bite statute, but it can still lead to compensation.
What do I need to prove in a non-bite dog attack case?
We generally need to show the owner failed to use reasonable care, such as letting the dog run loose or failing to control it in a situation where control was expected. Evidence about the dog's behavior and the owner's actions leading up to the incident is central.
What if the dog bit me and knocked me down in the same incident?
We look at both angles. The bite portion may fall under Colorado's bite statute while the knockdown or chase portion is evaluated as negligence. We sort out which facts support which claim rather than picking one label for the whole event.
I wasn't touched by the dog, but I was hurt trying to get away. Do I have a claim?
Possibly. If a dog's aggressive behavior, like chasing or lunging, caused you to fall or get hurt while avoiding it, that can still support a negligence claim against the owner. We'd need to look at the specific circumstances.
Do I need to see a doctor even if I wasn't bitten?
Yes. Knockdowns and falls can cause fractures, head injuries, or ligament damage that aren't obvious right away. Medical records from a visit to Sky Ridge Medical Center or HCA HealthONE Swedish also help document your injuries for the claim.
Discuss a Greenwood Village dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.