Douglas County · Non-bite dog attacks
Highlands Ranch Dog Attack Lawyers
Knocked down or chased by a dog in Highlands Ranch? Free consultation, no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Attack Is Not a Bite Claim
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites specifically. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin with its teeth, that injury usually falls under ordinary negligence law instead of the strict liability bite statute. The legal path is different, but the injury can still be significant.
We see this in Highlands Ranch with loose dogs along trails and open space near C-470, on sidewalks along University Boulevard, and in neighborhoods off Highlands Ranch Parkway. A dog doesn't have to bite someone to cause real harm. A large dog running at full speed into a pedestrian or cyclist can cause broken bones, head impact, torn ligaments, or lasting fear of dogs.
Because a negligence claim doesn't get the benefit of strict liability, we have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care. That could mean the dog was off leash where leash rules applied, the owner knew the dog was prone to charging or chasing, or the owner simply lost control of the dog in a public place. We build that case fact by fact.
Proving Owner Negligence After a Non-Bite Attack
Because these claims turn on fault rather than automatic liability, evidence matters more than in a straightforward bite case. We look at whether the dog was on a leash, whether the owner had physical control of it, any history of the dog chasing people or other animals, and witness accounts of what happened right before the attack. Photos of the scene, the dog, and any fencing or leash equipment can help establish what went wrong.
Medical records tying your injuries to the incident are just as important here as in a bite case. If you were knocked down, treated at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, or saw another provider for a fracture, sprain, or head injury, those records connect the attack to your damages. We also gather incident reports and any statements the owner made at the scene about the dog getting away from them.
- Photos of the location, any leash or fencing involved, and your injuries
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the attack
- Medical records from any treatment, including imaging for fractures or head injury
- Notes on what the owner said about losing control of the dog
- Any animal control or incident report filed after the attack
Handling These Claims Out of Highlands Ranch
We handle non-bite dog attack claims for people injured around Highlands Ranch, including areas near Littleton and Lone Tree where trails and open space bring pedestrians, cyclists, and dogs into close contact. When a claim needs to go to court, matters connected to Highlands Ranch are typically handled through the Douglas County Justice Center.
Our office is based in Denver, and we meet with Highlands Ranch clients by phone, video, or in person depending on what works best. Whether your injury happened on a trail, in a park, or in your own neighborhood, we start by sorting out whether it's a bite claim, a negligence claim, or both.
Losses We Look At
- Medical treatment for fractures, sprains, or head injury
- Lost income while you recover
- Pain and physical limitation during recovery
- Ongoing fear or anxiety around dogs
- Future medical care if injuries require it
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Highlands Ranch — 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.
Highlands Ranch Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
The dog never bit me, just knocked me down. Do I still have a claim?
Possibly, but it would generally be a negligence claim rather than a strict liability bite claim. We'd look at whether the owner failed to control the dog and whether that failure caused your fall and injuries.
What's the difference between a bite claim and a non-bite claim here?
Colorado's bite statute applies specifically to bites that break the skin. A knockdown, chase, or scratch without a bite usually falls under general negligence law, which requires showing the owner didn't use reasonable care.
What if the dog both knocked me down and bit me?
That can involve both types of claims. We sort out which facts support a bite claim and which support a negligence claim rather than trying to force everything under one legal theory.
I was chased while cycling near C-470 and crashed. Does that count?
It can. If a loose or uncontrolled dog caused you to crash or fall, that's the kind of scenario where a negligence claim against the owner may apply.
How do you prove the owner was negligent if there's no bite?
We look at whether the dog was leashed, whether the owner had control of it, any prior incidents involving the dog, and witness accounts of the attack. Medical records and scene evidence help tie the owner's conduct to your injuries.
Discuss a Highlands Ranch dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.