Douglas County · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Highlands Ranch Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by a loose dog in Highlands Ranch? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash and Dog Park Bites in Highlands Ranch
An off-leash dog attack away from the owner's property is still a serious injury claim. C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 can apply when someone is lawfully in a public place, like a trail along Highlands Ranch Parkway or a path near University Boulevard, and suffers a serious injury from a dog bite. The statute does not require the attack to happen at the dog's home.
Even when the strict liability statute does not fit the facts, an off-leash dog can support a negligence claim. An owner who lets a dog run loose near C-470 access points, in a neighborhood, or along a busy corridor has a duty to control that animal. Failing to leash or restrain a dog that then bites someone can be evidence of that failure.
Dog parks raise their own questions. People who bring dogs to an off-leash area accept some normal contact and rough play between dogs. That does not mean every injury at a dog park is automatically compensable, but it also does not mean an injured person has no claim. We look at what the dog did, how the owner responded, and whether the owner's conduct went beyond what a reasonable dog park visitor should expect.
Building the Case After a Public-Place Attack
Location matters in these cases. We want to know exactly where the attack happened, whether it was a sidewalk, open space trail, or fenced dog park, and whether the dog was on or off leash at the time. Photos of the scene, any posted signage, and the general layout help show what a person in that location could reasonably expect.
Witnesses are often the difference in an off-leash case. Other park visitors, joggers, or neighbors nearby may have seen the dog running loose, seen the owner's reaction, or heard warnings given before the bite. We work quickly to identify these witnesses and gather their accounts while memories are still fresh.
- Note the exact location: trail, park, sidewalk, or open space area
- Write down whether the dog was leashed or running free
- Get names and contact information for anyone who saw the attack
- Take photos of the location, any signage, and your injuries
- Keep any medical records from treatment you received
Highlands Ranch and Douglas County
Highlands Ranch has a lot of open space, trails, and off-leash areas along corridors like University Boulevard and near C-470, and dogs get loose in all of them. We handle claims from attacks on trails, in neighborhoods, and in designated dog parks throughout the community, including areas bordering Littleton and Lone Tree.
If your case moves into litigation, it will typically be handled through the Douglas County Justice Center. If you were treated for your injuries at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital or another local provider, we will help gather those records to support your claim.
What You Can Recover
- Medical bills for treatment of the bite or attack injuries
- Future medical costs if scarring or reconstructive treatment is needed
- Lost wages if your injury kept you from working
- Pain and suffering from the attack and recovery
- Costs related to scarring or permanent disfigurement
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 Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I still file a claim if the attack happened at a dog park?
Yes, but dog parks involve some accepted risk of normal contact between dogs. We look closely at what happened, how the owner acted, and whether the incident went beyond what a reasonable visitor would expect before determining whether you have a claim.
Does it matter if I was on a public trail instead of the owner's property?
No, being in a public place does not prevent you from bringing a claim. In fact, being lawfully present in a public location is one of the factors that can support a claim under Colorado's dog bite statute.
What if the dog was off leash when it attacked me?
An off-leash dog running loose in public can support both a statutory claim and a negligence claim against the owner. We investigate whether the owner failed to control the dog and whether that failure led to your injury.
What proof do I need if there was no leash law violation cited?
We do not rely only on a citation. Witness statements, photos of the scene, and details about the dog's behavior and whether it was restrained all help establish what happened, even without a separate leash-law ticket.
I was attacked near C-470 or Highlands Ranch Parkway. Does location affect my claim?
Location itself does not determine your claim, but it helps us establish that you were lawfully present in a public area, which is part of what the law requires for certain claims. We will also use the location to find and speak with any nearby witnesses.
Discuss a Highlands Ranch dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.