Boulder County · Non-bite dog attacks
Lafayette Dog Attack Lawyers
Lafayette dog attack without a bite? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When the Dog Never Bit You
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, applies to bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you into traffic, jumped on you, or scratched you without breaking skin, that is generally not a claim under that statute. It is a negligence claim instead, and it works differently.
A negligence claim asks whether the owner controlled the dog and whether the owner used reasonable care under the circumstances. That includes questions like whether the dog was on a leash, whether a gate or fence was left open, and whether the owner knew the dog tended to charge at people or other animals.
We look at what actually happened before we decide how to frame the claim. If teeth broke skin at any point during the encounter, the bite statute may apply to that part of the incident even if the main injury came from being knocked down or dragged. We sort out which facts fit which legal theory rather than trying to force a non-bite attack into the bite statute.
Building a Negligence Case
Because these claims turn on the owner's conduct, we look for facts showing lack of control: no leash, a broken fence, a door left open, or a known habit of the dog charging at people. Witness accounts of the dog's behavior before the attack, photos of the scene, and any prior complaints about the dog all matter here.
Medical documentation still matters even without puncture wounds. Broken bones, head injuries from a fall, torn ligaments, and lasting fear of dogs are all injuries a negligence claim can address. We gather medical records that connect the fall or impact to the dog's conduct, not just records describing the injury itself.
- Get medical care for fractures, head impact, or joint injuries even without visible wounds
- Photograph the scene, any fencing or gates involved, and your injuries
- Get contact information for witnesses who saw the dog before the attack
- Write down what you remember about the dog's behavior and the owner's actions
- Keep records of missed work, physical therapy, or follow-up care
Handling These Claims Near Lafayette
We see non-bite dog attacks happen in a lot of everyday Lafayette settings: a dog off-leash near Baseline Road or South Boulder Road, a loose dog along U.S. Highway 287, or an incident during a walk between here and Louisville or Boulder. The setting affects what evidence exists, like nearby businesses with cameras or witnesses out walking.
If you were treated for a fall-related injury, such as at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital, those records help tie the injury to the dog's conduct. If the case doesn't resolve, it would be handled through the Boulder County Justice Center. Our office is in Denver, and we handle these claims for clients throughout the area.
What These Claims Can Cover
- Medical treatment for fractures, head injuries, or torn ligaments
- Physical therapy and follow-up care
- Lost income from time away from work
- Pain and physical limitations during recovery
- Ongoing fear of dogs or anxiety tied to the incident
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lafayette — 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.
Lafayette Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Do I have a case if the dog never bit me?
Possibly, yes. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or otherwise caused injury without biting, you may have a negligence claim against the owner. We look at whether the owner failed to control the dog and whether that failure caused your injury.
Is a non-bite claim harder to prove than a bite claim?
It works differently rather than being simply harder. Colorado's bite statute holds owners strictly liable for bites in many cases, while non-bite injuries usually require showing the owner was negligent. That means we need evidence about how the dog got loose and what the owner knew or should have known.
What if the dog scratched me but didn't puncture the skin?
A scratch without a puncture generally falls outside the bite statute and is treated as a negligence claim. We look at the full sequence of events, since some encounters involve both a bite and other injuries like being knocked down.
What kind of injuries come up in these cases?
We've seen broken bones, head injuries from falls, torn ligaments, and lasting fear of dogs after these attacks. Not every case involves all of these, but they are the kinds of harm a negligence claim can address.
What should I do right after a non-bite dog attack in Lafayette?
Get medical attention even if there's no visible wound, since fractures and head injuries aren't always obvious right away. Photograph the scene, note whether the dog was on a leash or behind a fence, and get contact information for any witnesses.
Discuss a Lafayette dog bite
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