Boulder County · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Lafayette Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by a loose dog in Lafayette? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash Attacks in Public Places
A dog does not have to bite someone in a backyard for the owner to be held responsible. Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply to attacks that happen on a public path, sidewalk, or open space, as long as the injured person was lawfully in that place and the injury was serious. An off-leash dog running loose near Baseline Road or along South Boulder Road is a common way these cases start.
Beyond the statute, an off-leash dog can also support a straightforward negligence claim. If an owner let a dog run unleashed in an area where leashes are expected, or failed to keep control of the dog near traffic on U.S. Highway 287 or a busy trail, that failure to control the animal can be the basis for liability separate from the statute itself.
We look at both angles together. Depending on where the attack happened and what the owner did or didn't do, we build the claim around whichever theory, or combination, gives you the strongest path to recovery.
Dog Parks and Shared Spaces
Dog parks raise their own questions. People who bring their dogs to a park generally accept that some contact between dogs is part of the deal. That does not mean every incident at a dog park is automatically a viable claim, but it also does not mean an injury at a dog park can never lead to one. What matters is what actually happened: whether the dog had a history of aggression, whether the owner ignored warning signs, or whether the dog was let into an area against posted rules.
Because these attacks happen in public, there is often more available proof than in a private-property case. Location matters, so we want to know exactly where the dog was and whether it was on or off leash at the time. Witnesses who saw the attack, including other park-goers or people walking nearby, can be critical, and photos of the scene, the dog, and the area help fill in details before they fade.
- Note the exact location of the attack, including the trail, park, or road
- Write down whether the dog was leashed or off leash
- Get names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the attack
- Take photos of the scene, the dog if possible, and your injuries
- Keep any records from treatment you received after the attack
Handling Cases From the Lafayette Area
We take on off-leash and public-place dog bite cases from Lafayette and nearby communities in Boulder County, including areas around Louisville and Boulder. Whether the attack happened on a path near South Boulder Road, along U.S. Highway 287, or at a local park, we know how to track down the details that matter, from who owns the dog to who else was there.
If your injuries were treated at Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital or another facility in the area, we can help you gather those records as part of building your claim. Court matters connected to these cases in Boulder County are typically handled at the Boulder County Justice Center, and we're prepared to represent you there while our office in Denver, CO manages the legal work.
What You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical bills related to treating the bite or attack
- Future medical care if scarring or complications require it
- Lost income if your injuries kept you from working
- Pain and suffering from the attack and recovery
- Costs of any needed scar treatment or reconstructive care
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 Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I still file a claim if the attack happened in a public park instead of someone's home?
Yes. Colorado's dog bite statute can apply as long as you were lawfully in that public place and the injury was serious. Location alone doesn't rule out a claim.
Does going to a dog park mean I gave up my right to sue if I'm bitten?
Not automatically. People at dog parks accept some normal contact between dogs, but that doesn't mean every injury there is just an accepted risk. If the owner ignored a known problem with the dog, you may still have a claim.
What if the dog that bit me was off leash in an area where leashes are required?
An off-leash dog in a place where it should have been controlled can support a negligence claim against the owner, separate from the dog bite statute. We look at where the attack happened and what rules applied to that space.
I didn't get the dog owner's information. Can I still pursue a claim?
It's harder, but not necessarily impossible. Witness accounts, security or trail camera footage, and details about the dog's appearance can sometimes help identify the owner, so it's worth talking with us about what you do have.
What should I do right after an off-leash dog attack?
Get medical attention, note exactly where the attack happened, and get contact information from anyone who saw it. Photos of the scene and the dog, if possible, can also make a real difference later.
Discuss a Lafayette dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.