Jefferson County · Non-Bite Dog Attacks
Lakewood Dog Attack Lawyers
Lakewood dog attack lawyers for people hurt by a dog in Lakewood. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Knocked Down Or Chased By A Dog In Lakewood? Non-Bite Attacks Can Still Qualify
McCormick & Murphy are Lakewood dog attack lawyers for people hurt by a knockdown, chase, or other attack that was not a bite.
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin, that statute generally does not apply on its own. Instead, we look at whether the owner acted with reasonable care in controlling the dog.
These attacks can still cause serious harm. A knockdown can lead to broken bones or a head impact. A chase can cause torn ligaments if you fall or twist trying to get away. Some people also develop a lasting fear of dogs after an aggressive encounter, even without a bite.
We build these cases on negligence: was the dog loose when it shouldn't have been, did the owner ignore known aggressive behavior, and did the owner fail to take steps a reasonable person would take. Every non-bite case is different, and we look closely at the facts before deciding how to frame the claim.
Proving Negligence In A Lakewood Non-Bite Dog Attack
Because these cases rely on ordinary negligence instead of strict liability, how the dog got loose and what the owner knew or should have known both matter. Witness accounts of the chase or knockdown, photos of the scene, and any record of the dog's past behavior can all support the claim.
If teeth also broke the skin during the same incident, the bite statute may apply to that part of the injury. We sort out which facts fall under the bite statute and which are better handled as negligence, rather than trying to force every detail into one legal box.
- Get medical care for fall injuries, head impact, or joint injuries
- Write down how the dog got loose or approached you
- Get names and contact information for anyone who saw it happen
- Take photos of the location, any fencing or gates, and your injuries
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurer before talking with us
St. Anthony Hospital Records Often Anchor Lakewood Non-Bite Claims
We work with clients from West Colfax Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard, Kipling Street, Golden, and Wheat Ridge who were knocked down or chased by dogs that got loose from yards, leashes, or open doors. CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital treats many of the fall-related injuries we see in these cases, including fractures and head impacts.
Lakewood claims that go to litigation are generally filed in Jefferson County Courts in Golden. Our office is based in Denver, and we handle these negligence-based dog attack claims for clients throughout Jefferson County.
Investigating Lakewood Non-Bite Dog Attacks & Client Office Access
McCormick & Murphy are Lakewood dog attack lawyers representing people injured by knockdowns, chases, or scratches that did not involve a bite. These non-bite attacks require proving the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog.
- Negligence-Based Non-Bite Claims: A knockdown can lead to broken bones or head impact. A chase can cause torn ligaments if you fall or twist trying to get away. We build these cases on negligence: was the dog loose when it shouldn't have been, did the owner ignore known aggressive behavior, and did the owner fail to take steps a reasonable person would take.
- Jefferson County Court & Denver Office: We work with clients from West Colfax Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard, Kipling Street, Golden, and Wheat Ridge. Lakewood claims that go to litigation are generally filed in Jefferson County Courts in Golden. Our office is based in Denver, and we handle these negligence-based dog attack claims for clients throughout Jefferson County.
Medical Bills And Lost Wages After A Lakewood Dog Attack
- Medical costs for fractures, head injuries, or torn ligaments
- Lost income while recovering from a fall or impact injury
- Pain and physical limitation during recovery
- Emotional distress or fear of dogs following the attack
- Future treatment costs if the injury requires ongoing care
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lakewood — 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.
Lakewood Non-Bite Dog Attack Questions Answered
Do I need Lakewood dog attack lawyers after an injury?
Call Lakewood dog attack lawyers when you were hurt, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The nearest office is in Denver, CO.
Can I still sue if the dog never bit me?
Yes. A knockdown, chase, or scratch without a bite can support a negligence claim against the owner. You'll need to show the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog.
Is a non-bite claim harder to win than a bite claim?
It works differently. Colorado's bite statute allows strict liability for bites in many cases, but non-bite attacks require showing the owner was negligent. We evaluate the facts to determine the strongest legal path.
What if the dog bit me and also knocked me down?
Both the bite statute and negligence principles may come into play. We separate the bite-related harm from the non-bite harm so each part of your injury is addressed properly.
What if I wasn't touched by the dog but got hurt trying to escape?
You may still have a claim if the dog's aggressive behavior caused you to fall or get injured while avoiding it. The owner's control over the dog and their awareness of its behavior are central to this type of case.
Do I need proof the dog had attacked before?
It can help, but it isn't required in every case. Evidence about how the dog got loose and what precautions the owner took or failed to take is also important.
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