Jefferson County · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Lakewood Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
If an off-leash dog bit you in Lakewood, we can help. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
Off-Leash Attacks and Colorado Dog Bite Law
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, does not stop applying just because the attack happened outside the owner's home. If you were lawfully in a public place along West Colfax Avenue, near Wadsworth Boulevard, or on a path in Wheat Ridge and suffered a serious injury from an off-leash dog, the statute can still apply.
Separate from that statute, an owner who lets a dog run loose in public can be liable under ordinary negligence principles. Letting a dog off leash in an area where people walk, bike, or gather is the kind of conduct that can support a claim when it leads to a bite or a knockdown injury.
We look at where the attack happened, who was around, and how the owner was handling or not handling the dog at the time. That mix of facts shapes whether the claim runs through the statute, a negligence theory, or both.
What Helps Prove an Off-Leash or Dog Park Claim
Dog parks are still public places. People who go there accept some amount of normal dog-to-dog contact, but that does not mean every incident is automatic liability, and it does not mean a dog park injury can never be a claim. What matters is whether the dog's owner acted reasonably and whether you were somewhere you had a right to be.
The strongest evidence in these cases is often simple: exactly where the dog was when it attacked, whether it was on or off leash, the names of anyone who saw it happen, and photos of the scene. Get this information as soon as you can, whether the attack happened on a trail near Kipling Street, in a Golden park, or inside a fenced dog park area.
- Note the exact location, including nearby cross streets or trail markers
- Write down whether the dog was leashed, tied, or running free
- 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 CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital or other treatment
Handling Lakewood Off-Leash Cases
We work with clients across Lakewood, including areas near West Colfax Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard, and Kipling Street, as well as neighboring Wheat Ridge and Golden. Off-leash attacks in this area often happen on walking paths, in parks, or in open space where dogs are common but not always well controlled.
If a claim moves into litigation, these cases are typically handled in Jefferson County Courts in Golden. Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly handle Jefferson County matters for clients injured in Lakewood and the surrounding communities.
Damages We Pursue
- Medical bills for treatment of bite wounds or related injuries
- Future medical costs, including scar treatment or reconstructive care
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring and disfigurement
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 Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I still file a claim if I was bitten in a public park in Lakewood?
Yes. Being in a public place does not disqualify you from a claim under Colorado's dog bite statute or under negligence law, as long as you were lawfully there and suffered a serious injury. We look closely at where the attack happened and what the owner was doing at the time.
Does going to a dog park mean I can't sue if I'm bitten?
Not automatically. People at dog parks accept some normal contact between dogs, but that does not eliminate liability if an owner acted unreasonably or a dog attacked without provocation. Each case depends on the specific facts.
What if the dog was off leash when it bit me?
An off-leash dog can support both a statutory claim and a negligence claim, depending on the circumstances. Letting a dog run loose in a public area is a factor we examine closely when building your case.
What evidence matters most in an off-leash attack case?
Location details, whether the dog was leashed, witness names, and photos of the scene are usually the most useful pieces of evidence. Gathering this information quickly makes a real difference.
Where would my case be handled if I was bitten in Lakewood?
Lakewood matters that go to court are typically handled in Jefferson County Courts in Golden. We handle these cases from our Denver office and work directly with clients throughout the Lakewood area.
Discuss a Lakewood dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.