Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas counties · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Littleton Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by an off-leash dog in Littleton? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash Attacks and Colorado's Strict Liability Law
A dog does not have to be on its owner's property for you to have a claim. If you were bitten while lawfully in a public place in Littleton, such as a trail, sidewalk, or park, and the injury was serious, that can meet the standard set out in C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124. Where the attack happened matters less than whether you had a right to be there and whether the injury rises to the level the statute covers.
Beyond that statute, an off-leash dog can also support a straightforward negligence claim. An owner who lets a dog run loose in an area where leashes are expected, or who fails to control a dog around other people, may be liable for the harm that follows. We look at the facts of each incident rather than assuming one legal theory covers every case.
Dog parks raise a separate question. People who bring their dogs to a park generally accept some degree of normal contact and roughhousing between dogs. That does not mean every scuffle is a viable claim, but it also does not mean an injury at a dog park can never lead to one. If an owner ignored warning signs, brought an aggressive dog into a space with other people and animals, or failed to intervene when trouble started, that owner may still bear responsibility.
What Helps Prove an Off-Leash Case
Location matters. We want to know exactly where the attack happened, whether it was a designated leash-free area, and whether the dog was on or off a leash at the time. Photos of the scene, including any posted signs about leash rules, can help establish the setting.
Witnesses are often the difference in these cases, since off-leash incidents happen in public spaces where other people are usually present. Get names and contact information if you can. We also gather information about the dog and its owner, and we document your injuries and any medical treatment you received, to build a full picture of what happened and what it cost you.
- Get the dog owner's name and contact information
- Write down or photograph any leash-rule signage at the location
- Collect names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the attack
- Photograph the scene, the dog, and your injuries
- Seek medical care and keep records of your treatment
Handling Off-Leash Claims in the Littleton Area
Littleton sits across Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas counties, and off-leash incidents happen along Santa Fe Drive, Bowles Avenue, South Broadway, and in nearby Englewood and Highlands Ranch. We take those geographic details into account from the start, since a claim will typically proceed in the district court for the county where the injury occurred.
If your injuries required treatment at AdventHealth Littleton or another nearby facility, we can help you gather those records as part of your claim. Our office is in Denver, and we work with clients throughout the Littleton area regardless of where the attack took place.
Damages You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical expenses for treating the bite or injury
- Costs of follow-up care or physical therapy
- Lost income if the injury kept you from work
- Pain and suffering from the attack and recovery
- Scarring or disfigurement from the bite
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Littleton — 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.
Littleton Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I still file a claim if the attack happened at a dog park?
It depends on the circumstances. People at dog parks accept some normal contact between dogs, but that does not excuse an owner who brought a known aggressive dog or ignored warning signs. We review the specific facts before telling you whether a claim is likely to succeed.
Does it matter if the dog was technically allowed to be off-leash?
It can factor into a negligence analysis, but it is not the only consideration. Even in areas where leashes are not required, an owner still has to control the dog around other people. We look at where the incident happened and how the owner behaved leading up to it.
What if I don't know who owns the dog?
Witness information becomes especially important in that situation. Photos of the dog, any tags or identifying features, and contact information from bystanders can help identify the owner. Reach out to us and we can talk through what steps make sense for your situation.
I was bitten while lawfully walking on a public trail. Does that count under Colorado's dog bite law?
Being lawfully present in a public place is one of the key factors under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124. If your injury was serious, a public trail or sidewalk attack can meet that standard. We would need to review the details of what happened to confirm.
What should I do right after an off-leash dog bite?
Get medical attention, get the owner's contact information if possible, and try to identify any witnesses nearby. Photograph the scene, the dog, and your injuries while the details are fresh. Then contact us for a free consultation to discuss your options.
Discuss a Littleton dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.