Douglas County · Non-bite dog attacks
Lone Tree Dog Attack Lawyers
Knocked down or chased by a dog in Lone Tree? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Attack Is Not a Bite Claim
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, applies to bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin, that incident usually falls outside the statute and instead becomes a negligence claim against the owner.
A negligence claim requires us to show the owner failed to use reasonable care and that failure caused your injury. That might mean the dog was off leash, the owner ignored known aggressive behavior, or a gate or fence was left open near Lincoln Avenue or Yosemite Street where dogs are frequently out for walks.
These injuries can be serious even without a bite. A knockdown can cause a broken bone, a head injury, or a torn ligament. Being chased by an aggressive dog can also leave someone with a lasting fear of dogs. We evaluate what actually happened and build the claim around the right legal theory instead of forcing a non-bite attack into the bite statute.
Building a Negligence Case After a Non-Bite Attack
Because these cases turn on the owner's conduct, we look closely at how the dog got loose, whether it had a history of chasing or knocking into people, and whether the owner was present and in control at the time. Witness accounts from neighbors near Highlands Ranch or Parker, animal control records, and photos of the scene can all help establish what happened.
If the incident happened close to C-470 or another busy area, we also look at whether the dog running loose created a broader hazard, which can support the negligence claim. If you sought care at HCA HealthONE Sky Ridge or another provider, those medical records help connect the fall or impact to your injuries and rule out other causes.
- Photos of the scene, any fencing or gate involved, and your injuries
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Medical records from any visit related to the fall or impact
- Any prior complaints or animal control history involving the dog
- Notes on what the owner said or did immediately after the incident
Handling Non-Bite Dog Attack Claims in Lone Tree
We work with clients throughout Lone Tree and nearby areas including Highlands Ranch and Parker on dog attack claims that don't fit neatly into the bite statute. Whether the incident happened along Lincoln Avenue, near Yosemite Street, or in a neighborhood off C-470, we take the time to sort out the facts before deciding how to frame the claim.
If a case in this area needs to go to court, it would typically be filed at the Douglas County Justice Center. Our office is in Denver, and we regularly handle claims arising in Douglas County.
Possible Damages in a Non-Bite Attack Claim
- Medical expenses related to fractures, head injury, or ligament damage
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain and suffering from the incident and recovery
- Costs of physical therapy or rehabilitation
- Impact on daily activity or ongoing fear of dogs
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lone Tree — 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.
Lone Tree Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Do I have a claim if the dog never bit me?
You may have a negligence claim even without a bite. If a dog's owner failed to control it and that led to a knockdown, chase, or scratch that caused injury, we can pursue a claim based on that failure to use reasonable care.
How is a non-bite claim different from a dog bite claim?
Colorado's dog bite statute creates a more direct path to liability for bites. A non-bite attack instead requires us to show the owner was negligent, which means looking at how the dog got loose and whether the owner knew of any risk.
What if the dog broke skin during the chase or knockdown?
If teeth broke the skin at any point, the bite statute may apply alongside a negligence claim. We look at the full sequence of events to determine which legal theories fit the facts.
Can I still have a claim if I wasn't touched by the dog at all?
Possibly. If being chased by a dog caused you to fall, swerve, or otherwise get hurt, the owner's failure to control the dog can still support a negligence claim.
What does it cost to talk to your firm about this?
The consultation is free, and we don't charge an attorney fee unless we recover money for you. You can talk through what happened before deciding anything.
Discuss a Lone Tree dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.