Boulder and Weld counties · Non-bite dog attacks
Longmont Dog Attack Lawyers
A Longmont dog knocked you down or chased you without biting? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When the Dog Didn't Bite You
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, is written around bites. If a dog knocked you off a bike near Hover Street, chased you along Colorado Highway 119, or bowled you over without breaking skin, that strict liability statute generally does not apply. These cases usually proceed as ordinary negligence claims against the owner.
A negligence claim means we have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog. That could involve a dog let off leash near Ken Pratt Boulevard, a gate left open, or an owner who knew the dog tended to lunge or chase and did nothing about it. We build that picture from the facts of what happened before, during, and after the attack.
If the dog's teeth did break skin during the same incident, the bite statute may still come into play alongside a negligence theory. We look closely at what actually happened rather than assuming every dog attack fits neatly into one legal box. Sorting out which framework applies is part of the work we do early in the case.
Building a Negligence Case
Non-bite attacks often leave injuries just as serious as a bite: broken bones from a fall, head impact, torn ligaments, or a lasting fear of dogs. These are possible outcomes, not guarantees, and the medical record from a visit to UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital or another provider becomes a key piece of proof connecting the incident to your injuries.
Because there's no strict liability shortcut, we focus on whether the dog was under control at the time, whether it was loose or unleashed, and whether the owner knew about a tendency to chase, jump, or knock people down. Witness accounts from neighbors in Longmont or Erie, photos of the scene, and any history of prior incidents with the same dog all help establish that the owner didn't use reasonable care.
- Photos of injuries, bruising, and the location of the attack
- Names and contact information for any witnesses nearby
- Medical records from any visit, including imaging for falls or fractures
- Any prior complaints about the same dog escaping, chasing, or knocking people down
- Clothing or gear damaged during the incident, such as a torn jacket or bent bike
Handling Non-Bite Attack Claims Near Longmont
We handle these cases whether they arise near Hover Street, along Colorado Highway 119, or in neighboring Boulder or Erie. Depending on where the attack happened and where the owner lives, a case may be filed in Boulder County Justice Center or Weld County Combined Courts. We sort out venue as part of preparing the claim.
Our office is based in Denver, but we work with Longmont clients by phone, video, and email, and we travel for depositions or court appearances when needed. You don't need to come to us for an initial conversation about what happened.
Losses We Help Document
- Medical treatment for fractures, head injury, or soft tissue damage
- Lost income from time away from work during recovery
- Ongoing therapy or rehabilitation costs
- Pain and suffering, including fear or anxiety around dogs
- Property damage from the fall or chase, such as a bike or vehicle
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Longmont — 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.
Longmont Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
The dog never bit me but knocked me down. Do I still have a case?
Possibly, but it would generally be a negligence claim rather than a strict liability bite claim under Colorado's statute. We'd look at whether the owner failed to control the dog and whether that failure caused your fall or injury.
Is a negligence claim harder to prove than a bite claim?
It requires showing the owner didn't use reasonable care, which is a different burden than the bite statute's strict liability standard. That's why documenting how the dog got loose or why the owner didn't control it matters so much in these cases.
What if the dog bit me a little but mostly just knocked me over?
If teeth broke skin during the attack, the bite statute may apply to that part of the injury alongside a negligence claim for the rest. We look at the full sequence of events rather than forcing everything under one label.
I was chased by a loose dog near Colorado Highway 119 and fell off my bike. Does that count?
A chase that causes a fall without an actual bite is typically evaluated as negligence. We'd look at whether the dog was off leash, whether the owner knew it chased people or vehicles, and what caused you to fall.
Where would a Longmont non-bite case actually be filed?
Depending on where the incident occurred and where the owner resides, it could be filed in Boulder County Justice Center or Weld County Combined Courts. We handle that determination once we have the facts of your case.
Discuss a Longmont dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.