Boulder and Weld counties · Dog bites and attacks
Longmont Dog Bite Lawyers
Longmont dog bite lawyers for bites on U.S. Highway 287 and Colorado Highway 119 and across Longmont. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Dog Bite Claims Under Colorado Law
McCormick & Murphy are Longmont dog bite lawyers for people bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property. We get the Longmont Public Safety or the Boulder County Sheriff's Office report, the UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital records, and file in the Boulder County Justice Center or the Weld County Combined Courts.
Colorado holds dog owners strictly liable for injuries caused by their dogs, even if the owner had no knowledge the dog was dangerous. This means you do not have to prove the owner was careless—only that the dog bit or attacked you and caused injury. Many attacks happen along busy corridors like U.S. Highway 287, Hover Street, or Ken Pratt Boulevard, or in residential neighborhoods throughout Longmont, Lafayette, Erie, and Firestone. We investigate the scene, the dog's ownership, and the circumstances to build a clear claim.
Beyond strict liability, we also examine whether the owner or handler acted negligently—for example, failing to restrain the dog, ignoring prior complaints, or allowing a dangerous animal to roam freely. If the dog was previously reported to Longmont Public Safety or Boulder County Sheriff's Office, or if animal control has records of prior incidents, that evidence strengthens your claim. We gather witness statements, photographs of injuries and the scene, and medical documentation to establish what happened and why you deserve recovery.
Proof We Gather for Your Claim
Dog bite cases turn on solid documentation. We obtain animal-control reports filed with Longmont Public Safety or the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, the dog's vaccination and ownership records, and any history of prior complaints or incidents. Photographs of your wounds taken immediately after the attack, and follow-up images showing healing or scarring, become critical evidence. We also collect medical records from UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital or other providers documenting the type and severity of injury, treatment rendered, and prognosis.
Witness accounts are invaluable. We interview people who saw the attack or know the dog's prior behavior. Insurance information for the owner or property where the incident occurred can unlock compensation without prolonged litigation. We also preserve evidence of the dog's control (or lack thereof) at the time—leash status, fencing, signage—and identify any local ordinances or prior warnings that the owner ignored. Each piece of evidence supports our argument that the owner or handler is liable for your damages.
Local investigations may involve Longmont Public Safety and Boulder County Sheriff’s Office, scenes in Loveland or Lafayette, parks, trails, and residential yards.
A dog bite can cause deep puncture wounds, infection, scarring, and psychological trauma. To build a strong claim under Colorado's dog-bite statute or negligence theory, collect and preserve:
- Names, contact information, and statements from anyone who saw the attack
- Photos of injuries taken immediately and over time as they heal
- Complete medical records from UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital or other treatment provider, including examination notes, wound care, infection screening, and follow-up visits
- Proof of the dog's ownership and control (registration, microchip, veterinary records)
- Animal-control report filed with Longmont Public Safety or Boulder County Sheriff's Office
- Dog's vaccination records and history of prior bites or aggressive behavior
- Documentation of lost wages or medical expenses you incurred
- Written accounts of where the attack occurred (on a street like Hover Street or Ken Pratt Boulevard, on private property, in a public area)
- Insurance policy information for the dog owner's homeowner's or renters coverage
- Evidence of any prior complaints or incidents involving the same dog
- Proof of psychological treatment if you suffered emotional trauma or fear related to the attack
Preserve all records, photos, and communications. Do not delay—notice requirements and claim deadlines vary depending on whether the owner was a private party or public entity.
Medical Consequences and Documentation
Dog bites often require immediate emergency care at UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital or a nearby emergency department. Bite wounds can appear deceptively small on the surface while creating deep puncture cavities prone to serious infection, including staph and streptococcal bacteria. Nerves, tendons, and blood vessels may sustain damage. Some victims need surgical exploration and repair, tetanus or rabies prophylaxis, and ongoing antibiotic therapy. Pain, reduced mobility, and infection risk can persist for weeks or months.
Beyond acute treatment, scarring and cosmetic damage often require plastic surgery or dermatological intervention, particularly if the bite is on the face, neck, hands, or other visible areas. Many victims develop psychological effects—anxiety around dogs, fear of walking outdoors, or post-traumatic stress—that may warrant counseling or therapy. We ensure your medical records capture the full scope of physical and mental-health impact. These records become the foundation for demonstrating your actual damages and future care needs.
Official Longmont hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Compensation You May Recover
- Emergency and follow-up medical treatment, including surgery, wound care, infection management, and rehabilitation
- Scarring, disfigurement, or permanent cosmetic damage requiring plastic surgery or ongoing dermatological care
- Lost wages during recovery and any long-term earning capacity reduction due to disability
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, anxiety, fear of dogs, and psychological counseling or therapy
- Reduced enjoyment of life, limitations on outdoor activity, and diminished quality of daily living
- Pet owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance, if available, to satisfy your judgment
We pursue these damages through settlement negotiation or litigation in Boulder County Justice Center or Weld County Combined Courts, depending on where the attack occurred.
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 Dog Bite Lawyers FAQ
Do I need Longmont dog bite lawyers after a bite?
Call Longmont dog bite lawyers when the bite needs medical care, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The Denver office is in Denver, CO.
What is Colorado's dog-bite law?
Colorado imposes strict liability for dog bites. The dog owner is responsible for injury caused by the dog if the injury occurred in a public place or a place the injured person had a right to be. You do not need to prove the dog was dangerous or that the owner was careless. However, if the bite happened on the owner's private property and you were trespassing, the owner's liability may be limited. We also examine whether negligence applies—for example, if the owner knew the dog was dangerous or failed to control it.
Who do I report the dog bite to in Longmont?
Report the incident to Longmont Public Safety or the Boulder County Sheriff's Office, depending on where the attack occurred. An animal-control report creates an official record and helps document the dog's ownership, vaccination status, and any prior incidents. Seek medical attention immediately at UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital or an emergency facility. A medical record strengthens your claim and establishes the severity of your injuries.
How long do I have to file a dog-bite claim?
The deadline depends on whether the dog owner is a private individual, a business, or a public entity. Private claims typically have a two-year deadline from the date of injury. However, if a government entity (such as Longmont Public Safety or Boulder County) owned or controlled the dog, you may need to file a written notice of claim within a shorter timeframe—often 182 days or less. Contact us promptly to determine the specific deadline for your case and avoid losing your right to sue.
What damages can I recover?
You may recover compensation for medical treatment, including emergency care, surgery, wound care, and infection treatment. You can also claim scarring or disfigurement, lost wages while you recovered, pain and suffering, and the cost of psychological counseling if the attack caused lasting emotional trauma or fear. In some cases, punitive damages may apply if the owner's conduct was reckless or deliberate.
How does McCormick & Murphy charge for a dog-bite case?
We handle dog-bite injury claims on a contingency-fee basis. You pay no attorney fee unless we settle the case or win at trial. If we recover money for you, our fee comes from that recovery. We discuss the specific percentage and any advanced case costs—such as filing fees, investigator fees, or expert witness costs—during your initial consultation. You are never obligated to proceed if you are uncomfortable with the terms.
Related legal guides
Same service in nearby communities
Longmont dog-bite claims
Colorado dog-bite statute
Owner liability under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 when a bite causes serious bodily injury.
Child dog-bite injuries
Bites to minors, who may bring the claim, and scarring that shows up as a child grows.
Landlord liability
Apartment, rental, and HOA cases where the dog owner is not the only possible defendant.
Non-bite dog attacks
Knockdowns, chases, and other attacks that are not a bite under the statute.
Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Public paths, parks, and attacks away from the owner's home.
Facial scarring
Disfigurement, infection, nerve injury, and reconstructive care after a bite.
Homeowner's insurance
Homeowner and renter coverage, breed exclusions, and delayed or denied claims.
Fatal dog attacks
Death from a dog attack, and how that claim connects to Colorado wrongful-death law.
Nearest McCormick & Murphy office
Discuss your Longmont claim
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.