Boulder and Weld counties · Fatal dog attacks
Longmont Fatal Dog Attack Lawyers
A fatal dog attack in Longmont is devastating; free consultation, no fee unless we recover for you.
How Colorado Law Applies to a Fatal Dog Attack
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a bite causes death, provided the person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property at the time. This standard is the same one that applies to non-fatal bite claims, but the stakes and the type of claim that follows are very different when the victim does not survive.
When a bite is fatal, the dog-bite statute alone does not decide who can bring a claim or what can be recovered. That is governed by Colorado's wrongful-death law, which sets out its own rules for which family members may file and on what timeline within that framework. We look at both bodies of law together to figure out the strongest path forward for the family.
Because a fatal dog attack sits at the intersection of the dog-bite statute and wrongful-death law, these cases require careful legal analysis from the start. We help families understand how the two areas fit together and what that means for their specific situation.
Evidence in a Fatal Dog Attack Case
Investigating a fatal attack often means gathering animal-control and police records documenting what happened, along with any prior history of the dog or complaints about it. These records can help establish whether the owner knew or should have known the dog posed a danger, and they help reconstruct the circumstances of the attack itself.
Medical and autopsy records, witness statements, and scene photos are also important. We move quickly to preserve this evidence because records and witness memories can be lost or become harder to obtain as time passes.
- Any animal-control or police reports related to the attack
- Photos of the scene, the property, and the dog if available
- Contact information for witnesses
- Medical and autopsy records
- Any prior complaints or history involving the dog
Handling Fatal Dog Attack Claims From Longmont
Fatal dog attacks in Longmont can occur anywhere in the community, from residential streets near Hover Street to areas along Ken Pratt Boulevard or Colorado Highway 119, as well as neighboring areas like Boulder and Erie. Depending on where the attack occurred, the claim may be handled through Boulder County Justice Center or Weld County Combined Courts.
When a death results from a dog attack, medical response may have involved UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital or other emergency responders. We gather the relevant records from the incident, wherever it occurred in the Longmont area, and use them to build the family's case.
Losses a Wrongful-Death Claim May Address
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before death
- Loss of the deceased's income and financial support
- Loss of care, companionship, and guidance
- Grief and emotional suffering of surviving family
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 Fatal dog attacks FAQ
Does the Colorado dog-bite statute cover fatal attacks?
Yes, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 can apply when a bite causes death, as long as the person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's property. This is the same lawful-presence standard used in non-fatal bite claims.
Who can file a claim after a fatal dog attack in Colorado?
That question is answered by Colorado's wrongful-death law, not the dog-bite statute itself. We encourage families to review our wrongful-death page for details on who may file and what losses that type of claim can address.
What records are important in a fatal dog attack case?
Animal-control and police records, medical and autopsy records, witness statements, and photos of the scene are all important. These help establish what happened and whether the owner had prior knowledge of the dog's dangerous behavior.
Where would a Longmont fatal dog attack case be handled?
Depending on where the attack took place, the case may fall under Boulder County Justice Center or Weld County Combined Courts. We determine the right venue based on the specific facts of the incident.
How does a wrongful-death claim differ from a typical dog-bite claim?
A typical dog-bite claim addresses the injured person's own losses, while a wrongful-death claim addresses losses suffered by surviving family members after a death. The two areas of law work together in a fatal attack case, which is why careful legal guidance matters.
Discuss a Longmont dog bite
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