Boulder County · Non-bite dog attacks
Louisville Dog Attack Lawyers
A Louisville dog attack that did not break the skin still needs its own legal analysis. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Knockdowns, Chases, and Other Non-Bite Attacks
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, applies to bites. When a dog knocks someone down, chases them into traffic, or scratches them without breaking skin, that is generally not a bite claim under that statute. It is usually a negligence claim, which means we have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog.
These attacks can still cause serious harm. A knockdown can lead to broken bones or a head impact. A chase can lead to torn ligaments from a fall or an awkward twist while trying to get away. Some people are left with a lasting fear of dogs after an incident like this. We treat these as possible outcomes we investigate, not assumptions we make before we know the facts.
Because a non-bite attack falls outside the strict liability bite statute, proving the case looks different. We look at whether the dog was under control, whether it was loose when it should not have been, and whether the owner knew or should have known the dog posed a risk. If teeth did break the skin during any part of the encounter, the bite statute may also come into play alongside a negligence theory, and we sort out which facts support which claim.
Building a Negligence Case in Louisville
Without the presumption that comes with a bite claim, evidence about control and circumstance matters even more. We look at whether the dog was on a leash, behind a fence, or otherwise restrained, and whether that containment failed. We also look at where the incident happened, whether it was a public sidewalk, a yard, or a shared path, since that affects what a reasonable owner should have done to prevent an attack.
Medical records matter here too, even without a bite wound. A knockdown injury or an injury sustained while fleeing a dog needs to be documented and connected to the incident. Witness accounts of the dog's behavior before and during the attack, along with any history of the dog getting loose or acting aggressively, help establish that the owner did not use reasonable care.
- Photos of any bruising, swelling, or visible injury
- Torn or dirty clothing from the fall or chase
- Names of anyone who saw the dog loose or uncontrolled
- Medical records from any injury treatment, including AdventHealth Avista
- Notes on where the attack happened, such as near McCaslin Boulevard or South Boulder Road
Non-Bite Attacks Around Louisville
Louisville sees a lot of foot and bike traffic near McCaslin Boulevard, South Boulder Road, and the paths that connect toward Lafayette and Superior. Loose dogs in these areas can cause a person to fall, get knocked into traffic, or twist an ankle while trying to avoid contact. None of that requires a bite to cause real injury.
When these cases involve Louisville residents or incidents near U.S. Highway 36, filings and proceedings are typically handled through the Boulder County Justice Center. We work from our Denver, CO office and take these negligence claims as seriously as bite claims, because the injuries can be just as real.
Possible Damages in a Non-Bite Attack Claim
- Medical costs for fractures, sprains, or head injury
- Costs tied to torn ligaments or other physical trauma from a fall
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain and suffering, including any lasting fear of dogs
- Other losses connected to the specific attack
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Louisville — 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.
Louisville Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Do I have a case if the dog never bit me?
You may have a negligence claim even without a bite. If the dog knocked you down, chased you, or caused injury while loose or uncontrolled, we look at whether the owner failed to use reasonable care.
Is a non-bite claim harder to prove than a bite claim?
It generally requires more proof of fault, since the bite statute's strict liability does not apply. We focus on evidence of how the dog was controlled and whether the owner acted reasonably.
What if the dog scratched me but did not break the skin?
A scratch without broken skin is typically treated as a non-bite injury and analyzed under negligence rather than the bite statute. We review the specific facts to determine which claim fits.
Can fear of dogs after an attack be part of my claim?
Fear and emotional impact following an attack can be part of the harm we look into. We evaluate it alongside any physical injury as part of building the full picture of what happened.
What should I do right after a non-bite dog attack in Louisville?
Get medical attention if you are hurt, take photos of any visible injury or damaged clothing, and get contact information for any witnesses. Reach out to us for a free consultation so we can help sort out what claim applies.
Discuss a Louisville dog bite
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