Larimer County · Non-bite dog attacks
Loveland Dog Attack Lawyers
A Loveland dog attack that didn't break skin still hurts. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When the Bite Statute Doesn't Apply
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites. If a dog in Loveland knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin, that statute generally doesn't apply on its own. These cases usually rest on a negligence claim instead: did the owner fail to use reasonable care in controlling the dog.
A knockdown or chase can cause real harm. Broken bones, a head injury from hitting pavement, torn ligaments, and a lasting fear of dogs are the kinds of injuries we see in these cases. We're not promising any of these outcomes in your case, but we take them seriously when they happen.
Because a negligence claim doesn't come with the same automatic liability as a bite claim, proof matters more. We look at whether the dog was loose, whether the owner had control, and whether the owner did what a reasonable dog owner would have done under the circumstances.
Building the Negligence Case
For a non-bite attack, we look closely at how the dog got loose or out of control. Was it off leash on a trail near Eisenhower Boulevard or U.S. Highway 34. Did a gate fail, a leash break, or did the owner simply lose their grip. These details go to whether the owner was careless, which is the heart of a negligence claim.
We also gather witness accounts, photos of the scene, and any medical records documenting the fall, impact, or injury. If there's any indication teeth made contact with skin, we look at that separately, since the bite statute may apply to that part of the incident even in an attack that started as a chase or knockdown.
- Photos of any bruising, cuts, or swelling, even without a bite wound
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the dog or the attack
- Records from any medical visit, including at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies
- Information about the dog owner and where the dog was kept or walked
- Notes on the location, whether it was near Taft Avenue, Berthoud, or elsewhere in the area
Handling These Claims in Loveland
Non-bite dog attacks happen in a lot of everyday settings around Loveland: a jogger startled and knocked over near Fort Collins, a cyclist chased along a road near Berthoud, or someone thrown off balance by a dog rushing at them off leash. We work these claims as negligence cases from the start, which means building the record around fault rather than relying on the bite statute.
If a Loveland case ends up in court, it's typically filed at the Larimer County Justice Center. We prepare non-bite attack cases with that venue in mind, focusing on the evidence a negligence claim requires rather than assuming the dog bite statute will carry the case.
Possible Losses to Consider
- Medical costs from fractures, head injury, or other trauma
- Costs tied to torn ligaments or orthopedic treatment
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain and suffering, including lasting fear of dogs
- Future medical or therapy needs related to the attack
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Loveland — 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.
Loveland Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Do I have a case if the dog never bit me?
You may still have a negligence claim if the dog knocked you down, chased you, or otherwise caused injury without biting. The key question is whether the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog. We review the facts to see what claim fits.
Why doesn't the dog bite statute cover a knockdown or chase?
Colorado's dog bite statute is written around bites specifically. A knockdown or chase without a bite generally falls under ordinary negligence law instead, which requires showing the owner didn't act reasonably.
What if the dog scratched me but didn't bite?
A scratch without a bite is typically treated as a negligence claim rather than a strict liability bite claim. We look closely at how the injury happened to determine which legal theory applies.
What do I need to prove in a non-bite dog attack case?
We generally need to show the dog was not properly controlled and that the owner failed to take reasonable precautions. Witness statements, photos, and details about how the dog got loose all help build that picture.
What if I'm not sure whether I was bitten during the attack?
That's common, especially in fast-moving incidents. We review medical records and other evidence to determine whether a bite occurred, since that can affect whether the bite statute also applies to your claim.
Discuss a Loveland dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.