Larimer County · Fatal dog attacks
Loveland Fatal Dog Attack Lawyers
A fatal dog attack in Loveland raises hard legal questions. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Attack Causes Death
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a bite causes death, provided the person who died was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property at the time. This statute establishes the basis for holding an owner responsible for injuries their dog causes, and that responsibility does not disappear because the injury proved fatal.
But a death case is not simply a bite case with a different outcome. Once a death occurs, the legal path shifts toward wrongful-death law, which controls who can bring the claim and what the claim can address. The dog-bite statute and wrongful-death law work together here, and untangling how they interact is part of building the case correctly from the start.
We look at both bodies of law together: whether the dog-bite statute applies to the underlying attack, and what wrongful-death law requires for the claim that follows. Families dealing with a loss like this deserve a clear explanation of how these pieces fit, not a one-size-fits-all answer.
Records and Investigation in a Fatal Attack Case
A fatal dog attack typically generates more official documentation than a non-fatal bite. Animal-control records, police reports, and medical records all may come into play, and each can hold information relevant to how the attack happened, whether the dog had a prior history, and how authorities responded. Gathering these records early, before they become harder to obtain, matters.
We also look at witness accounts, the location of the attack, and any prior complaints about the dog. Loveland cases sometimes involve incidents near Eisenhower Boulevard, Taft Avenue, or along U.S. Highway 34, and we're familiar with how local animal-control response and reporting tend to work in this area. Care that was provided, including any treatment at UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies, can also become part of the record.
- Any police or incident reports related to the attack
- Photos of the scene, the dog, and the property where it happened
- Contact information for anyone who witnessed the attack or knew the dog
- Medical records and documentation from treatment received
- Any prior complaints or knowledge about the dog's behavior
Handling Fatal Dog Attack Cases Near Loveland
Fatal dog attack cases arising in Loveland and nearby communities like Fort Collins and Berthoud can involve court proceedings at the Larimer County Justice Center. We work with families through this process, coordinating with the records and reports generated locally.
Our office is based in Denver, and we represent families in Loveland and across Larimer County. We understand that a fatal attack brings both grief and difficult legal questions, and we aim to answer those questions plainly and without unnecessary delay.
What a Wrongful-Death Claim May Address
- Losses connected to the death of a family member
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial-related costs
- Loss of companionship and support
- Other losses recognized under Colorado wrongful-death law
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 Fatal dog attacks FAQ
Does the dog-bite statute still apply if the attack caused death?
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. The statute establishes the basis for the owner's responsibility, but a death case also involves wrongful-death law.
Who can bring a claim after a fatal dog attack in Colorado?
That question is controlled by Colorado wrongful-death law rather than the dog-bite statute alone. We'd point you to our wrongful-death page for details on who may file and what that claim addresses, since the answer depends on the family's specific circumstances.
What records matter most in a fatal dog attack case?
Animal-control and police records, medical records, and witness statements all matter. These records help establish what happened, whether the dog had a known history, and how the attack unfolded.
Where would a fatal dog attack case in Loveland be handled?
Cases arising in Loveland often involve proceedings at the Larimer County Justice Center. We coordinate with local records and reports as part of building the case.
What does a free consultation involve?
We'll listen to what happened, explain how the dog-bite statute and wrongful-death law apply to your situation, and answer your questions. There's no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Discuss a Loveland dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.