Larimer County · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Loveland Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by an off-leash dog in Loveland? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash Attacks and Colorado Dog Bite Law
A dog bite that happens away from the owner's property, on a trail, sidewalk, or in a park, can still meet the requirements of C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 if you were lawfully in that public place and the injury is serious. The law does not require the attack to happen at a house or yard. What matters is whether you had a right to be where you were and whether the bite caused a serious injury.
Beyond that statute, an owner who lets a dog run off-leash in a public area can also face a negligence claim. An owner has a duty to control their dog, and letting it roam unleashed in a place where people are walking, biking, or with their own pets can be evidence that the owner failed to act reasonably. We look at the facts of each incident rather than relying on any single municipal rule.
Dog parks raise their own questions. People who bring dogs to a shared off-leash area generally accept some risk of normal dog-to-dog contact and rough play. That does not mean every dog-park injury is automatically compensable, but it also does not mean an injury at a dog park can never support a claim. If a dog showed aggression beyond typical play, or the owner ignored warning signs, that can change the analysis. We review what actually happened before telling you where your case stands.
What Helps Prove an Off-Leash Case
Location matters in these cases. We want to know exactly where the attack happened, whether it was a trail, sidewalk, park, or dog park, and whether leash rules or off-leash expectations applied there. Photos of the scene, including any signage, help establish the setting.
Whether the dog was leashed at the time is often central to the claim. Witness accounts are especially valuable in public-place attacks because there may be no video and the owner's version of events may differ from yours. If anyone saw the attack, including other people walking dogs nearby, get their names and contact information if you can. Photos of your injuries and the scene, taken as soon as possible, also support your claim.
- Get names and contact information for any witnesses
- Note the exact location and whether it was marked as leash-required or off-leash
- Photograph the scene, any signage, and your injuries
- Seek medical care for the bite or injury
- Write down what you remember about the dog and the owner while it's fresh
Handling Off-Leash Claims in Loveland
Loveland has a mix of public paths and green space, from areas near Eisenhower Boulevard and Taft Avenue to routes that stretch toward Fort Collins and Berthoud. Off-leash incidents can happen on any of these public trails and paths, and the specific location often becomes an important part of the claim. We gather details about where the attack occurred and who else may have been present.
If you were treated for a bite injury, records from a provider such as UCHealth Medical Center of the Rockies can help document the extent of the injury. If a claim proceeds in court, matters connected to Loveland are handled through the Larimer County Justice Center. We're based in Denver and represent clients throughout Larimer County.
Damages We Pursue
- Medical expenses related to the bite or injury
- Future medical care if scarring or complications require it
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
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 Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I file a claim if I was bitten in a public park in Loveland?
Yes, being in a public place does not disqualify your claim. What matters is whether you were lawfully there and whether the injury was serious. We review the specific circumstances of the attack to determine your options.
What if the attack happened at a dog park?
Dog parks involve some accepted risk of normal contact between dogs, so not every injury there leads to a claim. But if the dog showed aggression beyond typical play or the owner ignored clear warning signs, you may still have a case. We look closely at what actually happened before reaching a conclusion.
Does it matter if the dog was off-leash?
It can. An owner who lets a dog run unleashed in a public area may be found negligent if that choice contributed to the attack. This can support a claim in addition to any statutory dog bite claim.
What evidence should I gather after an off-leash attack?
Try to get contact information for anyone who witnessed the attack, note the exact location, and take photos of the scene and your injuries. These details are often more important in public-place attacks since there may be no other record of what happened.
Do I need to know the dog owner's identity to file a claim?
It helps a great deal if you can identify the owner, since that connects the claim to a specific person or their insurance. Witnesses at the scene can sometimes help identify the owner if you weren't able to get that information yourself.
Discuss a Loveland dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.