El Paso County · Non-bite dog attacks
Manitou Springs Dog Attack Lawyers
Knocked down or chased by a loose dog in Manitou Springs? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When There's No Bite, the Claim Looks Different
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking the skin, that statute generally doesn't apply. Instead, we look at the case as a negligence claim, which means we have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog.
A negligence claim requires different proof than a strict liability bite claim. We look at whether the dog was on a leash or otherwise contained, whether the owner knew the dog might act aggressively or unpredictably, and whether the owner took reasonable steps to prevent the incident. These questions matter more here than in a straightforward bite case.
We also watch for cases where teeth broke the skin during the same incident that included a knockdown or chase. When that happens, the bite statute may apply alongside a negligence theory. We sort through the facts of your incident rather than trying to force every attack into one legal box.
Building a Negligence Case From the Ground Up
Non-bite attacks can still cause serious harm: broken bones, head injuries from a fall, torn ligaments, and lasting fear around dogs. These are possible outcomes, not guaranteed results, and every case depends on what actually happened and what the medical records show. We work with the facts as they exist rather than assuming a particular injury.
Because these claims turn on control and reasonable care, we look closely at how the dog got loose, whether there was a leash law or containment failure, and whether witnesses saw the owner's actions before and after the incident. Photos of the scene, any fencing or gate involved, and witness accounts from people nearby all help establish what the owner did or didn't do to prevent the attack.
- Photos of the location where the dog was loose or unrestrained
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Medical records documenting the fall, impact, or injury
- Any animal control or incident report filed after the attack
- Notes on how the dog escaped containment, if known
Manitou Springs Incidents We See
Manitou Springs draws heavy foot traffic along Manitou Avenue and Ruxton Avenue, especially near shops, trailheads, and tourist areas where dogs are frequently off-leash or loosely supervised. A dog darting into a crowd or chasing a pedestrian near these areas can cause a fall or collision even without a bite. Similar incidents happen along the connecting routes near U.S. Highway 24 and toward Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City.
If you were treated for injuries from a fall or collision with a dog, records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs often become part of the evidence we review. We handle these claims through El Paso County Combined Courts and can meet with you at our office at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs to go over what happened.
What These Claims May Cover
- Medical treatment for fractures or head injuries from a fall
- Costs related to torn ligaments or orthopedic injuries
- Lost income during recovery
- Ongoing treatment for fear or anxiety around dogs
- Pain and suffering tied to the incident
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Manitou Springs — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Manitou Springs Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Do I have a case if the dog never bit me?
You may still have a claim, but it's typically a negligence claim rather than one under Colorado's bite statute. We'd need to show the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog. Getting knocked down, chased, or scratched can still cause real injuries even without broken skin.
What do I need to prove in a non-bite dog attack case?
We generally need to show the dog was not properly controlled, that the owner knew or should have known of a risk, and that the lack of reasonable care led to your injury. Evidence like witness statements, photos, and any animal control reports helps build that picture.
What if the dog scratched me but didn't break the skin?
That's usually treated as a non-bite injury and evaluated under negligence principles rather than the bite statute. We look at the full circumstances, including how the dog got loose and what the owner did or didn't do.
What if there was a bite along with the knockdown?
If teeth broke the skin during the same incident, the bite statute may apply to that part of the injury, alongside a negligence claim for the fall or chase. We sort through which facts fit which legal theory instead of treating the whole incident as one type of claim.
Where would my case be handled?
Cases arising from incidents in Manitou Springs are typically handled through El Paso County Combined Courts. We can meet with you at our Colorado Springs office to discuss the details of what happened.
Discuss a Manitou Springs dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.