El Paso County · Non-bite dog attacks
Monument Dog Attack Lawyers
Knocked down or chased by a loose dog in Monument? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When It's Not a Bite, It's Still a Claim
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 skin, that statute generally does not apply. That does not mean you have no claim. It means the claim is built on negligence rather than strict liability.
A negligence claim asks whether the owner controlled the dog, whether the dog was off leash or otherwise loose, and whether the owner failed to use reasonable care under the circumstances. In Monument, that might mean a dog that got loose along Second Street, ran into traffic near Colorado Highway 105, or knocked someone off a bike near Palmer Lake. We look at how the dog got loose and what the owner did or failed to do about it.
Injuries from a non-bite attack can still be serious. A knockdown can cause broken bones or a head injury. A chase can end in a fall and torn ligaments. Some people are left with a lasting fear of dogs after an attack, even without a bite. We describe these as possible harms depending on your case, not outcomes we can promise.
Building a Negligence Case
Because there's no bite to point to, proof in these cases turns on control and reasonable care. Was the dog on a leash? Was there a fence with a gap? Did the owner know the dog had a habit of chasing people or bikes? Witness accounts, any video from nearby businesses or homes, and the scene itself all help answer those questions.
If teeth did break the skin at some point during the same incident, the bite statute may apply to that part of the injury even if the initial contact was a knockdown or chase. We sort out which facts fall under the bite statute and which belong in a negligence claim, rather than trying to force every attack into one label.
- Photos of the scene, including any fencing, gates, or leash left behind
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the dog loose or the attack happen
- Medical records from any visit, including UCHealth Memorial Hospital North, for falls or impact injuries
- Any video from doorbell cameras or nearby businesses along Second Street or Highway 105
- Notes on what you were doing and where, in case the dog's owner or location is disputed
Handling Non-Bite Dog Attack Claims Near Monument
We take these cases from Monument, Palmer Lake, and the surrounding area along I-25 and Colorado Highway 105. Loose dogs near trails, driveways, and open space can knock someone down or trigger a fall well before a bite ever happens, and those injuries deserve the same careful look as a bite claim.
These claims are generally filed in El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office is at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, a short drive from Monument, and we meet with clients from Monument and Palmer Lake to go over what happened and what a negligence claim would require.
What a Non-Bite Attack Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment for fractures, head injury, or other impact injuries
- Costs related to torn ligaments or orthopedic injuries from a fall
- Lost income while you recover
- Ongoing treatment or therapy needs
- Impact on daily life, including fear of dogs after the attack
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Monument — 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.
Monument Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Do I have a case if the dog never bit me?
Possibly, yes. A knockdown, chase, or scratch without a bite generally falls under negligence law rather than the dog bite statute. We look at whether the owner controlled the dog and whether reasonable care was used.
What do I need to prove in a non-bite dog attack case?
We generally need to show the dog was loose or poorly controlled and that the owner failed to take reasonable steps to prevent the attack. Witness statements, video, and the condition of any fence or leash all help establish that.
What if the dog bit me too during the same attack?
If teeth broke the skin at any point, the bite statute may apply to that part of the incident. We sort out which facts support a bite claim and which support a negligence claim so nothing gets left out.
Can a knockdown really cause serious injury?
Yes. Being knocked down or chased can lead to broken bones, head impact, or torn ligaments depending on how the fall happens. We treat these as possible outcomes that depend on the specifics of your incident.
Where would my case be handled?
Non-bite dog attack claims from Monument are generally handled through El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office is in Colorado Springs, and we offer a free consultation to go over your situation.
Discuss a Monument dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.