Adams and Weld counties · Non-bite dog attacks
Northglenn Dog Attack Lawyers
Knocked down or chased by a dog in Northglenn? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Attack Isn't a Bite
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, applies to bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin, that injury generally falls outside the statute and is handled as a negligence claim instead.
A negligence claim means we have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care: the dog was off leash when it shouldn't have been, a gate or fence was left open, or the owner knew the dog was prone to charging at people and did nothing about it. That's a different case to build than a strict liability bite claim, but it can still result in fair compensation.
If the dog's teeth did break the skin during the same incident, the bite statute may apply alongside a negligence theory. We look closely at what actually happened rather than trying to force a knockdown or chase into a bite claim where it doesn't fit.
What We Look At
For a non-bite attack, the central questions are control and reasonable care. Was the dog on a leash or behind a fence? Did the owner know the dog tended to run at people or bikes? Was there a warning sign, a prior complaint, or a history of the dog getting loose? Witness accounts, home security or doorbell footage, and animal control records can all speak to these questions.
Injuries from a knockdown or chase can be serious even without a bite: broken bones from a fall, head impact, torn ligaments, or lasting fear of dogs. We gather medical records documenting what happened after the fall or the fright, along with photos of the scene, to connect the dog's conduct to your injury.
- Get medical care and keep records tying your injury to the fall or impact
- Photograph the scene, any fencing or leash, and your injuries
- Get names and contact information for witnesses
- Check nearby homes or businesses for security or doorbell camera footage
- Write down what the dog did and how the owner responded
Handling These Claims in Northglenn
Northglenn attacks we see often happen near I-25, along 104th Avenue and 120th Avenue, on Washington Street, or in the areas bordering Thornton where dogs get loose from yards or off leash on walking paths. These claims typically fall in Adams County, though parts of the area extend into Weld County, and disputes can be filed at the Adams County Justice Center depending on where the incident occurred.
If you were treated for a fall or impact injury at HCA HealthONE North Suburban Medical Center or another local facility, we'll work with those records to document your injury. Our office is in Denver, and we handle Northglenn non-bite dog attack claims from consultation through resolution.
Possible Damages
- Medical treatment for fractures, head injury, or torn ligaments
- Follow-up care such as physical therapy
- Lost income while you recover
- Pain and suffering from the injury and the incident
- Ongoing fear or anxiety around dogs after the attack
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Northglenn — 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.
Northglenn Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Does Colorado's dog bite law cover a knockdown or chase?
The statute at C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 is written for bites. A knockdown, chase, or scratch without a bite is usually handled as a negligence claim instead, which means we have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care.
What do I need to prove in a non-bite dog attack case?
We focus on whether the owner controlled the dog, whether it was loose when it shouldn't have been, and whether the owner knew of a risk and failed to prevent it. Evidence like witness statements, video, and animal control history all help build that picture.
Can I still recover if the dog never bit me?
Yes. A negligence claim can cover injuries from being knocked down, chased into traffic or a fall, or otherwise hurt without a bite. The path to recovery is different from a bite claim, but the injury can be just as real.
What if the dog scratched me but didn't break the skin?
That's generally treated as a non-bite injury and evaluated under a negligence theory rather than the bite statute. If skin was broken elsewhere during the same incident, both theories may come into play.
Where would my Northglenn claim be handled?
Most Northglenn incidents fall within Adams County, with matters often addressed at the Adams County Justice Center, though some Northglenn areas extend into Weld County. We'll sort out where your claim belongs during the free consultation.
Discuss a Northglenn dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.