El Paso County · Non-bite dog attacks
Old Colorado City Dog Attack Lawyers
Knocked down or chased by a dog in Old Colorado City? Free consultation, no fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Attack Isn't a Bite Under Colorado Law
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, applies when teeth break skin. A dog that knocks you down, chases you into traffic, or scratches you without biting falls outside that strict liability statute. Those cases are generally handled as ordinary negligence claims.
A negligence claim means we have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care with the dog. Was the dog off leash where a leash law or property boundary required control? Did the owner know the dog had a tendency to charge or chase? Those questions drive a non-bite case in a way that's different from a straightforward bite claim.
We won't force a knockdown or chase case into the bite statute if the facts don't fit. Instead, we build the negligence case around how the owner supervised, contained, or restrained the dog before the attack.
Building a Negligence Case After a Knockdown or Chase
These injuries can be serious even without a bite: broken bones from a fall, a head injury from hitting pavement, torn ligaments, or lasting fear of dogs. We treat these as possible harms to investigate and document, not outcomes we promise. Medical records tied to the incident date matter, whether treatment happened at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or elsewhere.
We look for evidence the dog was loose or unrestrained and whether the owner had a reasonable chance to prevent the attack. Witness accounts, photos of the scene, any fencing or leash involved, and prior complaints about the dog all help establish whether the owner failed to control the animal. If teeth also broke skin during the same incident, we look at whether the bite statute applies alongside the negligence claim.
- Photos of any visible injuries, torn clothing, or scene conditions
- Names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the attack
- Medical records from any treatment, even if there was no bite wound
- Information about the dog's owner and where the dog was kept
- Notes on whether the dog was leashed, fenced, or running loose
Handling Non-Bite Dog Attack Claims Near Old Colorado City
Foot traffic along Colorado Avenue, crossings near U.S. Highway 24, and residential blocks around 21st Street and 25th Street all bring pedestrians close to dogs that may not be properly restrained. A dog charging from a yard or slipping a leash near these areas can knock someone down or cause a fall without ever biting. We look closely at where the attack happened and whether the owner had control of the dog at that location.
Our office at 929 W Colorado Ave is close to these neighborhoods and to Manitou Springs, and cases from this area are typically filed in El Paso County Combined Courts. We meet with clients to walk through what happened, whether it was a chase, a knockdown, or another non-bite incident, and figure out what the negligence claim looks like.
Possible Losses in a Non-Bite Dog Attack
- Medical costs for fractures, head injury, or torn ligaments
- Lost income if injuries kept you from working
- Pain and suffering from the physical injury
- Costs tied to ongoing treatment or rehabilitation
- Emotional impact, 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 Old Colorado City — 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.
Old Colorado City Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Can I still make a claim if the dog never bit me?
Yes. A dog that knocks you down, chases you, or scratches you without biting can still support a negligence claim if the owner failed to control the dog. It falls outside the bite statute but not outside the law.
What do I have to prove in a non-bite dog attack case?
We generally have to show the owner didn't use reasonable care, such as letting the dog run loose or ignoring a known tendency to chase or charge. Evidence about how the dog was kept and supervised at the time matters most.
What if the dog both bit me and knocked me down?
We look at both parts of the incident. The bite portion may fall under the bite statute while the knockdown or chase is evaluated as negligence, and we sort out which facts support which claim.
Are injuries from a chase or knockdown taken as seriously as bite injuries?
They can be. Broken bones, head injuries, and torn ligaments from a fall can be just as serious as a bite wound, and we document them the same way.
Where would a non-bite dog attack case be filed near Old Colorado City?
Cases from this area are typically filed in El Paso County Combined Courts. We can go over the details specific to your situation during a free consultation.
Discuss a Old Colorado City dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.