Jefferson and Adams counties · Non-bite dog attacks
Arvada Dog Attack Lawyers
Arvada dog attack that left you hurt without a bite? Free consultation, no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When the Statute Doesn't Apply, Negligence Still Can
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites. If an Arvada dog knocked you down, chased you into traffic, or scratched you without breaking skin with its teeth, that strict liability statute generally does not apply. That does not mean you have no claim. It means the claim runs through ordinary negligence law instead.
A negligence claim asks different questions than the bite statute does. Did the owner know the dog was aggressive or prone to chasing people? Was the dog off leash where a leash law or common sense required control? Did the owner fail to secure a gate, yard, or fence line and let the dog get loose near a sidewalk or trail? We build the case around what the owner knew and what they did or didn't do to control the animal.
We also look for other angles. Some non-bite attacks happen alongside a bite, or a chase leads to a fall that causes separate injuries. We sort out which facts point to strict liability and which point to negligence, and we build both theories where the facts support them.
What We Look For in a Non-Bite Case
Because these cases turn on the owner's conduct rather than an automatic statutory presumption, evidence of control and warning matters more here than in a straight bite case. We look at whether the dog had a history of chasing or knocking into people, whether neighbors had complained, whether the dog was restrained by leash or fence, and whether the owner was present and able to intervene. Witness accounts of how the dog was acting before the attack can carry real weight.
Medical documentation of the actual injury matters too, even without puncture wounds. Broken bones from a fall, head injuries from hitting pavement, torn ligaments from being knocked down, and lasting fear of dogs are all real harms that a negligence claim can address. We work with your treatment records to connect the attack to the injury and to the owner's failure to control the dog.
- Get medical evaluation even if there's no bite wound, especially after a fall or collision
- Photograph the scene, any fence or gate involved, and visible injuries
- Get names and contact information for anyone who saw the dog before and during the incident
- Write down what the dog was doing right before the attack while it's fresh
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurer before talking with us
Handling Non-Bite Attack Claims in Arvada
Arvada has a lot of areas where loose or unrestrained dogs can turn into a real hazard fast, from the sidewalks and shops around Olde Town to the busier stretches of Wadsworth Boulevard and Ralston Road, and over toward Wheat Ridge. Knockdowns and chases often happen in these mixed foot-traffic areas where a dog gets loose from a yard or slips a leash near pedestrians, cyclists, or other dogs.
If you were treated at Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge after a fall or collision caused by a dog, those records help establish the injury. Depending on where the attack happened and who's involved, a claim may be handled in Jefferson County Courts in Golden, and we account for whether Jefferson or Adams county law applies based on the location of the incident.
Losses We Pursue in Non-Bite Attack Claims
- Medical bills for fractures, head injuries, or ligament damage
- Costs of physical therapy or ongoing treatment
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering, including lasting fear of dogs
- Property damage, such as a bicycle or personal items damaged during the incident
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Arvada — 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.
Arvada Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
If the dog never bit me, do I still have a case?
Possibly, through a negligence claim rather than Colorado's strict liability dog bite statute. You'll need to show the owner failed to control the dog or knew it posed a risk. We evaluate the facts to see what theory fits.
What counts as a non-bite dog attack?
Knockdowns, chases that cause a fall, and scratches without a bite wound are common examples. These fall outside the bite statute but can still support a negligence claim against the owner.
Do I need proof the dog had a history of aggression?
It helps but isn't always required. Evidence that the dog was loose, unleashed where it shouldn't have been, or that the owner failed to use reasonable care can support a claim even without a known bite history.
What if the dog bit me and also knocked me down?
We look at both sets of facts. The bite portion may fall under the strict liability statute while injuries from the fall or chase may be argued as negligence, and we build the claim to reflect all of it.
Where would my case be handled if it happened in Arvada?
It depends on the location of the attack, since Arvada spans both Jefferson and Adams counties. Many cases are handled through Jefferson County Courts in Golden, and we sort out venue based on the specific facts of your incident.
Discuss a Arvada dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.