Jefferson and Adams counties · Fatal dog attacks
Arvada Fatal Dog Attack Lawyers
A dog attack death in Arvada is a family emergency and a legal one. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How Colorado Law Treats a Fatal Dog Attack
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a bite causes death, provided the person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's property at the time. That statute establishes the owner's liability for the bite itself, but it does not by itself decide who in the family can bring a claim after a death.
That question is controlled by Colorado's wrongful-death law, separate from the dog-bite statute. We do not guess or assume which relative has the right to file. We review the facts of each case against wrongful-death law to determine who may bring the claim and what it can address.
Because a fatal attack sits at the intersection of the dog-bite statute and wrongful-death law, these cases take more care than a typical bite injury claim. We look at both bodies of law together from the start, so the family understands what applies and why.
Records That Matter After a Fatal Attack
A death from a dog attack often generates animal-control and police records documenting what happened, the dog's history, and any prior complaints. These records can matter to both liability and the wrongful-death claim, and we work to identify and preserve them before they are lost or destroyed.
Witness accounts, scene photos, and any available surveillance footage from the area also matter. In a fatal case, the person who experienced the attack cannot describe what happened, which makes outside evidence and prompt investigation especially important.
- Request copies of any animal-control or police reports related to the incident
- Identify and speak with witnesses while memories are fresh
- Photograph the scene and the dog's environment if safely possible
- Keep records of the dog's ownership and any known prior incidents
- Talk with an attorney before signing anything from an insurance company
Handling a Fatal Attack Case Rooted in Arvada
Fatal dog attacks in Arvada can arise in neighborhoods like Olde Town, Wheat Ridge, along Wadsworth Boulevard, or near Ralston Road. Depending on where the attack occurred, the case may touch Jefferson County or Adams County, and Jefferson County Courts in Golden is often where a case would be filed.
If emergency care was needed, Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge is a facility families in this area may encounter. Our office is based in Denver, and we work with Arvada families through every stage of a fatal attack claim, including how it connects to a wrongful-death case.
What a Wrongful-Death Claim May Address
- Funeral and burial costs
- Loss of the deceased's future income and support
- Loss of care, companionship, and guidance
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Other losses recognized under Colorado wrongful-death law
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 Fatal dog attacks FAQ
Does the dog-bite statute alone tell us who can file a claim after a death?
No. The dog-bite statute addresses the owner's liability for the bite, but who may bring a claim after a death is governed by Colorado's wrongful-death law. We review both together to determine the right path for your family.
Who decides which family member can bring the case?
That is determined by wrongful-death law, not the dog-bite statute. We do not assume the answer without reviewing the specific family situation, and we encourage families to talk with us directly about this.
What if the attack happened on the dog owner's property?
The dog-bite statute can still apply if the person was lawfully on the owner's property at the time. We look closely at where and how the attack occurred as part of building the case.
What records should we look for after a fatal attack?
Animal-control and police records are often important, along with witness statements and any photos or video from the scene. We work to identify and preserve these promptly.
Where would a wrongful-death dog-bite case be filed for an Arvada incident?
Depending on where the attack happened, the case may involve Jefferson County or Adams County, with Jefferson County Courts in Golden often handling filings. We can explain the specifics once we know the details of your case.
Discuss a Arvada dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.