Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Aurora Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by an off-leash dog in Aurora? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash Attacks Away From the Owner's Property
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, is not limited to attacks that happen at the owner's home. If you were lawfully in a public place in Aurora, whether on a path along East Colfax Avenue, near Parker Road, or elsewhere in the city, and suffered a serious injury from a dog bite, the statute can still apply.
An off-leash dog that attacks in a park, on a sidewalk, or along a trail can also support a straightforward negligence claim against the owner. An owner who lets a dog run loose in an area where it can reach other people has a duty to control that animal, and failing to leash or restrain it is evidence of a failure to meet that duty.
Aurora's growth along corridors like E-470 has brought more shared trails, parks, and open space where dogs and people cross paths. That mix of foot traffic and off-leash animals is exactly where these cases tend to arise, and we look closely at where the attack happened and whether the dog was under any control at the time.
Dog Parks and Public Spaces Require Careful Proof
Dog parks are still public places, but people who use them generally accept some level of normal contact and rough play between dogs. That does not mean every incident there is a slam-dunk claim, and it does not mean a dog-park injury can never lead to compensation. What matters is whether the specific dog's behavior went beyond what a reasonable person would expect, and whether the owner controlled or failed to control the animal.
Because these attacks often happen away from home, with strangers and moving dogs involved, proof takes on added importance. We look for where the dog was at the time of the attack, whether it was on or off leash, the names and contact information of any witnesses, and photos of the scene, including any posted signs or fencing. This kind of detail can make the difference in showing what actually happened before memories fade.
- Note the exact location, including the park, trail, or street
- Write down whether the dog was on a leash or running loose
- Get names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the attack
- Take photos of the scene, the dog if possible, and your injuries
- Save any medical records from treatment after the bite
Handling Aurora Cases From Parks to Court
Aurora sits across Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties, and where your attack happened can affect which court handles your case. Many Aurora dog bite claims are filed at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, and we help sort out venue based on where the incident occurred.
If your injuries required treatment at UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital or another facility, those records become part of building your claim. We work from our Denver office and regularly handle cases arising from incidents in Aurora's parks, trails, and public spaces, including areas near East Colfax Avenue and Parker Road.
What You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical bills for treatment of the bite or attack injuries
- Future medical costs if scarring or nerve damage requires more care
- Lost wages if your injury kept you from working
- Pain and suffering from the attack and recovery
- Costs of scar treatment or reconstructive procedures if needed
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Aurora — 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.
Aurora Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I still file a claim if I was bitten at a dog park?
Yes, it is possible, but dog parks come with an understanding that some contact between dogs happens. We look at whether the dog's behavior was beyond normal play and whether the owner failed to control the animal.
Does it matter if the dog was off leash when it bit me?
It can matter a great deal. An off-leash dog in an area where leashes are expected supports both a statutory claim and a negligence claim, since it shows the owner did not control the animal.
What if I don't know who the dog's owner is?
Witness information, photos, and details about the dog's appearance can help identify the owner later. This is why gathering evidence at the scene, even without knowing the owner's identity, is so important.
I was attacked on a trail near E-470. Does the location change my case?
The location affects which county's court may handle the case, since Aurora spans Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties. It does not change whether you have a valid claim, which depends on the facts of the attack itself.
What should I do right after an off-leash attack in a public place?
Get medical attention, document the scene with photos, and collect contact information from any witnesses before they leave. These details are often harder to recover later and can be central to proving your claim.
Discuss a Aurora dog bite
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