Pueblo County · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Pueblo Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by a loose dog in Pueblo? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash Attacks and Colorado Dog Bite Law
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, is not limited to attacks on the owner's property. If you were lawfully in a public place in Pueblo, like a walking path, a park, or a sidewalk in Pueblo West or Bessemer, and a dog caused a serious injury, the statute can apply the same as it would in a residential setting.
Separately, an off-leash dog can support a straightforward negligence claim. An owner who lets a dog run loose in a public area, or who fails to keep control of the dog on a leash where required, can be held responsible for what happens as a result. We look at the facts of how the dog got loose and what the owner did or did not do to prevent it.
These cases often turn on location and control. Whether the attack happened downtown, near Belmont, or out toward Pueblo West, we ask the same questions: was the dog under control, was the person injured somewhere they had a right to be, and how serious was the resulting injury.
Building the Off-Leash Case
Where the attack happened and whether the dog was leashed at the time are central facts. We also want to know if the location had leash requirements and whether the owner had any control over the dog at all in the moments before the bite. Photos of the scene, including any leash, fencing, or open space, help establish what happened.
Witnesses matter a great deal in public-place attacks because there is often no homeowner or landlord to ask about the dog's history. Names and contact information for anyone who saw the dog loose, saw the attack, or knows the owner can make a real difference. We also gather medical records and photos of the injury to document what the attack cost you physically.
- Photos of the location, including any leash or fencing
- Names and phone numbers of any witnesses
- Photos of your injuries as soon as possible after the attack
- Any information you have about the dog's owner
- Records from any medical treatment you received
Handling Public-Place Claims in Pueblo
Off-leash attacks happen all over Pueblo, from open trails in Pueblo West to neighborhood streets in Bessemer, Downtown Pueblo, and Belmont. Each location has its own layout and its own witnesses, and we take the time to understand where your attack happened and who might have seen it.
If you were treated at CommonSpirit Parkview Medical Center or another local facility, we can help you gather those records as part of your claim. When a case needs to go to court, it would be filed in Pueblo County District Court. Our office is at 301 N. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003, and we're glad to sit down and talk through what happened.
What You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical bills related to the bite and any follow-up care
- Lost wages if the injury kept you from working
- Pain and suffering from the attack and recovery
- Scarring or disfigurement from the bite
- Costs of any additional treatment needed going forward
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Pueblo — and read client testimonials.
A pickup hit me from behind on Hwy 50 east of Pueblo. The insurer offered $2,600. McCormick & Murphy helped with treatment, filed suit, and the case settled at mediation for $165,000.
C. O., Pueblo · Highway 50 crash
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Pueblo Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Does it matter that I was in a public place instead of on someone's property?
Not necessarily. Colorado's dog bite statute can apply as long as you were lawfully present where the attack happened and the injury was serious. Being in a public place doesn't automatically weaken your claim.
What if the attack happened at a dog park?
Dog parks are still public places, and people there generally accept some normal contact between dogs. That doesn't mean every incident is automatically a claim, but it doesn't mean a dog park injury can never lead to one either. It depends on what happened and how serious the injury was.
The dog was off-leash where it shouldn't have been. Does that help my case?
It can. An off-leash dog in a place where it should have been controlled can support a negligence claim against the owner, separate from the dog bite statute itself. We look at where the dog was and why it was loose.
I don't know the dog owner. Can I still pursue a claim?
It's harder without that information, which is why witness names and any details about the dog or owner are so important right after the attack. We can help track down ownership information as part of investigating your case.
What should I do right after an off-leash attack in Pueblo?
Get medical attention, take photos of the scene and your injuries, and get contact information from anyone who saw what happened. The sooner this information is gathered, the stronger your case will be.
Discuss a Pueblo dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.