El Paso County · Non-bite dog attacks
Security-Widefield Dog Attack Lawyers
A dog knocked you down or chased you in Security-Widefield? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When It's Not a Bite Under Colorado Law
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites specifically. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin, that injury generally falls outside the statute's strict liability rule and instead gets handled as an ordinary negligence claim.
That distinction matters because a negligence claim requires us to show the owner failed to use reasonable care, for example by letting the dog run loose, ignoring known aggressive behavior, or failing to secure a gate or leash. It is a different legal path than a strict liability bite case, but it is still a real claim when the facts support it.
Injuries from a non-bite attack can be just as serious as a bite. Broken bones from a fall, head impact, torn ligaments, and lasting fear of dogs are all possible outcomes we see in these cases. We look at what actually happened and build the claim around control, negligence, and the harm you suffered.
What We Look At in a Non-Bite Attack
Since these claims turn on the owner's conduct rather than automatic liability, we focus on whether the dog was contained, whether it had a history of getting loose or chasing people, and whether the owner took reasonable steps to prevent the incident. Witness accounts of the chase or knockdown, photos of the scene, and any record of prior complaints about the dog all help establish that picture.
If teeth broke the skin during the same incident, the bite statute may apply alongside the negligence claim. We sort out which facts support which legal theory rather than trying to force a chase or knockdown into a framework built for bites. Medical records documenting fall injuries, head trauma, or ligament damage help connect the attack to your actual harm.
- Get medical care for falls, head impact, or joint injuries even if the dog never bit you
- Take photos of the scene, any fencing or gate involved, and your injuries
- Get contact information for anyone who saw the dog loose or chasing you
- Ask about the dog's history if the owner or neighbors mention prior incidents
- Write down what happened while the details are still fresh
Handling Non-Bite Attack Claims Near Security-Widefield
Loose dogs and chase incidents happen along stretches like U.S. Highway 85, Bradley Road, Fontaine Boulevard, and Widefield Boulevard, and out toward Fountain. Falls on pavement or in yards along these areas can cause real injuries even without a bite, and we take those claims seriously.
If your injuries required treatment at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs, those records help document the connection between the attack and your harm. When a case needs to go to court, it would proceed in El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office is at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, and we meet with Security-Widefield clients to walk through what happened and what comes next.
Possible Damages in a Non-Bite Attack Case
- Medical expenses for fractures, head injury, or ligament damage
- Lost income if injuries kept you from working
- Pain and suffering from the fall or impact
- Ongoing treatment or rehabilitation costs
- Emotional distress or fear of dogs following the attack
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Security-Widefield — 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.
Security-Widefield Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Can I still sue if the dog never bit me?
Yes, but it works differently. A knockdown or chase is usually pursued as a negligence claim rather than under Colorado's strict liability dog bite statute, and we would need to show the owner failed to use reasonable care.
What if the dog broke skin during the same chase?
If teeth broke the skin, the bite statute may apply to that part of the injury. We sort through the facts to determine whether a bite claim, a negligence claim, or both apply to your situation.
What kind of injuries come from non-bite attacks?
We commonly see broken bones from falls, head injuries from hitting the ground or an object, torn ligaments, and lasting fear of dogs. These injuries can be serious even without any bite marks.
How do you prove the owner was negligent?
We look at whether the dog was properly contained, whether the owner knew about prior aggressive or loose behavior, and whether reasonable precautions like a leash or secure fence were in place. Witness statements and any history of complaints about the dog help build that picture.
Do you charge anything for a consultation?
No. We offer a free consultation to review what happened, and we don't charge an attorney fee unless we recover money for you.
Discuss a Security-Widefield dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.