Boulder County · Non-bite dog attacks
Superior Dog Attack Lawyers
Injured by a dog in Superior that knocked you down or chased you but never bit you? Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
When a Dog Attack Isn't a Bite Under Colorado Law
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, covers bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin, that statute generally does not apply. Instead, we look at the claim as a negligence case: did the owner fail to control the dog or keep it properly restrained.
That distinction matters because a negligence claim requires us to show the owner didn't use reasonable care. We look at whether the dog was off leash, whether it had a history of chasing people or other animals, and whether the owner had a reasonable chance to prevent the encounter along U.S. Highway 36, McCaslin Boulevard, or the trails near Rock Creek Parkway.
If the same incident involved teeth breaking skin along with a knockdown or chase, both the bite statute and a negligence theory may come into play. We sort out which facts fit which legal path rather than trying to force every detail into one framework.
What We Look At in a Non-Bite Dog Attack Case
We start with how the incident happened: was the dog running loose in a neighborhood near Marshall Road or Louisville, was it on a long lead that gave the owner no real control, or did the owner let it off leash somewhere leashes are required. Witness accounts, any video from doorbell or traffic cameras, and the location itself all help establish whether the owner acted reasonably.
We also gather medical records showing what happened to your body when the dog knocked you down or you fell while trying to get away. Records from a visit to AdventHealth Avista in Louisville, follow-up appointments, and any imaging or physical therapy notes help connect the fall or impact to the dog's conduct.
- Get medical care even if you were not bitten, since falls and impacts can cause serious injury
- Photograph the scene, including any leash, fence, or gate involved
- Get the owner's name, address, and contact information if possible
- Write down what happened while it's fresh, including how the dog behaved
- Identify any witnesses who saw the dog loose or chasing you
Handling Non-Bite Dog Attack Claims in Superior
Superior sits along U.S. Highway 36 with a mix of trails, parks, and neighborhood streets near McCaslin Boulevard and Rock Creek Parkway where dogs are frequently walked or let off leash. These are also the kinds of areas where a fast-moving or unrestrained dog can knock someone down or chase them into traffic or onto uneven ground, causing real injury without ever breaking skin.
Claims arising in Superior are generally handled through Boulder County, with court proceedings at the Boulder County Justice Center. We're based in Denver and regularly handle cases for clients throughout Boulder County, including Superior and neighboring Louisville.
Possible Damages in a Non-Bite Dog Attack Claim
- Medical expenses related to fractures, head impact, or torn ligaments
- Costs of physical therapy or ongoing treatment
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Pain and suffering from the fall or impact
- Emotional effects such as a lasting fear of dogs
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Superior — 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.
Superior Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Can I still make a claim if the dog never bit me?
Yes. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or otherwise caused injury without biting, you may have a negligence claim against the owner. We look at whether the owner failed to control the dog or keep it properly restrained.
How is a non-bite claim different from a bite claim?
Colorado's dog bite statute applies specifically to bites and imposes a different standard than a typical negligence claim. For a non-bite attack, we generally have to show the owner didn't use reasonable care, rather than relying on that statute.
What if the dog bit me and also knocked me down?
Both the bite statute and a negligence theory may apply depending on the facts. We review the full sequence of events to determine which legal path, or combination of paths, fits your situation.
What kind of injuries come from non-bite dog attacks?
Knockdowns and chases can cause broken bones, head injuries from a fall, and torn ligaments. Some people also develop a lasting fear of dogs after a serious encounter.
Do you handle these cases outside of Superior?
Yes. While we're familiar with areas like McCaslin Boulevard and Rock Creek Parkway in Superior, we handle non-bite dog attack claims throughout Boulder County and the greater Denver area.
Discuss a Superior dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.