Boulder County · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Superior Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by an off-leash dog in Superior? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash Attacks in Public Places
A dog does not have to attack on the owner's property for a claim to hold up. Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, a bite that happens in a public place can still qualify if you were lawfully there and the injury is serious. An open trail along U.S. Highway 36, a sidewalk near McCaslin Boulevard, or a path off Rock Creek Parkway all count as places you have a right to be.
Beyond the statute, an off-leash dog can also support a straightforward negligence claim. If an owner let a dog run loose in an area where control was expected and that led to your injury, that failure to control the animal is part of your case. We do not need to point to a particular leash rule to make that argument stand.
We look at where the dog was, why it was off-leash, and what the owner did or didn't do to stop the encounter. Each of these details shapes whether we build the case around the statute, negligence, or both.
Building the Case After a Park or Path Incident
Dog parks are public places too, and people who go there accept some level of dog-to-dog and dog-to-person contact. That doesn't mean every incident at a dog park is automatically a strong claim, and it doesn't mean it's automatically ruled out either. What matters is what actually happened: whether the dog had a history of aggression, whether the owner had control, and whether the injury was serious.
The proof that helps most is practical. Where exactly was the dog when the attack started. Was it leashed or off-leash. Who saw it happen. Photos of the scene, the dog, and your injuries. If you were treated at AdventHealth Avista in Louisville or elsewhere, those records matter too. The sooner this information is gathered, the better it holds up.
- Photos of the location, the dog, and your injuries
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the attack
- Notes on whether the dog was leashed and who was controlling it
- Medical records from any treatment you received
- Any communication with the dog's owner
Handling Cases From Superior
Attacks near U.S. Highway 36, McCaslin Boulevard, Marshall Road, or Rock Creek Parkway all involve open, public areas where people walk, run, and bike regularly. We look closely at where along these routes the incident happened and what that location tells us about who was responsible for the dog at the time.
These claims are handled through Boulder County, and if a case needs to go to court, that means the Boulder County Justice Center. Our office is based in Denver, and we work with clients throughout Superior and nearby Louisville without requiring repeated trips into the city.
What You Can Recover
- Medical bills related to the bite or attack
- Costs of follow-up care or treatment
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
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 Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I still file a claim if the attack happened on a public trail?
Yes. Being in a public place does not disqualify your claim. As long as you were lawfully there and the injury is serious, the statute can still apply, and a negligence claim may also be available.
Does it matter if the dog was off-leash at the time?
It can matter a great deal. An off-leash dog that the owner failed to control is a key part of a negligence argument, separate from the statutory claim.
I was hurt at a dog park. Is that automatically a valid claim?
Not automatically, but it isn't ruled out either. Dog parks involve some accepted risk of contact between dogs, so we look closely at what happened, the dog's history, and the severity of your injury.
What if I don't know the dog owner's name?
Witness information and any photos from the scene can help identify the owner. We work with what's available to track down the responsible party.
Where would my case be handled if it goes to court?
Cases from Superior are handled through Boulder County, with court proceedings at the Boulder County Justice Center if needed.
Discuss a Superior dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.