Adams and Weld counties · Non-bite dog attacks
Thornton Dog Attack Lawyers
A Thornton dog knocked you down or chased you without biting? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Attack Is Not a Bite Claim
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, applies to bites specifically. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin with its teeth, that is generally a negligence claim rather than a strict liability claim under that statute. The legal path is different, but the injury can be just as real.
A knockdown or chase can still cause serious harm. Broken bones, a head injury from hitting pavement, torn ligaments, and a lasting fear of dogs are all possible outcomes we see in these cases. We do not promise any particular result, but we take these injuries seriously and build the claim around what actually happened to you.
If teeth did break the skin during the same incident, the bite statute may apply alongside a negligence theory. We look closely at the facts before deciding how to frame the claim. Forcing a non-bite injury into the bite statute, or missing a negligence angle on a bite case, can weaken a claim from the start.
Proving a Negligence-Based Dog Attack Claim
Negligence claims focus on the owner's conduct: was the dog under control, was it off leash or loose from a yard, and did the owner fail to use reasonable care to prevent the attack. We look at how the dog got loose, whether there was a history of aggressive behavior, and what the owner knew or should have known before the incident.
Witness accounts matter more in these cases because there may be no visible bite wound to document. We gather statements from anyone who saw the dog get loose or saw the chase or knockdown happen. Photos of the scene, any fencing or gate involved, and medical records tied to the fall or impact all help establish what the owner did or failed to do.
- Photos of the scene, including fencing, gates, or where the dog got loose
- Names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the chase or knockdown
- Medical records from any fall, impact, or injury tied to the attack
- Notes on the dog owner's address and any prior incidents you heard about
- Your own written account of what happened while it is fresh
Handling Thornton Non-Bite Attack Claims
We handle these claims for Thornton residents hurt near I-25, E-470, 104th Avenue, Washington Street, and Northglenn. Loose dogs and knockdowns happen along walking paths, in yards, and near busy intersections in these areas, and we look at the specific location to understand how the dog got loose and who else may have seen it happen.
Depending on where the attack occurred, a claim may be filed at the Adams County Justice Center or Weld County Combined Courts. If you were treated at HCA HealthONE North Suburban Medical Center or another facility after a fall or impact, we help connect those records to the negligence claim we build on your behalf.
Possible Damages in a Non-Bite Attack Case
- Medical bills for fractures, head injury, or ligament damage
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Pain and suffering from the physical impact
- Ongoing fear or anxiety around dogs after the attack
- Future medical care if the injury requires more treatment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Thornton — 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.
Thornton Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Does the dog bite statute cover a knockdown with no bite?
Generally no. C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 applies specifically to bites, so a knockdown, chase, or scratch without a bite is usually pursued as a negligence claim instead.
What do I need to prove in a negligence-based dog attack claim?
We focus on whether the owner controlled the dog, whether it was loose, and whether the owner failed to use reasonable care. Witness accounts and evidence about how the dog got loose are central to this.
What if the dog both knocked me down and bit me?
That situation can involve both the bite statute and a negligence claim. We sort out which facts fit which legal theory rather than forcing everything under one label.
Can a non-bite dog attack still cause serious injury?
Yes. Falls from a knockdown or being chased can lead to broken bones, head injuries, torn ligaments, and lasting fear of dogs. These are possible outcomes, not guaranteed in every case.
Where would a Thornton negligence claim be filed?
Depending on where the attack happened, a claim may be filed at the Adams County Justice Center or Weld County Combined Courts. We help determine the right venue based on the facts of your case.
Discuss a Thornton dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.