Huerfano County · Non-bite dog attacks
Walsenburg Dog Attack Lawyers
Knocked down or chased by a dog in Walsenburg? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When the Bite Statute Doesn't Apply
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, is written for bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin with its teeth, that statute generally doesn't apply. Instead, we look at the case as an ordinary negligence claim against the owner or the person controlling the dog at the time.
A negligence claim means we have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care, not just that the dog caused harm. That includes questions like whether the dog was on a leash, whether a gate or fence was left open, whether the owner knew the dog was likely to charge or jump on people, and whether reasonable precautions were skipped.
These attacks can cause real injuries even without a bite. A knockdown can mean a broken bone, a head injury from hitting pavement, or torn ligaments from twisting away. Some people are left with a lasting fear of dogs after being chased or charged. We treat these as possible harms to investigate, not assumptions we make before reviewing the facts.
Building a Negligence Case Without a Bite
Because a negligence claim doesn't get the presumption the bite statute provides, evidence matters more. We look at whether the dog was loose or contained, whether there was a leash law or containment requirement in the area, and whether the owner had prior notice the dog might behave this way. Witness accounts of the chase or knockdown, photos of the scene, and any video help establish what the owner did or didn't do to control the animal.
We also sort out whether the incident is really bite-free. Sometimes what looks like a scratch or a knockdown injury also involves a bite that broke skin, which can bring the statute back into play alongside a negligence theory. We review medical records and incident details closely so we don't force a case into the wrong legal box.
- Photos of any bruising, scrapes, or injury from the fall or impact
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the chase or knockdown
- Notes on where the dog was kept and whether it got loose from a yard or leash
- Medical records from any visit related to the fall, impact, or injury
- Any information about prior incidents involving the same dog
Handling Non-Bite Claims Around Walsenburg
We take non-bite dog attack cases from around Walsenburg and Huerfano County, including incidents near I-25, U.S. Highway 160, Colorado Highway 10, Main Street, and out toward La Veta. Loose dogs along rural roads and open properties in this area can end up chasing pedestrians, cyclists, or people walking near their own homes, and those incidents often don't involve a bite at all.
If you were treated at Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center or another facility after a fall or impact caused by a dog, those records help document what happened. A case like this may go through Huerfano County Combined Courts, and we handle that process while you focus on recovering.
Possible Losses in a Non-Bite Attack Claim
- Medical costs for fractures, head injuries, or ligament damage
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Pain and physical limitation during recovery
- Ongoing fear or anxiety around dogs after being chased or charged
- Future medical care if the injury requires follow-up treatment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Walsenburg — 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.
Walsenburg Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Can I still sue if the dog never bit me?
Yes. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or otherwise caused injury without breaking skin with a bite, you may have a negligence claim against the owner. It works differently than the bite statute but can still lead to recovery.
What do I have to prove without the bite statute?
We generally have to show the owner failed to use reasonable care, such as letting the dog run loose or ignoring known aggressive behavior. This takes more investigation than a straightforward bite claim.
What if the dog scratched me but didn't technically bite me?
We look closely at what actually happened. Sometimes an attack involves both bite and non-bite injuries, and we sort out which legal theory fits which part of the harm.
Is a knockdown injury from a dog serious enough for a claim?
It can be. Falls caused by a dog charging or jumping have led to broken bones and head injuries in other cases. We evaluate the medical facts of your specific injury before drawing conclusions.
Does it matter where in Huerfano County the attack happened?
The location helps us figure out ownership, witnesses, and whether any local containment rules applied. Whether it happened near Main Street in Walsenburg or out along a rural road near La Veta, we gather the same kind of information.
Discuss a Walsenburg dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.