Adams and Jefferson counties · Non-bite dog attacks
Westminster Dog Attack Lawyers
A dog knocked you down or chased you in Westminster? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When the Dog Never Bit You
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, applies to bites. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin with its teeth, that's typically a negligence claim rather than a strict liability claim under that statute. The legal path is different, but that doesn't mean you have less of a claim.
A negligence claim asks different questions: Did the owner control the dog? Was the dog loose when it shouldn't have been? Did the owner fail to use reasonable care given what they knew about the dog? These are the same kinds of questions Colorado courts ask in other negligence cases, and we build the case around them.
Some incidents involve both a bite and a knockdown or chase. If teeth broke the skin at any point, the bite statute may apply to that part of the injury. We look at the full sequence of events and sort out which facts fall under the statute and which fall under general negligence, rather than trying to force every detail into one legal box.
Proving Fault Without a Bite
Because there's no bite to point to, proving what happened matters even more. We look at whether the dog was on a leash or behind a fence, whether the owner knew the dog had a habit of chasing or jumping on people, and whether reasonable precautions were skipped. Witness accounts of the dog running loose, video from nearby businesses or homes, and the owner's own statements after the incident can all support a negligence claim.
Injuries from a knockdown or chase can be significant even without broken skin. Broken bones from a fall, head impact, torn ligaments, and a lasting fear of dogs are all possible harms we describe when they apply to your situation. Medical records documenting the fall and its aftermath help connect the incident to the injury.
- Photos of the scene, including any fence, gate, or leash involved
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the dog loose or chasing
- Medical records describing the fall, impact, or injury
- Any video from doorbell cameras or nearby businesses
- Notes on what the owner said about the dog afterward
Handling Non-Bite Claims Around Westminster
Westminster sits across Adams and Jefferson counties, and knockdowns and chases happen in the same places bites do: along U.S. Highway 36, near I-25, on Federal Boulevard, around 120th Avenue, and near the Broomfield line. We gather witness accounts and scene evidence from these areas while it's still fresh, since negligence claims depend heavily on what the facts show about the owner's control of the dog.
If you were treated at CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital for a fall or injury caused by a loose dog, those records help establish the connection between the incident and your injuries. Depending on where the claim proceeds, it may be handled through the Adams County Justice Center or the Jefferson County Courts. We work from our Denver office and handle these claims across both counties.
Possible Damages in Non-Bite Attack Cases
- Medical bills for fractures, sprains, or head injury from a fall
- Costs of physical therapy or ongoing treatment
- Lost wages while recovering
- Pain and suffering from the injury
- Compensation for lasting fear or anxiety around dogs
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Westminster — 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.
Westminster Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
Can I still file a claim if the dog never bit me?
Yes. A knockdown, chase, or scratch without a bite is generally handled as a negligence claim instead of under Colorado's dog bite statute. We look at whether the owner failed to control the dog or use reasonable care.
What do I have to prove in a negligence claim like this?
We focus on whether the dog was under control, whether it was loose when it shouldn't have been, and whether the owner knew about a tendency to chase or jump on people. These facts, along with witness accounts and any video, form the basis of the claim.
What if the dog bit me and also knocked me down?
We sort out which injuries came from the bite and which came from the fall or knockdown. The bite portion may fall under the strict liability statute, while the knockdown portion is generally treated as negligence.
Can a knockdown cause a serious injury even without a bite?
Yes. Falls from being knocked down by a dog can cause broken bones, head impact, and torn ligaments. Some people also develop a lasting fear of dogs after a chase or attack.
Where would my case be handled if I live in Westminster?
Westminster spans Adams and Jefferson counties, so a claim could involve the Adams County Justice Center or the Jefferson County Courts depending on the details. We work with clients across both counties from our Denver office.
Discuss a Westminster dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.