Adams and Jefferson counties · Fatal dog attacks
Westminster Fatal Dog Attack Lawyers
A fatal dog attack in Westminster is a tragedy for a family. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How Colorado Law Treats a Fatal Dog Attack
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a bite causes death, so long as the person who died was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property at the time of the attack. That statute establishes a path to hold an owner accountable, but it does not by itself say who in the family may bring a claim after a death.
Who may file a wrongful-death claim in Colorado, and what that claim can address, is controlled by Colorado's wrongful-death law rather than by the dog-bite statute alone. We do not guess or assume which family member has the right to sue in a given case, because that depends on the family's specific circumstances and how Colorado wrongful-death law applies to them.
Because a fatal dog attack sits at the intersection of the dog-bite statute and wrongful-death law, these cases require looking at both bodies of law together. We walk families through how the two connect and what that means for their situation.
Records That May Follow a Fatal Attack
A fatal dog attack in Westminster can generate animal-control and police records documenting what happened, where it happened, and what officers or investigators observed at the scene. These records can become an important part of piecing together the facts of the attack, alongside any witness accounts from the area.
We gather and review the records connected to the incident as part of building the family's case. Acting early to identify and request these records matters, since documentation and witness memory can be harder to obtain as time passes.
- Any animal-control or police report numbers or contact names
- Photos of the scene, the dog, and the property if available
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Medical records related to the attack and cause of death
- Any communication with the dog owner or their insurer
Serving Westminster Families
Westminster sits across Adams and Jefferson counties, and a fatal dog attack case connected to this area may involve the Adams County Justice Center or the Jefferson County Courts, depending on where the incident occurred and where the case is filed. We help families understand which court applies to their situation.
We work with families throughout Westminster, including areas near U.S. Highway 36, I-25, Federal Boulevard, 120th Avenue, and Broomfield, as well as those connected to CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital. Our office is in Denver, and we meet with families from Westminster to talk through what happened and what comes next.
What a Wrongful-Death Claim May Address
- Losses connected to the death of a family member
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Funeral and burial-related costs
- Loss of companionship and support for surviving family
- Other losses recognized under Colorado wrongful-death law
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 Fatal dog attacks FAQ
Does the dog-bite statute cover a death caused by a dog attack?
Yes, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 can apply when a bite causes death, as long as the person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's property. That statute addresses the owner's liability for the bite itself.
Who can file a claim after a fatal dog attack in Colorado?
That question is controlled by Colorado wrongful-death law, not the dog-bite statute alone. We review the family's circumstances against that law rather than assuming who qualifies.
Where can I learn more about wrongful-death claims connected to this case?
We have a dedicated wrongful-death page that explains who may file and what losses that type of claim addresses. It works alongside the dog-bite statute in a fatal attack case.
What records are usually involved in a fatal dog attack case?
These cases can involve animal-control and police records documenting the incident, along with witness statements and medical records. We gather these as part of investigating the claim.
Do you charge anything for an initial consultation?
No. We offer a free consultation and do not charge an attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Discuss a Westminster dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.