Adams and Jefferson counties · Off-leash and dog-park attacks
Westminster Off-Leash Dog Attack Lawyers
Bitten by an off-leash dog in Westminster? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Off-Leash Attacks and Colorado's Dog Bite Law
Many people assume a dog bite claim only applies to attacks at the owner's house. That is not the case. If you were bitten by a dog while lawfully in a public place in Westminster, such as a trail, sidewalk, or open space, and your injury was serious, you can still have a claim under Colorado's dog bite statute.
An off-leash dog running loose near U.S. Highway 36, along Federal Boulevard, or through neighborhoods near 120th Avenue creates real risk, and the fact that the attack happened outside the owner's property does not erase the owner's responsibility. Beyond the statute, an off-leash dog can also support a straightforward negligence claim. An owner who lets a dog run free in an area where it can reach other people has failed to control the animal, and that failure can be the basis of a case even without pointing to any particular local leash rule.
We look at where the attack happened, whether the dog was on a leash, and what the owner was doing at the time. Each of these facts shapes how we build your claim and what we need to prove.
Dog Parks and Public Space Claims
Dog parks raise a different question. People who bring their dogs to a dog park generally accept that some contact between dogs will happen. That does not mean an injury at a dog park can never lead to a claim, but it also does not mean every incident there is automatically the owner's fault. What matters is what actually happened: whether the dog had a known history of aggression, whether the owner ignored warning signs, and whether the owner kept control of the dog once trouble started.
Because these cases turn on the specific facts of the incident, we look closely at where the dog was, whether it was leashed or off-leash, and what witnesses saw. Photos of the scene, whether taken at a park along Broomfield's edge or near the 120th Avenue corridor, can also help show what the area looked like and how the attack unfolded.
- Photos of the location where the attack happened
- Notes on whether the dog was leashed or off-leash
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Description of the dog and any information about the owner
- Records from any medical treatment you received
Handling Your Case in the Westminster Area
Westminster sits across Adams and Jefferson counties, and depending on where your attack happened, your case may be handled through the Adams County Justice Center or the Jefferson County Courts. We help clients sort out which county applies and what that means for their case.
If you were treated for a bite injury at CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital or another local facility, those records matter to your claim. Our office is based in Denver, and we work with clients throughout the Westminster area, including those bitten near I-25, Federal Boulevard, or the open spaces around Broomfield.
What You May Recover
- Medical bills related to the bite injury
- Future medical care if needed
- Lost income from time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement
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 Off-leash and dog-park attacks FAQ
Can I file a claim if the attack happened at a park instead of the owner's home?
Yes. Location alone does not prevent a claim. If you were lawfully at the park and suffered a serious injury from the dog, you may have a claim under Colorado's dog bite statute or under general negligence principles.
Does going to a dog park mean I can't sue if I'm bitten?
Not necessarily. People at dog parks accept some normal contact between dogs, but that doesn't excuse an owner who ignored a known aggressive dog or failed to step in once a problem started. Each case depends on the specific facts.
What if the dog was off-leash when it attacked me?
An off-leash dog can support both a statutory claim and a negligence claim. Letting a dog run loose in an area where it can reach other people is a failure of control that we can use to build your case.
What evidence helps most in an off-leash attack case?
Photos of the location, information about whether the dog was leashed, and contact details for witnesses are especially useful. This evidence helps establish what happened and where.
Which court would handle my Westminster case?
Depending on exactly where the attack occurred, your case may fall under Adams County or Jefferson County. We can help determine the right venue once we know the details of your incident.
Discuss a Westminster dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.