Jefferson County · Non-Bite Dog Attacks
Wheat Ridge Dog Attack Lawyers
Wheat Ridge dog attack lawyers for people hurt by a dog in Wheat Ridge. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Wheat Ridge Non-Bite Dog Attack Claims
McCormick & Murphy are Wheat Ridge dog attack lawyers for people hurt by a knockdown, chase, or other attack that was not a bite.
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, applies to bites. If a dog in Wheat Ridge knocked someone down, chased them into traffic, or scratched them without breaking skin, that incident usually falls outside the statute and is handled as a negligence claim instead.
A negligence claim asks different questions than the bite statute does. We look at whether the owner kept control of the dog, whether the dog was off leash or loose from a yard, and whether the owner acted reasonably given what they knew about the dog.
Non-bite attacks can still cause serious harm. A knockdown can lead to broken bones or a head injury, a chase can end in torn ligaments from a fall or sudden movement, and the encounter itself can leave someone genuinely afraid of dogs afterward. We treat these as possible outcomes to investigate, not assumptions.
Sorting Out Bite And Non-Bite Elements In One Attack
Some incidents involve both a bite and a knockdown or chase in the same event. If teeth broke the skin at any point, the bite statute may apply to that part of the claim. We go through the sequence of what happened and separate the bite elements from the non-bite elements rather than trying to force the whole incident into one legal theory.
For the negligence side, we look at how the dog got loose, whether the owner had prior notice the dog might act this way, and what the owner did or didn't do in the moments before the attack. Witness accounts, any video from the area, and records of the injury and follow-up treatment help build that picture.
- Photos of any visible injuries, bruising, or scrapes
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the incident
- Notes on where the dog came from and whether it was on a leash or fenced
- Any video from a doorbell camera, business, or passerby
- Records from any medical evaluation or treatment you received
Loose Dogs Near Wadsworth, Kipling, And I-70 In Wheat Ridge
Loose dogs turn up in a lot of the same spots in Wheat Ridge: along Wadsworth Boulevard and Kipling Street, near West 38th Avenue, and in areas close to I-70 and the Arvada line. Knockdowns and chases often happen on sidewalks, in parking lots, or when someone is out walking near these corridors.
If a Wheat Ridge case moves into court, it's typically filed in Jefferson County Courts in Golden. If you were treated for an injury from the attack, records from a facility like Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital can help document what happened. Our office is in Denver, and we work with clients throughout Jefferson County.
Investigating Wheat Ridge Non-Bite Dog Attacks & Client Office Access
McCormick & Murphy are Wheat Ridge dog attack lawyers handling knockdown, chase, and scratch incidents that fall outside Colorado's bite statute. Free consultation from our Denver office serving Jefferson County clients.
- Non-Bite Claims Require Negligence Proof: If a dog knocked you down, chased you into traffic, or scratched you without breaking skin, the claim is handled as negligence rather than under the bite statute. We examine whether the owner kept control of the dog, whether it was off leash or loose, and whether the owner acted reasonably given what they knew.
- Common Wheat Ridge Locations: Loose dogs frequently appear along Wadsworth Boulevard, Kipling Street, near West 38th Avenue, and in areas close to I-70 and the Arvada line. Knockdowns and chases often occur on sidewalks and in parking lots near these corridors.
Damages After A Non-Bite Dog Attack In Wheat Ridge
- Medical costs tied to the injury from the fall or impact
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Pain and physical limitation during recovery
- Ongoing fear or anxiety around dogs after the attack
- Costs of any needed physical therapy or follow-up care
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Wheat Ridge — 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.
Your Wheat Ridge Non-Bite Dog Attack Questions Answered
Do I need Wheat Ridge dog attack lawyers after an injury?
Call Wheat Ridge dog attack lawyers when you were hurt, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The nearest office is in Denver, CO.
Can I still make a claim if the dog never bit me?
Yes. If a dog knocked you down, chased you, or scratched you without breaking skin, you can typically pursue a negligence claim against the owner. The bite statute doesn't cover it, but ordinary negligence law does.
What do I need to prove in a non-bite dog attack case?
You generally need to show the owner failed to use reasonable care in controlling the dog, such as letting it run loose or ignoring known aggressive behavior. That's different from the strict liability standard that applies to bites.
What if the dog both bit me and knocked me down?
We look at the full sequence of the attack and separate what falls under the bite statute from what's a negligence issue. Both parts of the claim can move forward together.
Is a knockdown injury from a dog taken seriously?
Yes. Falls caused by dogs can lead to broken bones, head injuries, or torn ligaments, which can be just as serious as a bite injury. We evaluate the injury on its own facts rather than assuming it's minor because there was no bite.
Do you handle these cases outside Wheat Ridge too?
Yes. We work with clients throughout Jefferson County and the surrounding area, and our office is based in Denver.
Nearest McCormick & Murphy office
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