Jefferson County · Non-bite dog attacks
Wheat Ridge Dog Attack Lawyers
In Wheat Ridge, a dog knockdown or chase can cause real injury even without a bite — free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
When a Dog Attack Isn't 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 Bite Facts From Non-Bite Facts
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
Handling Non-Bite Attack Claims Near 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.
Possible Damages in a Non-Bite Attack Claim
- 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.
Wheat Ridge Non-bite dog attacks FAQ
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.
Discuss a Wheat Ridge dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.