El Paso County · Fatal dog attacks
Briargate Fatal Dog Attack Lawyers
Losing a family member to a dog attack in Briargate is devastating; free consultation, no fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Bite in Briargate Turns Fatal
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. section 13‑21‑124, can apply when a bite causes death and the person killed was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property. That statute establishes the dog owner's liability for the bite itself, but it does not by itself decide who in the family can bring a claim after a death.
Who may file a wrongful-death claim in Colorado, and what that claim can address, is governed by Colorado's wrongful-death law rather than 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 specific family situation and the timing of any claim. We walk families through this rather than making assumptions.
Because a fatal dog attack sits at the intersection of the dog-bite statute and wrongful-death law, these cases need to be evaluated carefully from the start. We look at both bodies of law together so the family understands the full picture before deciding how to proceed.
Records That Matter in a Fatal Attack
A fatal dog attack typically generates records beyond the immediate incident report. There can be animal-control history on the dog, prior complaints about the animal, and law enforcement documentation of the scene and the attack itself. We do not name a specific agency here, but we work to identify and request whatever records exist for the dog and the property involved.
Medical and autopsy records also matter in establishing what happened and the cause of death. If the family sought emergency care, such as at UCHealth Memorial Hospital North, those records can help document the sequence of events. We gather this evidence early because animal-control files and witness memories can be lost or become harder to access as time passes.
- Request copies of any animal-control or law enforcement reports related to the attack
- Preserve medical records, including any care received before death
- Write down what you know about the dog, its owner, and prior incidents
- Keep contact information for any witnesses to the attack
- Talk with us before speaking to an insurance adjuster about the death
Briargate and the Local Court
Briargate covers a mix of residential neighborhoods and commercial corridors near I-25, Briargate Parkway, Research Parkway, North Gate Boulevard, and areas toward Monument. A fatal dog attack in this part of Colorado Springs would typically be handled through El Paso County Combined Courts, and any animal-control or police records connected to the incident would be tied to where in Briargate the attack occurred.
Our office is located at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, and we meet with families from Briargate and throughout El Paso County. We understand this is an intensely difficult time, and we try to make the legal process as clear and manageable as possible.
What a Wrongful-Death Claim May Address
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the deceased's future financial contributions to the family
- Loss of care, companionship, and guidance
- Medical expenses incurred before death, if any
- 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 Briargate — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Briargate Fatal dog attacks FAQ
Does the dog-bite statute cover fatal attacks?
Yes, C.R.S. section 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 dog owner's property. That statute addresses the dog owner's liability, but a death also brings Colorado wrongful-death law into the case.
Who can file a claim after a fatal dog attack in Colorado?
That question is answered by Colorado's wrongful-death law, not by the dog-bite statute alone. We review the family's specific situation before advising who may have the right to bring a claim, and we can walk through the details of that process with you.
What records should we try to preserve after a fatal attack?
Animal-control history on the dog, any law enforcement reports, and medical or autopsy records can all matter. The sooner these are identified and requested, the less risk there is of losing important information.
Where would a fatal dog attack case in Briargate be handled?
Cases arising in Briargate are typically handled through El Paso County Combined Courts. We're familiar with this court and with the neighborhoods throughout Briargate near I-25, Briargate Parkway, and Research Parkway.
What does the free consultation involve?
We sit down with the family, listen to what happened, and explain how the dog-bite statute and wrongful-death law fit together in the specific case. There is no cost for this meeting, and no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Discuss a Briargate dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.