Adams County · Homeowner's insurance
Brighton Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
Brighton dog bite claims often come down to homeowner's insurance. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Where the Money Usually Comes From
When a dog bites someone in Brighton, the claim is typically presented to the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That policy, not the owner's personal bank account, is usually the source of any recovery. But not every policy covers dog bites, and we do not assume coverage exists until we have looked at the actual policy language.
Some homeowner and renter policies contain exclusions. An insurer may try to deny coverage because of the dog's breed, because the dog had a prior bite on record, or because the dog was being used for some business purpose at the time of the incident. Whether any of those exclusions actually applies depends on the specific words in that specific policy, not on a general rule. We do not tell clients that certain breeds are automatically excluded under Colorado law, because that is not how it works. It works policy by policy.
Because coverage questions can get complicated, we review the policy itself before telling a client what to expect. Sometimes there is clear coverage. Sometimes there is a real dispute worth pursuing. Sometimes the facts of the incident matter to how an exclusion is read. We walk through that with each client rather than guessing at the outset.
When a Claim Is Denied or Delayed
An insurance company may deny a claim outright or simply let it sit without a clear answer. Either one can raise a legitimate coverage question that needs to be examined. It does not automatically mean the insurer acted in bad faith. Whether a denial or delay crosses into that territory depends on how the insurer actually handled the claim, and that is something we look at carefully rather than assume.
We do not tell clients there is a fixed number of days to notify an insurer of a bite claim, because that is not something we state without reviewing the policy and the circumstances. What we can do is help a client understand the notice process, gather what the insurer will likely ask for, and respond to a denial or a stall in a way that keeps the claim moving.
- The dog owner's name and address, and whether they own or rent the property
- Photos of the property where the bite occurred, including any relevant signage
- Any prior incident reports involving the same dog, if known
- Records from treatment received, including any visit to Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital
- Copies of any letters or emails from the insurance company
Handling Brighton Insurance Claims
We work with clients bitten in neighborhoods across Brighton, including areas near Bridge Street, Bromley Lane, and along U.S. Highway 85, as well as nearby Commerce City and Thornton. Homeowner and renter policies in this area vary by insurer, and we review each one on its own terms rather than assuming a standard outcome.
If a claim in Adams County needs to move into a court filing because an insurer will not resolve it, that case would proceed through the Adams County Justice Center. We keep that possibility in mind from the start of a claim, even while we are still working directly with the insurance company.
What a Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment related to the bite
- Follow-up care and any additional treatment needed
- Lost income from time away from work
- Pain and suffering connected to the injury
- Scarring or disfigurement, where applicable
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Brighton — 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.
Brighton Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does homeowner's insurance always cover a dog bite in Brighton?
Not always. Coverage depends on the specific policy the dog owner has, including any exclusions it contains. We review the policy before telling a client what to expect.
Can an insurance company deny a claim because of the dog's breed?
Some policies contain breed exclusions, and if the policy language supports it, an insurer may raise that as a defense. We do not assume a breed is excluded without reading the actual policy.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
A denial does not end the matter. We look at why the claim was denied and whether the insurer's handling of it raises further questions, then decide on next steps.
What if the dog owner rents their home instead of owning it?
Renter's insurance can also provide coverage for a dog bite, depending on the policy. We check whether the owner has renter's coverage and what it says.
Do I need to go to court to get paid?
Many claims resolve directly with the insurance company. If a fair resolution is not reached, filing in Adams County remains an option, and we prepare for that possibility as needed.
Discuss a Brighton dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.