El Paso County · Dog bites and attacks
Colorado Springs Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bites in Colorado Springs cause serious injury and emotional trauma—we pursue compensation under Colorado law, free consultation and no fee unless we rec…
Colorado's Dog-Bite Statute and Negligence Claims
Colorado law holds dog owners strictly liable for bites that occur in public places or when the victim is lawfully in a private place—including the dog owner's property. This means you do not have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous or that the dog had bitten someone before. If the bite happened on Powers Boulevard, Academy Boulevard, near Briargate, or anywhere else in Colorado Springs, and you were lawfully present, the statute applies.
Beyond the bite statute, we also examine whether the owner or handler was negligent—for example, failing to restrain the dog, ignoring warning signs, or allowing a known aggressive dog to roam free. Many dog attacks involve both statutory liability and negligence, which strengthens your case. We review ownership records, prior incident reports filed with the Colorado Springs Police Department or animal control, and witness statements to build a complete picture of what happened.
Evidence We Gather and Review
Successful dog-bite claims depend on solid documentation. We request animal-control reports, veterinary records showing the dog's ownership and vaccination status, photographs of your wounds taken immediately after the incident and during recovery, and medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital. Witness statements are often critical, especially if the attack occurred near a busy intersection like Powers Boulevard and Academy Boulevard or in a neighborhood area such as Old Colorado City or Briargate.
We also investigate prior behavior: has the dog bitten or attacked anyone else? Were there complaints to the Colorado Springs Police Department or local animal-control authorities? Insurance records often reveal previous claims. The location of the attack—whether on the owner's property, in a public park, or along I-25 near Fountain or Manitou Springs—affects both liability and damages. We compile all evidence to present a persuasive case to the insurance company or El Paso County District Court.
Local investigations may involve Colorado Springs Police Department or Colorado State Patrol, scenes in Old Colorado City or Broadmoor, parks, trails, and residential yards.
After a dog attack in Colorado Springs or El Paso County, gather and preserve:
- Names, phone numbers, and addresses of all witnesses (neighbors, passersby, other owners on Powers Boulevard, Academy Boulevard, or elsewhere)
- Photographs of your injuries the day of the incident and as they heal (scars, puncture wounds, infection signs)
- Complete medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, Penrose Hospital, or your doctor (initial exam, treatment, sutures, antibiotics, follow-up care, infection notes)
- Copy of the animal-control report filed with Colorado Springs Police Department or Colorado State Patrol
- The dog owner's name, address, phone, and homeowner's or renter's insurance information
- Proof of the dog's ownership, control, vaccination status, and licensing
- Any prior complaints, bites, or dangerous-behavior incidents involving that dog
- Records of lost wages, therapy, or ongoing medical treatment
- Video footage from nearby cameras (home, business, traffic)
- Incident report you filed with police or animal control
- Written account of what happened, where (Briargate, Old Colorado City, Broadmoor, or other specific location), when, and how the dog got access to you
Keep originals. Do not delay—statutes of limitation and notice requirements vary by claim type.
Medical Treatment and Injury Documentation
Dog bites frequently require immediate emergency care, wound cleaning, antibiotics, tetanus shots, and sometimes surgery or reconstructive procedures. Puncture wounds can introduce bacteria deep into tissue, leading to serious infections. Nerve damage may cause lasting numbness or weakness. Scars—especially on the face, hands, or arms—can be permanent and psychologically distressing. We work closely with your medical team to document every treatment, follow-up visit, and long-term effect of the bite.
Medical records from your initial visit to UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital, plus all ongoing treatment, form the foundation of your damages claim. Photographs of scars taken months after healing show the permanent impact. If you required cosmetic or reconstructive surgery, psychological counseling, or ongoing medical care, those costs are recoverable. We obtain detailed medical reports that explain the injury's severity, the treatment required, and any lasting physical or emotional effects.
Official Colorado Springs hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Recoverable Damages in Colorado Springs Dog-Bite Cases
- Medical expenses: emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, wound treatment, antibiotics, vaccinations, and reconstructive or cosmetic procedures
- Scarring and disfigurement: permanent visible marks, especially on exposed skin, and any corrective treatments
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity: time away from work during treatment and recovery, or long-term loss if the injury affects your ability to work
- Pain and suffering: physical pain, emotional trauma, anxiety, fear of dogs, and reduced quality of life
- Counseling and mental-health treatment: therapy for trauma, anxiety, or post-traumatic stress resulting from the attack
- Infection and complications: treatment costs for bacterial infections, abscess formation, or other medical complications arising from the bite
El Paso County District Court allows recovery for all reasonably foreseeable damages, both economic and non-economic, that flow directly from the dog bite.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Colorado Springs — 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.
Colorado Springs Dog bites and attacks FAQ
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Colorado Springs?
The deadline depends on the type of claim and whether a public entity (such as Colorado Springs Police Department or the city) is involved. A standard negligence claim may allow two years, but claims against a public entity can require written notice much sooner. Do not assume you have time. Contact us promptly after the incident to identify your specific deadline and any notice obligations that apply to your case.
What does Colorado's dog-bite statute require to hold the owner responsible?
Colorado law holds the dog owner strictly liable for damages if the dog bites you and you are in a public place or lawfully in a private place (including the owner's property). Strict liability means the owner is liable even if the dog had no prior history of aggression and the owner was not negligent. We also examine whether negligence or other torts apply, depending on the facts and where the attack occurred.
What kind of damages can I recover after a dog attack?
You may recover compensation for medical treatment (emergency care, hospital, surgery, follow-up), scarring and permanent disfigurement, pain and suffering, lost income due to injury or recovery, infection or other complications, psychological trauma, and ongoing therapy. We evaluate your specific injuries and losses to build your damages claim.
How does McCormick & Murphy charge for a dog bite case?
We take dog bite claims on contingency. You pay no attorney fee unless we settle your case or win at trial. We do advance out-of-pocket costs (medical records, expert reports, filing fees) separately; those costs are deducted from any recovery. You owe nothing unless there is a recovery.
What if the dog attack happened on my own property or in a private location?
Colorado's strict-liability statute still applies if you were lawfully on the property where the bite occurred. We also look for negligence—for example, if the owner knew the dog was dangerous and failed to contain it, or if the attack happened due to inadequate fencing or warning. The location (Powers Boulevard, Briargate, Manitou Springs, or elsewhere) and the circumstances matter. We review the facts to identify all available claims.
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Colorado Springs office
929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
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