Fremont County · Dog Bites and Attacks
Florence Dog Bite Lawyers
Florence dog bite lawyers for bites on Highway 67 and Highway 115 and across Florence. Free consultation. No fee unless we recover for you.
Florence Dog Bite Claims Under Colorado Owner Liability Law
McCormick & Murphy are Florence dog bite lawyers for people bitten in a public place or while lawfully on private property. We get the Florence Police Department or the Fremont County Sheriff's Office report, the CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital records, and file in the Fremont County Combined Courts.
Colorado law holds dog owners liable for injuries caused by their animals in most circumstances. If a dog bit or attacked you in Florence, on Colorado Highway 67, Colorado Highway 115, Main Street, East 3rd Street, or nearby areas like Cañon City, Penrose, Rockvale, Coal Creek, or Williamsburg, we examine whether the owner or handler failed to control the animal or knew of its dangerous tendencies. Dog-bite claims often combine the statutory liability rule with a separate negligence claim based on the owner's breach of duty.
We gather details about where the attack happened, why you were in that location, and what warnings or barriers existed. We review reports filed with the Florence Police Department and Fremont County Sheriff's Office, animal-control records, and the dog's vaccination and ownership documentation. Our goal is to establish the owner's or keeper's liability and document the full scope of your injuries and losses.
Evidence That Proves Ownership, Control, and Your Injuries
Proving a dog-bite claim requires clear evidence of ownership or control, the circumstances of the attack, and your resulting injuries. We obtain animal-control reports, veterinary and vaccination records, photographs of the wounds and scarring, witness statements, and any prior incidents involving the same dog. If the attack occurred on a roadway such as Colorado Highway 67 or Colorado Highway 115, we may also review traffic or incident reports.
Medical records from CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City or other treatment providers establish the severity of your injuries and the costs you incurred. We also collect evidence of lost income, emotional distress, and any ongoing physical or psychological effects. Insurance coverage details—homeowner's, renter's, or commercial policies—help identify available funds for settlement or judgment.
Local investigations may involve Florence Police Department and Fremont County Sheriff’s Office, scenes in Penrose or Rockvale, parks, trails, and residential yards.
After a dog bite or attack in Florence, Fremont County, collect and preserve these items:
- Photographs of all injuries, wounds, and scarring (taken immediately and at follow-up visits)
- Written names and contact information for all witnesses present at the scene
- Medical records and bills from CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City or any other treating facility
- Documentation of rabies and other vaccinations required after the bite
- Animal-control report filed with Florence Police Department or Fremont County Sheriff's Office
- Veterinary records showing the dog's ownership, vaccination status, and any prior incidents
- Records of any prior complaints or reports about the dog's aggressive behavior
- Photographs of the location where the attack occurred (including any fencing, signage, or barriers on Colorado Highway 67, Colorado Highway 115, Main Street, or East 3rd Street)
- Journal entries documenting pain, emotional distress, scarring progression, and any restrictions on work or daily activities
- Pay stubs, employer statements, or other proof of lost wages or income
- Insurance information for the dog owner or property owner
- Written statement of what happened, recorded as soon as possible while memory is fresh
Puncture Wounds, Infections, and Nerve Damage From Dog Attacks
Dog bites frequently cause puncture wounds, crush injuries, and deep lacerations that require immediate medical attention. Infections, including bacterial contamination, can develop days or weeks after the bite. Nerve damage may result in lasting numbness, weakness, or chronic pain. Scarring—especially on the face, hands, or arms—can be permanent and may require reconstructive surgery.
Beyond physical harm, dog attacks often leave victims with post-traumatic stress, anxiety, and fear of dogs or similar situations. Your medical records, imaging studies, wound-care notes, and surgical reports document the extent of treatment. We also consider the cost of future reconstructive procedures, physical therapy, and mental-health counseling as part of your damages claim filed in Fremont County Combined Courts in Cañon City.
Official Florence hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
Medical Costs, Scarring, and Lost Wages After a Dog Attack
- Emergency and ongoing medical treatment, including hospital stays, wound care, infections, and any surgery
- Scarring, disfigurement, and future reconstructive or cosmetic procedures
- Lost wages during recovery and any permanent loss of earning capacity if the attack caused lasting disability
- Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and psychological counseling
- Permanent nerve damage, chronic pain, or functional limitations
We pursue these claims in Fremont County Combined Courts on your behalf.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Florence — and read client testimonials.
A pickup hit me from behind on Hwy 50 east of Pueblo. The insurer offered $2,600. McCormick & Murphy helped with treatment, filed suit, and the case settled at mediation for $165,000.
C. O., Pueblo · Highway 50 crash
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Questions We Hear From Florence Dog Bite Victims
Do I need Florence dog bite lawyers after a bite?
Call Florence dog bite lawyers when the bite needs medical care, fault is disputed, or an insurer delays, denies, or offers less than the medical bills. The Pueblo office is at 301 N. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003.
How much time do I have to file a dog bite claim in Florence?
The deadline depends on the type of claim and who may be responsible. If a government entity such as the Florence Police Department or Fremont County Sheriff's Office is involved, there is often an early written-notice requirement that must be met before filing suit. Claims against private individuals generally follow Colorado's statute of limitations, but you should not wait. Contact McCormick & Murphy right away for a case-specific review of your deadline.
What does Colorado law say about dog bites?
Colorado has a strict-liability dog-bite statute that holds the dog owner responsible for injury caused by the dog, even if the dog had never bitten anyone before and the owner was not negligent. This means you do not have to prove the owner was careless—only that the dog bit you and caused injury. You may also have a separate negligence claim if the owner knew or should have known the dog was dangerous.
Do I need to report the bite to the Florence Police Department or Fremont County Sheriff's Office?
It is important to report the incident to law enforcement and animal control. These agencies investigate dog attacks, document the circumstances, check the dog's vaccination and ownership records, and create an official report. This report becomes key evidence in your claim. The Florence Police Department and Fremont County Sheriff's Office will coordinate with local animal-control authorities.
What kind of damages can I recover in a dog bite case?
You may recover compensation for medical expenses (including treatment at CommonSpirit St. Thomas More Hospital in Cañon City or other providers), scarring and permanent disfigurement, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and ongoing mental-health treatment. Each case is different, and the amount depends on the severity of your injuries and how they affect your life.
How does McCormick & Murphy charge for a dog bite claim?
McCormick & Murphy handles dog bite injury claims on a contingency fee. The firm earns an attorney fee only if your case is settled or you win at trial. You pay no fee if there is no recovery. Costs advanced by the firm—such as medical records, expert fees, and court costs—are separate from the attorney fee and are typically paid from any settlement or award.
Related legal guides
Same service in nearby communities
Florence dog-bite claims
Colorado Dog-Bite Statute
Owner liability under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 when a bite causes serious bodily injury.
Child Dog-Bite Injuries
Bites to minors, who may bring the claim, and scarring that shows up as a child grows.
Landlord Liability
Apartment, rental, and HOA cases where the dog owner is not the only possible defendant.
Non-Bite Dog Attacks
Knockdowns, chases, and other attacks that are not a bite under the statute.
Off-Leash and Dog-Park Attacks
Public paths, parks, and attacks away from the owner's home.
Facial Scarring
Disfigurement, infection, nerve injury, and reconstructive care after a bite.
Homeowner's Insurance
Homeowner and renter coverage, breed exclusions, and delayed or denied claims.
Fatal Dog Attacks
Death from a dog attack, and how that claim connects to Colorado wrongful-death law.
Nearest McCormick & Murphy office
Discuss Your Florence Dog Bite Case
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