Arapahoe County · Homeowner's insurance
Englewood Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
Englewood dog bite claims often turn on 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 Englewood, the claim is usually presented to the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That policy, not the owner's personal bank account, is typically what pays a settlement or judgment. But we do not assume every policy covers a dog bite. Coverage depends on the specific policy language.
Some homeowner and renter policies contain exclusions. A policy might exclude coverage for certain breeds, for a dog with a documented prior bite, or for a dog used in some business capacity. Whether an exclusion applies is a question of reading the actual policy, not a general rule. We do not tell clients a breed is automatically excluded under Colorado law, because that is not how it works. The insurance contract controls.
We look at the owner's policy early to understand what coverage exists and whether any exclusion might be raised by the insurer. That shapes how we present the claim and what we ask the insurer to do.
When a Claim Is Delayed or Denied
Insurers sometimes delay a decision or deny a dog bite claim outright. A denial can raise a real coverage dispute, and depending on the facts, it may also raise a question about how the insurer handled the claim. We do not call every denial bad faith. Some denials are supported by legitimate policy language or a real coverage gap. Others are not, and those require a closer look.
We review the denial letter, the policy, and the insurer's stated reasons before deciding how to respond. If the denial does not hold up against the actual policy terms, we push back. If it does, we look at other sources of recovery for the injured person.
- The dog owner's name, address, and any insurance information they provide
- Photos of the bite and the scene where it happened
- Names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the bite
- Any letter or email from an insurance company about the claim
- Medical records and bills related to treatment for the bite
Handling Englewood Dog Bite Claims
We handle dog bite injury claims for people bitten in Englewood, including incidents near South Broadway, Hampden Avenue, Santa Fe Drive, Littleton, and Sheridan. Many of these claims involve reviewing a homeowner or renter policy tied to an address in one of these areas. Injured clients sometimes receive treatment at HCA HealthONE Swedish, and we help gather the records tied to that care.
If an Arapahoe County case needs to go to court, filings are handled at the Arapahoe County Justice Center. Our office is in Denver, and we work with Englewood clients throughout the claim, from the initial insurance review through any court proceedings that become necessary.
What a Dog Bite Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment for the bite and related injuries
- Scarring or disfigurement from the bite
- Lost income if the injury kept you from work
- Pain and suffering connected to the attack
- Future medical care if ongoing treatment is needed
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Englewood — 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.
Englewood Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does homeowner's insurance always cover a dog bite in Englewood?
Not always. Coverage depends on the specific policy language, including any exclusions for certain breeds, a dog's bite history, or business use. We review the actual policy before assuming coverage applies.
What if the dog owner rents instead of owns their home?
Renters often have renter's insurance that includes liability coverage for incidents like dog bites. We check whether a renter's policy exists and what it covers before moving forward.
What happens if the insurance company denies the claim?
A denial raises a coverage question that we look into carefully. Depending on the reasons given and the actual policy terms, a denial may or may not be justified, and we respond based on what the policy actually says.
Is every delay or denial considered bad faith?
No. Some delays or denials are supported by real policy exclusions or coverage gaps. We evaluate the insurer's stated reasons against the policy before drawing any conclusions.
What should I bring to a consultation about a dog bite claim?
Bring any information you have about the dog owner, their insurance, photos from the scene, witness contacts, and your medical records. This helps us assess coverage and next steps quickly.
Discuss a Englewood dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.