Larimer County · Homeowner's insurance
Fort Collins Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
Fort Collins dog bite claim denied or delayed? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Homeowner's Insurance and Your Fort Collins Dog Bite Claim
When someone is bitten by a dog in Fort Collins, the claim is usually presented to the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That policy is often the practical source of any recovery, since most individuals do not have the personal resources to pay a claim out of pocket. But not every policy covers dog bites, and we do not assume coverage exists until we have reviewed the actual policy language.
Some policies contain exclusions tied to certain breeds, to a dog with a documented prior bite, or to a dog used for business purposes such as guarding property. Whether an exclusion applies depends entirely on the wording of that specific policy, not on any general rule. We read the policy closely rather than guessing at what it might say.
Coverage questions come up often in these cases. An insurer may take the position that an exclusion applies, that the policy lapsed, or that the incident falls outside covered conduct. We look at the policy and the facts of the bite to evaluate whether that position holds up.
When a Denial or Delay Becomes Its Own Issue
A denial or a long delay in responding to a claim can raise a separate coverage question beyond the underlying bite claim itself. In some cases, how the insurer handled the claim becomes relevant on its own. We do not treat every denial as improper, but we do look closely at the insurer's stated reasons and whether they match the policy and the facts.
Getting the policy itself early matters. We request the declarations page and full policy language, along with any correspondence between the insurer and the dog owner, so we understand exactly what was promised and what was denied before we respond to the insurance company.
- Get the dog owner's name, address, and homeowner or renter insurance information if available
- Photograph the bite injury and the location, including areas near College Avenue, Harmony Road, or Mulberry Street where the bite occurred
- Seek medical care, including at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital if the injury requires it
- Keep any letters, emails, or claim numbers from the insurance company
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with us
Handling Insurance Claims for Fort Collins Bite Victims
We work with clients bitten in neighborhoods across Fort Collins, from College Avenue and Harmony Road to Mulberry Street, as well as nearby Loveland and Wellington. Dog bite incidents in Larimer County often involve homeowner policies written for local residents, and insurers handle these claims through their own adjusters regardless of where the bite happened.
If a claim requires litigation, matters connected to Fort Collins are commonly handled through the Larimer County Justice Center. Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly represent clients throughout the region without requiring them to travel for most of the process.
What a Homeowner's Insurance Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment for the bite injury
- Scarring or disfigurement from the bite
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain and suffering related to the attack
- Future medical care if the injury requires ongoing treatment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Fort Collins — 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.
Fort Collins Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does homeowner's insurance always cover a dog bite in Fort Collins?
Not always. Coverage depends on the specific policy language, including any exclusions for certain breeds, dogs with a prior bite history, or business use of the dog. We review the actual policy before assuming coverage applies.
What if the insurance company denies my dog bite claim?
A denial does not end the matter. We look at the insurer's stated reason and compare it against the policy language and the facts of the bite to see whether the denial is supported.
What if the dog owner doesn't have insurance?
We still evaluate the claim, but the source of recovery may look different without an insurance policy in place. We discuss the options available based on the specific facts of the case.
Can a delay in responding to my claim matter?
Yes, a significant delay can raise questions about how the insurer is handling the claim, separate from the underlying bite claim itself. We look at the pattern of communication and response from the insurer.
Do I need to give the insurance company a recorded statement?
We recommend speaking with us before providing any recorded statement to an insurer. What is said early in a claim can affect how the insurer treats coverage and value later on.
Discuss a Fort Collins dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.