Douglas County · Homeowner's insurance
Highlands Ranch Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Highlands Ranch? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How Homeowner's Insurance Fits Into a Highlands Ranch Dog Bite Claim
When a dog bites someone in Highlands Ranch, the owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy is usually where the claim gets presented first. That said, not every policy covers dog bites, and coverage depends on the specific terms of the policy in force at the time of the incident.
Some policies contain exclusions tied to certain breeds, a dog's bite history, or use of the dog for business purposes. The exact language of the policy controls what is and is not covered, and that language varies from insurer to insurer and policy to policy. We review the policy itself rather than assume coverage exists or does not.
When an insurer denies or delays a claim, that can raise a legitimate coverage question. In some cases it may also raise a question about how the insurer handled the claim. Not every denial amounts to bad faith, and we evaluate each situation on its own facts before drawing that conclusion.
Building the Coverage Record
A dog bite insurance claim depends heavily on documentation: the policy itself, any correspondence with the insurer, and records showing how and when the claim was reported. We gather this material early so we understand what coverage may apply and how the insurer has responded.
If treatment followed a bite in the Highlands Ranch area, including care at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, those medical records help establish the extent of the injury tied to the claim. We also look at any statements the owner or insurer made about the dog's history, since that history can affect how a policy applies.
- Any homeowner or renter insurance information for the dog's owner
- Written or verbal communication with the insurance company
- Medical records from any treatment received
- Photos of the injury and the location of the incident
- Contact information for the dog's owner and any witnesses
Handling Insurance Claims From Highlands Ranch
We work with residents across Highlands Ranch, including areas near C-470, University Boulevard, and Highlands Ranch Parkway, as well as neighboring communities like Littleton and Lone Tree. Dog bite incidents in these areas often involve homeowner policies tied to Douglas County addresses, and we're familiar with how local claims typically move through the insurance process.
If a claim in Highlands Ranch ends up in litigation, it would generally proceed through the Douglas County Justice Center. Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly handle matters originating in Douglas County.
What a Dog Bite Claim May Cover
- Medical expenses related to the bite
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income if the injury affected work
- Future medical care, if needed
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Highlands Ranch — 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.
Highlands Ranch Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does every homeowner's policy in Highlands Ranch cover dog bites?
No. Coverage depends on the specific policy language, and some policies exclude certain breeds, dogs with a prior bite history, or business use of a dog. We review the actual policy before making any assumptions about coverage.
What if the insurance company denies the claim?
A denial raises a coverage question that we look into carefully. Depending on the reason for the denial and how it was handled, it may also raise a separate question about the insurer's conduct, though not every denial rises to that level.
What if the dog owner is renting their home?
Renter's insurance policies can also provide coverage for a dog bite claim, subject to the same kind of policy-specific language and exclusions found in homeowner policies. We check whether a renter's policy applies in addition to any homeowner coverage.
How does the insurer know about the dog's bite history?
Insurers often ask about a dog's history when a claim is filed, and prior incidents can affect coverage depending on the policy terms. We look into any documented history as part of evaluating the claim.
Do I need to notify the insurance company myself?
In many cases, notice goes through the dog owner's insurer once the claim is presented, but the details depend on the situation. We can help make sure the necessary information reaches the right insurance company.
Discuss a Highlands Ranch dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.