Jefferson County · Homeowner's insurance
Lakewood Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
Denied or delayed dog bite claim in Lakewood? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Homeowner and Renter Insurance for Lakewood Dog Bite Claims
When someone is bitten by a dog in Lakewood, the claim is usually presented to the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That is not automatic, though. Not every policy covers dog bites, and coverage depends on the specific policy the owner carries.
Some policies contain exclusions for certain breeds, for a dog with a known prior bite, or for a dog used in connection with a business. Whether an exclusion applies depends entirely on the language of that particular policy. We do not assume a breed is excluded or that Colorado law requires any such list. We read the policy to find out what it actually says.
A denied or delayed claim raises a coverage question that needs to be sorted out. In some cases, how the insurer handled the claim can itself become an issue. We do not treat every denial as bad faith, but we do look closely at whether the insurer followed its own policy and treated the claim fairly.
What We Look At in the Policy and the Claim File
We start by identifying the applicable policy and requesting a full copy, including declarations, endorsements, and any exclusion language that might apply to the dog or the incident. We also gather the claim file itself, including correspondence, the adjuster's notes, and the stated reasons for any denial or delay.
We compare what the policy actually says against the reasons given for denying or slow-walking the claim. If the insurer's stated basis does not match the policy language, or if the delay looks unjustified, we address that directly with the insurer. Our goal is to get the claim evaluated on its merits, not on an assumption about what the policy covers.
- Get the dog owner's name and address, and note where the dog is usually kept
- Ask the owner for their homeowner or renter insurance information
- Keep copies of any letters or emails from the insurance company
- Write down what any adjuster tells you about coverage or denial
- Do not sign anything from the insurer before it is reviewed
Handling Lakewood Dog Bite Insurance Claims
Dog bite incidents happen across Lakewood, from West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard to Kipling Street and the neighboring communities of Golden and Wheat Ridge. Wherever the bite occurs, the insurance question is the same: what does the owner's policy actually say, and is the insurer applying it correctly. Medical treatment for a Lakewood bite may involve CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital, and we factor that treatment record into how we present the claim to the insurer.
If a claim moves into litigation, it is typically handled in the Jefferson County Courts in Golden. We work from our Denver office and represent Lakewood clients through the insurance claim process and, when necessary, in court in Golden.
What a Lakewood Dog Bite Claim May Address
- Medical bills related to the bite and follow-up care
- Scarring or disfigurement from the injury
- Lost income from time away from work
- Pain and suffering connected to the attack
- Costs tied to a denied or delayed insurance response
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lakewood — 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.
Lakewood Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does every homeowner policy cover dog bites in Lakewood?
No. Coverage depends on the specific policy the dog owner has, and some policies contain exclusions. We review the actual policy language rather than assume coverage exists.
Can a Lakewood dog owner's policy exclude certain breeds?
Some policies do exclude certain breeds, dogs with a prior bite history, or dogs used for business purposes. This is a matter of the individual policy's terms, not a state-mandated list. We check the declarations and exclusions to see what applies.
What happens if the insurance company denies my claim?
A denial raises a coverage question that we look into closely, comparing the stated reason against the actual policy language. Not every denial is improper, but we do not accept a denial at face value without reviewing it.
What if the insurer is just taking a long time to respond?
Delay can also raise issues depending on the circumstances. We follow up with the insurer and press for a clear answer on coverage.
Where would a Lakewood dog bite case be handled if it goes to court?
Cases arising in Lakewood are typically handled in the Jefferson County Courts in Golden. We work from our Denver office and represent clients throughout the claims process and in court when needed.
Discuss a Lakewood dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.