El Paso County · Homeowner's insurance
Manitou Springs Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Manitou Springs? Free consultation, no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How Homeowner and Renter Insurance Fits Into a Manitou Springs Dog Bite Claim
When a dog bites someone in Manitou Springs, the claim is usually presented to the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That is the typical source of payment, but not every policy covers dog bites. We review the actual policy before assuming coverage exists.
Some policies contain exclusions tied to certain breeds, a dog's prior bite history, or use of the dog for business purposes. Whether an exclusion applies depends on the specific policy language, not on any general rule. We read the policy closely rather than guessing at what it might say.
If a homeowner in Manitou Springs, or a renter along Manitou Avenue or Ruxton Avenue, carries coverage, we work to identify the policy, confirm it is in force, and present the claim in a way that gives the insurer the information it needs to evaluate it fairly.
Coverage Questions, Denials, and Delays
A denial or an unexplained delay in responding to a claim can raise a legitimate coverage question. It does not automatically mean the insurer acted in bad faith. We look at how the claim was handled, what the policy says, and whether the insurer's response was reasonable given the facts, before deciding how to proceed.
We do not tell clients there is a set number of days to notify an insurer after a bite. Policies vary, and prompt notice matters, but we advise on timing based on the specific policy and circumstances rather than a fixed rule. Getting the notice right early can prevent a coverage dispute later.
- Get the dog owner's name, address, and insurance information if available
- Photograph the bite, the location, and any property involved
- Seek medical care, including at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs if needed
- Write down what happened while the details are fresh
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with us
Handling Manitou Springs Dog Bite Insurance Claims
Manitou Springs is a small city with a lot of foot traffic near Manitou Avenue, Ruxton Avenue, and the connections toward U.S. Highway 24 and Colorado Springs. Dog bite incidents here often involve homeowners or renters whose policies are written and administered from outside the immediate area, which means we frequently deal with insurers and adjusters who are not familiar with the local terrain.
Our office is at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, near Old Colorado City, and we handle Manitou Springs dog bite insurance matters through El Paso County Combined Courts when a claim requires it. We work directly with insurers on coverage questions while keeping the client informed of where things stand.
What a Dog Bite Insurance Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment related to the bite
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical needs tied to the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Manitou Springs — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Manitou Springs Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does the dog owner's homeowner insurance always cover a dog bite in Manitou Springs?
Not always. Coverage depends on the specific policy the owner has, and some policies exclude certain dogs or certain circumstances. We review the policy before making any assumptions about coverage.
What if the insurer denies the claim?
A denial raises a coverage question that needs to be looked at closely. It does not mean the insurer acted improperly, but we examine the policy and the insurer's stated reasons to determine the best next step.
Can a breed exclusion end my claim?
It depends entirely on what the policy says, since there is no general rule listing excluded breeds. We read the actual policy language to see whether an exclusion genuinely applies to the situation.
How quickly do I need to notify the insurance company?
Policies differ on notice requirements, and we do not give a fixed number of days for every case. We advise on timing based on the specific policy once we are involved.
What should I do if the dog owner has no insurance?
We still look at the facts and available options, since insurance is one path to recovery but not the only consideration in a claim. Speak with us so we can review what applies to your situation.
Discuss a Manitou Springs dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.