El Paso County · Dog bites and attacks
Manitou Springs Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bite injury in Manitou Springs? Free consult. No fee unless we recover.
How Dog-Bite Claims Work in Manitou Springs
A dog attack along U.S. Highway 24, Manitou Avenue, or any local street can cause deep puncture wounds, infection, and permanent scarring. Colorado's dog-bite statute holds a dog owner liable for injuries even if the dog has no prior history of aggression. We investigate ownership, control of the animal, and the circumstances of the attack to build your claim.
If the dog owner was negligent—failing to restrain or warn—we pursue that claim separately. Cases in Manitou Springs and El Paso County can involve homeowners, renters, or public property where the attack occurred. Early documentation and witness statements are critical. We handle the investigation so you can focus on recovery.
Evidence We Can Gather for Your Dog - Bite Case
Animal-control reports filed with Manitou Springs Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff's Office are our starting point. We obtain vaccination records, ownership documentation, and any prior-incident history. Photographs of wounds taken immediately after the attack—and follow-up images showing scarring—establish the severity and lasting impact.
Medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central and your treating providers document treatment, infection risk, and long-term care needs. We also collect witness statements from neighbors and bystanders, and we review any available homeowners or renters insurance that may cover the claim. All evidence is compiled to support damages for your injury.
Local investigations may involve Manitou Springs Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, scenes in Old Colorado City or Woodland Park, parks, trails, and residential yards.
A dog bite can cause serious wounds, infection, scarring, and emotional harm. Gathering the right evidence early strengthens your claim under Colorado's dog-bite statute and any negligence theory.
- Written report filed with Manitou Springs Police Department or El Paso County Sheriff's Office, including date, time, location, and dog description
- Animal-control records or incident report from the county authority documenting the attack
- Ownership and registration records proving who owned or controlled the dog
- Current vaccination records for the dog, including rabies documentation
- Photographs of all injuries, wounds, scarring, and bruising taken immediately after the bite and during healing
- Medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or other provider documenting examination, treatment, and any infection or complications
- Proof of lost income or time away from work due to injury or medical appointments
- Written statements or contact information from eyewitnesses who saw the attack
- Evidence of the dog's prior aggressive behavior, past incidents, or complaints filed with local authorities
- Documentation of any psychiatric or counseling treatment for trauma, fear, or anxiety caused by the attack
- Insurance information for the dog owner's homeowner's or renter's policy
- Bills and receipts for all medical care, medications, and follow-up treatment
Do not delay in collecting these materials; memory fades and evidence can be lost or destroyed.
Medical Consequences of a Dog Attack
Dog bites frequently leave puncture wounds that penetrate deep tissue and carry a high infection risk, including staph and other bacteria. Nerve damage can occur, causing chronic pain or numbness. Treatment often requires emergency care, stitches or surgical closure, antibiotics, and tetanus or rabies prophylaxis. Some bites leave visible scarring on the face, hands, or legs, requiring ongoing cosmetic or surgical revision.
Beyond the physical injury, many dog-attack victims experience lasting emotional trauma, anxiety, or fear of dogs. Children may develop behavioral changes. Depression and post-traumatic stress can delay overall healing. We account for both the medical expenses and the emotional and psychological impact in your damages claim.
Official Manitou Springs hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
What You May Recover
- Emergency and ongoing medical treatment, surgery, and wound care
- Cosmetic or reconstructive procedures for scarring or disfigurement
- Lost wages during recovery and any permanent loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and loss of quality of life
- Scarring or permanent injury and any future medical needs
We present your damages to the insurance company or argue them in front of El Paso County Combined Courts if settlement is not reached.
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 Dog bites and attacks FAQ
How long do I have to file a claim after a dog bite in Manitou Springs?
The deadline depends on whether the dog owner is an individual, a business, or a public entity like El Paso County or the town. Public-entity claims often have an earlier written-notice requirement. Individual injury claims typically have a longer window, but waiting too long risks losing evidence and witness memory. Contact us promptly so we can review your specific situation and file all necessary notices on time.
Do I need to prove the dog owner knew the dog was dangerous?
No. Colorado's dog-bite statute holds a dog owner liable for damages if their dog bites someone, even if the owner had no prior knowledge the dog was aggressive. However, if the dog has a history of dangerous behavior, that strengthens your claim significantly and may allow recovery of additional damages. We examine both the statutory claim and any negligence claim based on the dog's background.
What if the attack happened on a public road like U.S. Highway 24 or Manitou Avenue?
If the dog was at large on a public road in Manitou Springs or El Paso County, the owner's liability can be even clearer. We gather police reports, animal-control records, and any traffic or surveillance evidence. Location matters for establishing how the attack occurred and why the owner's control failed.
How do you charge for a dog-bite case?
McCormick & Murphy works on a contingency-fee basis for injury claims. That means we charge an attorney fee only if we settle your case or win at trial. You pay nothing unless we succeed. Certain case costs—like obtaining medical records, expert reports, or filing fees—are separate from the attorney fee and are discussed with you upfront.
What damages can I recover besides medical bills?
Colorado law allows recovery for medical treatment, scarring and disfigurement, lost wages, pain and suffering, and emotional trauma from the attack. If the dog had a known dangerous history, you may also recover punitive damages to punish the owner's recklessness. We evaluate your full injury picture and build your damages claim accordingly.
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929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905
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Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.