El Paso County · Fatal dog attacks
Manitou Springs Fatal Dog Attack Lawyers
A fatal dog attack in Manitou Springs is a tragedy we can help address. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
When a Dog Bite Takes a Life
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a bite causes death, so long as the person killed was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property at the time. That statute is about the dog owner's liability for the bite itself. It does not, by itself, decide who in the family can bring a claim after a death.
Who may file a wrongful-death claim in Colorado, and in what order, is controlled by Colorado's wrongful-death law, not by the dog-bite statute. We do not guess at this here. Instead, we walk each family through what the wrongful-death framework actually allows in their specific situation.
For a full explanation of who may bring a wrongful-death claim and what losses that claim can address, please see our wrongful-death page. This page focuses on how a fatal dog attack fits into that larger picture and what we do for families in Manitou Springs facing this kind of loss.
Records After a Fatal Attack
A death caused by a dog attack usually generates records beyond a typical bite case. Animal-control and police involvement is common, since a fatality of this kind draws official attention and documentation. We work to identify and request these records early, before they become harder to locate.
We also look at the same categories of proof used in any bite case: witness accounts, prior incidents involving the same dog, ownership and property information, and any medical records connected to the incident. In a fatal case, these pieces often have to be gathered carefully and respectfully, working alongside a grieving family rather than around them.
- Any police or animal-control reports connected to the incident
- Names and contact information for witnesses
- Photos of the scene, if safely available
- Information about the dog's owner and any prior incidents
- Medical or hospital records, including from UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central
Serving Manitou Springs Families
Manitou Springs sits at the base of Pikes Peak, with Manitou Avenue and Ruxton Avenue as central corridors and U.S. Highway 24 connecting the town to Colorado Springs and Old Colorado City. A fatal dog attack here may involve records from Manitou Springs itself or from surrounding El Paso County, depending on where the attack happened and which agencies responded.
Wrongful-death claims tied to a fatal dog bite in this area are typically handled through the El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office is at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, a short drive from Manitou Springs, and we meet with families from this community to talk through what happened and what comes next.
What a Wrongful-Death Claim May Address
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Loss of the deceased's financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Other losses recognized under Colorado wrongful-death law
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 Fatal dog attacks FAQ
Does the dog-bite statute cover fatal attacks?
Yes, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 can apply when a bite causes death, provided the person was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property. That statute addresses the owner's liability for the bite. It does not by itself determine who in the family can bring a claim.
Who can file a claim after a fatal dog attack in Colorado?
That question is governed by Colorado wrongful-death law rather than the dog-bite statute alone. Because the rules depend on family circumstances, we discuss this directly with each family rather than assuming an answer. Our wrongful-death page explains the general framework in more detail.
What records matter most in a fatal dog attack case?
Police and animal-control records are often central, along with witness statements and information about the dog's history. Medical records connected to the incident also matter. We work to identify and preserve these records as early as possible.
Where would a wrongful-death claim from a Manitou Springs attack be handled?
Claims connected to this area are typically handled through the El Paso County Combined Courts. We can explain how that process works once we understand the details of what happened.
Do you charge anything for an initial consultation?
No. We offer a free consultation, and we do not charge an attorney fee unless we recover for you. This applies to fatal dog attack cases as it does to our other dog-bite work.
Discuss a Manitou Springs dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.