El Paso County · Dog bites and attacks
Monument Dog Bite Lawyers
Dog bite injury in Monument? We pursue claims for medical costs, scarring, and trauma—no fee unless we recover.
How Dog-Bite Claims Work in Monument and El Paso County
A dog attack on Colorado Highway 105, Second Street, Baptist Road, or anywhere in Monument can leave deep puncture wounds, infection risk, nerve damage, and visible scars. Colorado's dog-bite statute holds the owner liable for injury or property damage caused by the dog, regardless of prior behavior. We also examine negligence—such as failure to restrain, warn, or control the animal—and whether the incident occurred on public or private property.
The owner's homeowner's or renter's insurance often covers the claim. We investigate the dog's history, the circumstances of the attack, and whether Monument Police Department or El Paso County Sheriff's Office responded and filed reports. Establishing ownership, control, and the facts surrounding the incident is essential to building a strong claim under Colorado law.
Evidence We Gather in Monument Dog-Bite Cases
Animal-control reports filed by Monument Police Department or the Sheriff's Office document the incident and the dog's vaccination status. Ownership and registration records confirm liability. Medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital North in Colorado Springs or any other provider show the extent of injury, infection risk, and treatment needed. Photographs of puncture wounds, lacerations, and scarring taken soon after and over time are powerful evidence of lasting harm.
Witness statements—from bystanders, neighbors, or those present when the attack occurred—establish what happened and whether the owner exercised control. Prior-incident reports involving the same dog strengthen a negligence claim. We also obtain records about the dog's training, containment, and any known aggressive tendencies. Insurance information and liability coverage details are critical to recovery options.
Local investigations may involve Monument Police Department and El Paso County Sheriff’s Office, scenes in Palmer Lake or Woodland Park, parks, trails, and residential yards.
A dog bite can cause serious injury, infection, scarring, and emotional distress. Collecting the right evidence early strengthens your claim under Colorado's dog-bite statute and any negligence theory.
- Identification of the dog's owner and any person in control of the dog at the time
- Animal-control report filed with Monument Police Department or El Paso County Sheriff's Office
- Vaccination and ownership records for the dog
- Photographs of all visible injuries taken immediately after the bite and during healing
- Medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital North or other emergency care, including treatment notes and infection monitoring
- Witness names, contact information, and written statements about how the attack occurred
- Records of any prior incidents or complaints involving the same dog
- Documentation of lost wages, therapy, or reconstructive surgery costs related to the injury
- Proof of negligence, such as lack of restraint, trespassing, or failure to warn
- Insurance information for the dog owner's homeowner's or renters' policy
- Scarring photographs and dermatology or plastic surgery evaluations if applicable
- Emergency dispatch records showing time, location, and circumstances of the attack
The sooner you gather and preserve this evidence, the stronger your position in settlement or court.
Medical Care and Injury Documentation
Bite wounds carry high infection risk and often require immediate evaluation at an emergency room or urgent-care facility. Deep punctures, tissue damage, and contamination mean infection can develop hours or days after the bite. Rabies and tetanus protocols must be followed. Scarring from bites on the face, hands, arms, or legs can be permanent and psychologically distressing, especially for children.
Ongoing medical care—including wound cleaning, antibiotics, imaging, reconstructive surgery, or therapy for infection or nerve injury—must be documented. Mental-health treatment for anxiety, fear of dogs, or post-traumatic stress disorder is also part of the injury claim. Medical records from your doctor and specialists establish causation and the full scope of harm you've suffered.
Official Monument hospital, report, crash-record, and court links →
What You May Recover
- Emergency room and urgent-care bills, medications, and ongoing medical treatment
- Reconstructive or cosmetic surgery to minimize scarring and restore appearance
- Lost wages if the bite forced you to miss work during recovery
- Pain, suffering, scarring, and emotional trauma from the attack
- Counseling and mental-health care for anxiety or fear related to dogs
- Permanent disfigurement or disability claims
El Paso County Combined Courts recognizes both statutory liability and negligence damages; we pursue both avenues to maximize your recovery.
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Monument — 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.
Monument Dog bites and attacks FAQ
How long do I have to file a dog bite claim in Monument?
The deadline depends on whether the claim is against a private owner, a public entity like Monument Police or El Paso County, or both. Claims against public entities require written notice within a shorter window, often 182 days. Private injury claims typically have two years from the date of injury. However, delaying evidence collection or medical evaluation can weaken your case. Contact us promptly to discuss the specific deadline that applies to your situation.
What does Colorado's dog-bite statute require?
Colorado law holds a dog owner strictly liable for injuries caused by the dog if it bites or injures someone on public property or lawfully on private property. The owner is responsible even if the dog had no history of aggression. Additionally, a negligence claim may apply if the owner failed to restrain, control, or warn about a dangerous dog. Our lawyers review both statutory liability and any negligence factors to maximize your recovery.
How much will it cost to hire McCormick & Murphy to handle my case?
We handle dog bite and personal injury claims on a contingency fee basis. That means we earn an attorney fee only if your case is settled or won—you pay nothing to us unless we recover money for you. Any advanced case costs, such as medical record retrieval or expert reports, are separate from our fee and will be discussed with you upfront.
What if the attack happened on Colorado Highway 105, Baptist Road, or another road near Monument?
The location of the attack affects liability and jurisdiction. Attacks on public roads or public property may involve different legal standards or require notice to El Paso County or the municipality. Attacks on private property involve the property owner's liability for allowing a dangerous dog to remain unsecured. We investigate the specific circumstances and location to identify all responsible parties.
Do I need medical records to support my dog bite claim?
Yes. Medical records from UCHealth Memorial Hospital North or any emergency care facility are crucial evidence of the injury's severity, the need for treatment, and ongoing harm such as infection or scarring. Your medical documentation directly supports both the fact of injury and your damages claim, including past medical expenses and future care costs.
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Colorado Springs — North
7660 Goddard St Suite 245, Colorado Springs, CO 80920
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