El Paso County · Homeowner's insurance
Old Colorado City Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
Bitten in Old Colorado City? Free consultation, and no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How the Insurance Claim Works
When a dog bites someone in Old Colorado City, the claim usually goes to the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That policy, not the owner's personal bank account, is typically where compensation comes from. But not every policy actually covers dog bites, and we do not assume coverage exists until we have reviewed the policy itself.
Some homeowner and renter policies contain exclusions. An insurer may point to a breed exclusion, a prior bite by the same dog, or use of the dog for business purposes as a reason to deny or limit coverage. The specific wording of the policy controls what is and is not covered, and that language varies from one insurer and one policy to the next. We do not guess at exclusions; we read the actual policy.
When an insurer denies a claim or lets it sit without a real response, that can raise a separate coverage question worth examining. In some cases, how the insurer handled the claim becomes its own issue. We look at the facts of each claim before characterizing an insurer's conduct, since a denial by itself does not mean the insurer acted in bad faith.
What We Look At
We start by identifying the applicable homeowner or renter policy and requesting the full policy document, not just a declarations page. The exclusions, endorsements, and definitions sections often matter more than the coverage summary. We compare the actual language against the facts of the bite, the dog's history, and how the dog was being used at the time.
We also track how the insurer responds once notified, including whether it acknowledges the claim, requests information, or delays without explanation. If a client was treated at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or another facility, those records help establish what happened. We keep our own file of correspondence with the insurer so there is a clear record of how the claim was handled from the start.
- Get the dog owner's name and address, and note whether they rent or own
- Ask if the owner has homeowner or renter insurance and get the insurer's name
- Photograph the injury and the location, whether near Colorado Avenue, U.S. Highway 24, or elsewhere in the area
- Keep copies of any letters or emails from the insurance company
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the insurer before speaking with us
Old Colorado City Claims
Old Colorado City has a mix of long-standing residential streets and rental properties near 21st Street, 25th Street, and Colorado Avenue, and dog bite claims here often involve a renter's policy or a landlord's coverage question. We work with clients throughout this part of Colorado Springs and out toward Manitou Springs to identify the right policy and the right insurer before a claim goes forward.
When a claim needs to be filed in court, cases from this area are typically handled through El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office is nearby at 929 W Colorado Ave, which makes it convenient for Old Colorado City clients to meet with us in person to go over policy documents and insurer correspondence.
What Coverage May Address
- Medical treatment for the bite
- Follow-up care or scarring treatment
- Lost income during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Property damaged during the incident
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Old Colorado City — 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.
Old Colorado City Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does homeowner's insurance always cover a dog bite in Old Colorado City?
Not always. Coverage depends on the specific policy language, including any exclusions for certain breeds, a dog's prior bite history, or business use of the dog. We review the actual policy before telling a client what is covered.
What if the dog owner rents instead of owns their home?
A renter's insurance policy may provide coverage similar to a homeowner's policy, and in some cases a landlord's policy could also be relevant. We identify which policies exist and request the documents for each.
What happens if the insurer denies the claim?
A denial can raise a coverage question that we examine closely, and depending on the facts, it may also raise a question about how the insurer handled the claim. Not every denial means the insurer acted improperly, so we look at the specific reasons given and the policy language.
How long does the insurance company have to respond to notice of a claim?
We do not state a fixed number of days here because that depends on the policy and applicable rules. What matters is documenting when notice was given and how the insurer responded after that.
Should I talk to the insurance adjuster on my own?
We recommend speaking with us before giving any recorded statement to an insurer. What is said early in a claim can affect coverage and value later, so it helps to have guidance before that conversation happens.
Discuss a Old Colorado City dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.