El Paso County · Fatal dog attacks
Old Colorado City Fatal Dog Attack Lawyers
A fatal dog attack in Old Colorado City is a legal emergency for a grieving family. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Bite Causes a Death
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a fatal attack occurs while the victim was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property. That statute establishes when a dog owner can be held responsible for the harm the animal caused, and it does not stop applying just because the injury proved fatal.
But the dog-bite statute alone does not determine who in the family can bring a claim after a death. That question is controlled by Colorado wrongful-death law, which sets out which family members may file and in what order. We do not guess at that answer here because it depends on the specific family situation.
If you have lost a family member to a dog attack in Old Colorado City, the dog-bite statute and wrongful-death law work together. The dog-bite statute can establish the owner's responsibility for the attack itself, while wrongful-death law governs the claim the family brings for that loss.
Building the Record After a Fatal Attack
A fatal dog attack typically generates records beyond a standard bite case. Animal-control and police reports documenting the incident, the dog's history, and the scene are often central to establishing what happened and who owned or controlled the animal. We move quickly to identify and request these records before they are lost or purged.
Medical records from a facility such as UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central, along with any emergency response documentation, can also matter in confirming the cause and circumstances of death. We gather these records alongside witness accounts and any available photos or video from the scene.
- Request copies of any animal-control or police report related to the incident
- Identify witnesses near the scene, including anyone on Colorado Avenue or nearby streets
- Preserve any photos or video taken at or near the location
- Keep records related to the dog's ownership and any prior history
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to an insurer before speaking with us
Old Colorado City and El Paso County
Old Colorado City sits along Colorado Avenue near U.S. Highway 24, with residential streets like 21st Street and 25th Street close by, and Manitou Springs just to the west. A fatal dog attack in this area may involve records or witnesses connected to any of these locations, and we take the time to map out exactly where the incident happened.
A wrongful-death claim tied to a dog attack here would generally proceed through El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office is nearby at 929 W Colorado Ave, and we are available to meet with families in Old Colorado City to talk through what a claim would involve.
What a Wrongful-Death Claim May Address
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Loss of the financial support the deceased provided
- Loss of care, companionship, and guidance
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- 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 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 Fatal dog attacks FAQ
Can the dog-bite statute apply if the attack caused a death?
Yes. C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 can apply to a fatal attack when the victim was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property. The statute addresses the owner's responsibility for the attack itself.
Who can file a wrongful-death claim after a fatal dog attack?
That is governed by Colorado wrongful-death law, not the dog-bite statute alone. Our wrongful-death page explains who may file and what the claim can address, and we can walk through your specific family situation.
What records matter most in a fatal dog attack case?
Animal-control and police records documenting the incident and the dog's history are often important. Medical records confirming the cause of death and witness accounts from the scene also matter.
Where would a wrongful-death claim from a dog attack in Old Colorado City be filed?
A claim connected to Old Colorado City would generally proceed through El Paso County Combined Courts. We can explain what that process looks like once we understand the facts of the case.
What does the free consultation involve?
We meet with the family, review what records exist, and explain how the dog-bite statute and wrongful-death law apply to the situation. There is no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Discuss a Old Colorado City dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.