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A dog bite can happen in seconds. One moment your child is walking to a friend’s house in Briargate or you’re jogging through Garden of the Gods. The next, you’re bleeding, terrified, and unsure what just happened.
The physical injuries are obvious. Puncture wounds. Lacerations. The risk of infection. But the fear that follows can last much longer—especially for children who now freeze at the sight of any dog.
If you or someone you love was bitten by a dog in Colorado Springs, you have rights. Even if the dog has never bitten anyone before. Even if the owner is your neighbor or a friend. Even if everyone keeps telling you the dog is “usually so sweet.”
McCormick & Murphy have helped countless families in Colorado Springs, Falcon, Manitou Springs, and throughout the Pikes Peak region recover compensation for dog bite injuries. We know how to hold owners accountable while you focus on healing.
Colorado has a strict liability statute for dog bites. That means the dog’s owner is legally responsible for your injuries if their dog bites you—regardless of the dog’s history or the owner’s knowledge of any aggressive behavior.
You don’t have to prove the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You don’t have to show they were negligent. If the dog bit you and you were lawfully on public or private property, the owner is liable.
This is not about punishing a neighbor or making someone’s life difficult. It’s about acknowledging that when a dog causes harm, the person who chose to own that animal bears responsibility for the consequences.
Dog bites range from minor scrapes to life-altering injuries. We’ve represented clients across Stetson Hills, Security-Widefield, Rockrimmon, and Woodmen Hills who suffered:
Children are particularly vulnerable. They’re smaller, their faces are often at a dog’s height, and they may not recognize warning signs before an attack. A bite that leaves lasting scars on a child’s face carries emotional consequences that extend far beyond the physical wound.
Your first priority is medical care. Even bites that look minor can lead to serious infections. Dog mouths carry bacteria, and deep puncture wounds can trap that bacteria beneath the skin.
Seek medical attention right away. If the wound is severe or bleeding heavily, go to the emergency room. For less urgent bites, see your primary care doctor or visit an urgent care clinic the same day.
Document everything. Take photos of your injuries before they’re cleaned and bandaged. Photograph torn clothing. If the bite happened in a public place like a park or trail, take photos of the location.
Get the dog owner’s contact information. If you don’t know them, ask witnesses or nearby residents. Write down the dog’s breed, color, size, and any identifying marks.
Report the bite to Colorado Springs Animal Control. They’ll investigate and create an official record. If the dog has bitten others or poses a continuing danger, this documentation matters.
Keep all medical records, bills, and prescriptions. Track every expense related to the bite—medications, follow-up appointments, counseling for your child, even time missed from work.
Then call McCormick & Murphy at 719-389-0400. We’ll guide you through the next steps while you focus on recovery.
Most dog bite claims are covered by the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. These policies typically include liability coverage for injuries caused by the policyholder’s pet.
That means when you file a claim against a dog owner, you’re usually dealing with their insurance company—not asking your neighbor to pay out of pocket.
Insurance companies know this. They also know that many dog bite victims feel uncomfortable pursuing compensation, especially if they know the owner personally. Adjusters may try to minimize your injuries, claim you provoked the dog, or offer a quick settlement that doesn’t come close to covering your actual damages.
We deal with insurance companies every day. We know their tactics. We know what your claim is actually worth. And we know how to push back when they try to low-ball you or deny coverage altogether.
After a dog bite, physical wounds heal. Scars fade—though some never disappear entirely. But the fear can linger.
Your child may refuse to go outside alone. They may panic when they see a dog across the street. They may need counseling to work through the trauma of being attacked by an animal they were taught to trust.
That psychological harm is compensable. Courts in Colorado recognize that emotional distress and mental anguish are real damages, especially when a child develops lasting anxiety or phobia after a dog attack.
If your child needs therapy or exhibits behavioral changes after a bite—nightmares, bed-wetting, withdrawal, fear of leaving the house—those are legitimate injuries. Document them. Talk to their pediatrician. Keep records of counseling sessions and any changes in their daily life.
You’re not exaggerating. You’re not being overly protective. You’re acknowledging that your child is hurting in ways that can’t be fixed with stitches.
A dog bite claim can include compensation for:
In cases involving severe injuries or egregious owner negligence, you may also be entitled to additional damages beyond economic losses.
Every case is different. The value of your claim depends on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your daily life, the medical treatment required, and the long-term consequences you face.
Insurance companies will try to settle fast and cheap. We make sure you receive full and fair compensation for everything you’ve been through.
Dog owners and their insurance companies often claim the victim provoked the attack. They’ll say you startled the dog, approached it wrong, or ignored warning signs.
Colorado law does allow a defense if the victim was trespassing or provoked the dog. But provocation has a specific legal meaning. It’s not just that the dog felt threatened. It requires intentional action designed to annoy or injure the animal.
Walking past a dog on a public sidewalk is not provocation. Ringing a doorbell is not provocation. A child petting a dog with the owner’s permission is not provocation.
If the owner claims you provoked the bite, we’ll investigate. We’ll interview witnesses, review any available video footage, and gather evidence to show what actually happened. Insurance companies rely on victims accepting blame they don’t deserve. We don’t let that happen.
Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is generally two years from the date of the injury. If you wait longer than that, you lose your right to sue.
Two years sounds like a long time. It’s not. Medical treatment takes time. Emotional trauma doesn’t follow a neat timeline. And once you involve a lawyer and start negotiating with insurance companies, months can pass quickly.
The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case. Evidence is fresh. Witnesses remember details. Medical records are recent and complete. Waiting helps the insurance company, not you.
If your child was bitten, slightly different rules may apply. Don’t assume you have unlimited time. Call us and we’ll explain exactly how the statute of limitations applies to your situation.
McCormick & Murphy represent dog bite victims throughout the Pikes Peak region. Whether you were bitten in a neighborhood park in University Park, on a hiking trail near Old Colorado City, or in your own yard in Cordera, we’re here to help.
We serve clients in Colorado Springs, Briargate, Gleneagle, Falcon, Manitou Springs, Security-Widefield, Broadmoor, Fort Carson, Rockrimmon, Woodmen Hills, and every surrounding community. Our office is located at 929 W Colorado Ave, and we’re available to meet with you whenever it’s convenient.
Kirk McCormick and Jay Murphy built this firm on a simple principle: injured people deserve lawyers who fight for them, not just process claims.
We take the time to understand what happened to you and what you’re facing now. We answer your calls. We explain the process in plain language. And we don’t settle your case until you’re satisfied that the compensation reflects the full extent of your injuries.
You don’t pay unless we win. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict we recover for you—never out of your pocket up front.
Insurance companies know who we are. They know we prepare every case for trial. And they know we don’t back down.
If you or your child was bitten by a dog in Colorado Springs or anywhere in the surrounding area, call McCormick & Murphy at 719-389-0400. We offer free consultations, and we’ll explain your rights with no obligation.
You didn’t ask for this. You didn’t do anything wrong. And you deserve to be made whole.
Let us handle the legal fight while you focus on healing. Call 719-389-0400 or visit https://mccormickmurphy.com/ to get started.
Seek medical care right away, even if the bite seems minor. Dog bites carry a high risk of infection and need professional cleaning and treatment. Take photos of your injuries, get the dog owner’s contact information, and report the bite to Colorado Springs Animal Control. Save all medical records and bills. Then contact McCormick & Murphy at 719-389-0400 for a free consultation to understand your legal rights.
Yes. Colorado has a strict liability dog bite statute, which means the owner is responsible for injuries their dog causes regardless of the dog’s history or whether the owner knew the dog was aggressive. You don’t have to prove the owner was negligent or that the dog had bitten someone before. If you were lawfully on public or private property and the dog bit you, the owner is liable.
Most homeowner’s and renter’s insurance policies include liability coverage for injuries caused by the policyholder’s pet, including dog bites. When you file a claim against a dog owner, you’re typically dealing with their insurance company, not asking the owner to pay out of pocket. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts or deny claims, which is why having an experienced attorney matters.
Colorado’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including dog bites, is generally two years from the date of the injury. If you don’t file a lawsuit within that time, you lose your right to pursue compensation. Don’t wait—evidence is stronger and witnesses’ memories are clearer when you act quickly. Contact McCormick & Murphy as soon as possible to protect your rights.
This is one of the most common concerns we hear, and it’s understandable. Filing a claim doesn’t mean you’re personally suing your friend or neighbor. In most cases, their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance covers the claim, so you’re actually dealing with an insurance company. Your injuries are real, your medical bills are real, and you have the right to be compensated—regardless of your relationship with the owner.
Yes. Emotional trauma and psychological harm are compensable damages under Colorado law. If your child develops anxiety, phobias, nightmares, or behavioral changes after a dog attack, those are real injuries. Courts recognize that the psychological impact—especially on children—can be severe and long-lasting. Counseling costs, therapy sessions, and the emotional distress itself can all be included in your claim.
You can recover compensation for all injuries caused by a dog bite, including puncture wounds, lacerations, broken bones, nerve damage, infections, scarring and disfigurement, and any injury requiring surgery or long-term treatment. You can also recover for emotional distress, pain and suffering, lost wages, and future medical expenses. If the bite leaves permanent scars—especially on visible areas like the face—you may be entitled to additional compensation for disfigurement.
Yes, you should report the bite to Colorado Springs Animal Control. Reporting creates an official record of the incident, which can be important evidence in your claim. It also helps protect others—if the dog has bitten before or poses a continuing danger, Animal Control can investigate and take action. Reporting doesn’t guarantee any particular outcome, but it documents what happened and may reveal a history of aggressive behavior.
Did you or a loved one sustain injuries from a dog attack? A Colorado Springs dog bite lawyer from McCormick & Murphy P.C. is ready to help. Our firm has secured the rights of dog bite victims throughout Colorado for decades. We can review your case in a free consultation and clarify your legal options.
In our culture, dogs are known as “man’s best friend,” but they can be dangerous animals. Nearly 4.5 million people in the United States are bitten by dogs every year, with approximately half being children. Nearly 20% of dog bites result in injuries serious enough to require medical attention.
Our experienced Colorado Springs dog bite attorneys understand both Colorado’s strict liability laws and negligence standards that apply to different dog bite scenarios. We can help determine if your case falls under Colorado’s “one bite rule” or if statutory strict liability applies based on the severity of your injuries.
After a serious dog bite or attack:
Dogs can attack violently and cause serious injuries, especially to children. The most common dog attack injuries include:
Many individuals put their hands out or attempt to cover their face when a dog attacks, resulting in defensive wounds.
Dog teeth are powerful and can cause deep puncture wounds that may damage underlying tissues.
When a dog pulls at skin, it can tear easily and result in permanent scarring, often requiring plastic surgery.
Fierce bites can reach delicate tissues and nerves beneath the skin, potentially causing permanent impairment.
Dog attacks are terrifying experiences that frequently result in post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and cynophobia (fear of dogs).
Dog mouths contain bacteria that can cause serious infections, including Pasteurella, MRSA, tetanus, and in rare cases, rabies.
Powerful dog jaws can fracture bones, particularly in children or elderly victims.
Children and older adults can sustain fatal wounds in dog attacks.
A dog bite or dog attack can be a serious accident that requires costly medical care to remedy. In 2012, nearly 30,000 people were forced to have reconstructive surgery as a result of being bit by a dog. A dog bite can become infected, and dogs are known to carry serious diseases such as rabies.
You should never attempt to treat a dog bite on your own. If you suffered an injury in a dog bite or dog attack, seek medical assistance immediately.
Only a doctor can tell you how to properly treat your wounds. Depending on the severity of your injuries, you may need to go to a hospital or emergency room.
There is no foolproof way to prevent a dog bite from occurring. However, there are steps you can take to reduce your chances of being bitten or attacked by a dog.
Our Colorado Springs dog bite attorneys will explain.
Like most people, dogs need plenty of space. You should never approach a dog who is eating or drinking, caring for puppies, sleeping, or chewing on a toy.
Even if you are familiar with an animal, you should allow him or her to see and sniff you before making contact. You should never approach an unfamiliar animal unless it is absolutely necessary to do so.
Whenever you are around an animal, it is important to stay calm. A dog may perceive loud voices or animated movements as threats and react accordingly.
If you are worried that a dog may bite or attack you, do not run away. You should remain as still as possible until the animal loses interest in you.
There are many behaviors that a dog may exhibit if he or she is agitated, which means there is a higher likelihood of a dog bite occurring.
If a dog is yawning, licking, or has a stiff tail, he or she may be upset or anxious. If you see any of these signs in a dog, do not approach or touch him or her. Other signs of agitation in a dog include rolled-back eyes, pacing, raised fur, and a rigid body posture.
Owners of dogs have numerous obligations. Not only do they have to care for their pet, but they also need to guarantee the canine won’t hurt anybody.
When dog owners neglect to appropriately socialize their pets or limit them when necessary, they expose themselves to personal injury claims.
Here are some of the responsibilities of every dog owner:
[Related Article: When Do You Need to File a Colorado Dog Bite Injury Claim?]
Dog bite victims may be entitled to compensation for:
It’s important to hire an experienced dog bite lawyer to fully protect your legal rights and seek fair compensation for your injuries. When you contact an insurance company yourself, you’re dealing with a sophisticated organization that doesn’t have your best interests at heart.
An experienced attorney will:
McCormick & Murphy has been handling serious dog bite injury cases in Colorado for over 30 years. We have the knowledge and experience to help you seek maximum compensation for your injuries.
You may be eligible for compensation after a dog attack. Don’t attempt to handle the lawsuit alone or deal with insurance companies without legal representation.
Contact our caring, skilled Colorado Springs dog bite lawyers at McCormick & Murphy P.C. anytime, 24/7 for a free consultation at 719-389-0400 or through our online contact form.
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