Jefferson and Adams counties · Homeowner's insurance
Arvada Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
We help Arvada dog bite victims deal with homeowner's insurance. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Where the Money Usually Comes From
Most Arvada dog bite claims are paid, if they are paid at all, through the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That does not mean every policy covers a dog bite claim. Coverage depends on the specific policy the owner has and what that policy says.
Some homeowner and renter policies contain exclusions. A policy might exclude coverage for certain breeds, for a dog with a documented prior bite, or for a dog used in some business capacity. Whether any exclusion applies is a question of policy language, not a general rule, and we review the actual policy rather than assume how it reads.
Because coverage turns on the words in the policy, we ask for the policy early in an Arvada case. Knowing whether coverage exists, and what it excludes, shapes how we approach the claim from the start.
When a Denial or Delay Becomes Its Own Issue
An insurer might deny a claim outright, delay a decision, or offer far less than the injury supports. A denial or delay can raise a legitimate coverage dispute. In some cases it can also raise a separate question about how the insurer investigated and handled the claim. Not every denial rises to that level, and we evaluate each one on its own facts rather than assuming the worst about an insurer's decision.
If a denial appears tied to a breed exclusion, a prior incident, or a business-use argument, we look closely at what the policy actually says and whether the insurer applied it correctly. Getting a copy of the policy and any denial letter in writing is often the first practical step in sorting out what happened.
- Any letter or email from the insurance company, including denials
- The dog owner's name and, if known, their insurance carrier
- Photos of the injury and the scene where the bite happened
- Records from any medical treatment received
- Notes on conversations with adjusters, including dates and names
Handling Arvada Claims
We work with dog bite victims from across Arvada, including areas like Olde Town, Wheat Ridge, Wadsworth Boulevard, and Ralston Road. Many injured people in this area first go to Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge for treatment, and we can request those records as part of building the claim.
Arvada sits across Jefferson and Adams counties, and a dog bite lawsuit here would typically proceed through Jefferson County Courts in Golden. Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly handle insurance disputes tied to Arvada dog bite cases.
What an Insurance Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment for the bite injury
- Follow-up care, including any scar or wound treatment
- Lost income if the injury kept you from work
- Pain and suffering related to the attack
- Property damage that occurred during the incident
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Arvada — and read client testimonials.
After I was hit by a drunk driver with no insurance, my own insurer refused UM benefits. McCormick & Murphy sued for uninsured motorist benefits and bad faith. A jury awarded me over $900,000.
C. O., Denver · UM / bad-faith verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Arvada Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does homeowner's insurance always cover a dog bite in Arvada?
Not always. Coverage depends on the specific homeowner or renter policy the dog owner has, and some policies contain exclusions. We review the actual policy language rather than assume coverage exists.
Can an insurance company deny a claim because of the dog's breed?
Some policies exclude certain breeds from coverage, and if that exclusion applies, the insurer may deny the claim on that basis. The policy language controls, so we look at what the specific policy says rather than any general assumption about breeds.
What if the insurer delays or denies my claim?
A delay or denial can raise a coverage question worth examining closely. In some cases it can also raise a separate issue about how the insurer handled the claim, though not every denial reaches that level.
What if the dog owner has no insurance at all?
If there is no applicable homeowner or renter policy, we look at other options for recovery based on the facts of the case. We can discuss what those options look like during a free consultation.
What should I do if I receive a denial letter?
Keep the letter and any other written communication from the insurer. Bring those documents to a free consultation so we can review the stated reason for denial against the actual policy language.
Discuss a Arvada dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.