El Paso County · Homeowner's insurance
Colorado Springs Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
Colorado Springs dog bite claim likely to run through homeowner's insurance? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Where the Claim Actually Comes From
When someone is bitten in Colorado Springs, the money to pay a claim usually comes from the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy, not the owner's personal bank account. That said, we do not tell clients every policy covers dog bites. Coverage depends on the specific policy the owner carries and what that policy says.
Some homeowner and renter policies contain exclusions. An insurer may try to deny coverage based on the breed of dog, a prior bite history, or because the dog was involved in some kind of business use at the time of the incident. Whether an exclusion actually applies is a question of policy language, not a general rule, and we review the actual policy before drawing conclusions.
We look at the owner's coverage early because it shapes how a claim is presented and negotiated. If the owner has no applicable coverage, or coverage is disputed, that changes the path forward and the questions we need to answer before moving ahead.
What We Request From the Insurer
Once we know which company insures the dog owner, we request the relevant policy and any information the insurer relies on to accept, deny, or delay the claim. We want to see the actual exclusion language an insurer is citing, not just take their word that a bite is not covered. Insurers do not always explain their reasoning clearly on the first pass, and it is worth pushing for specifics.
If a claim is denied or sits without a real response for an extended period, that can raise a coverage question worth examining, and in some cases a separate question about how the insurer handled the claim. We do not assume a denial is made in bad faith just because it is frustrating. We look at what the insurer knew, what it told the claimant, and whether its stated reason holds up against the policy itself.
- Name of the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance company, if known
- Any letter or written denial the insurer sent
- Notes on phone calls with the insurer, including names and dates
- The address where the dog and owner reside, for policy verification
- Any statement the owner made about having or not having insurance
Handling Coverage Disputes in the Colorado Springs Area
We work with dog bite claims arising in neighborhoods across the area, including Old Colorado City, Briargate, Broadmoor, Manitou Springs, and Fountain. Homeowner and renter coverage varies by policy regardless of neighborhood, so we review each owner's actual policy rather than assuming what a given area typically carries.
When a coverage dispute cannot be resolved directly with the insurer, litigation may proceed in El Paso County District Court. Our office is located at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, and we meet with clients from around the region to go over what an insurer has said and what the underlying policy actually provides.
What a Resolved Insurance Claim May Address
- Medical treatment related to the bite, including care at facilities such as UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central or CommonSpirit Penrose Hospital
- Ongoing or follow-up medical care
- Lost income from time away from work
- Scarring or physical impairment
- Pain and suffering connected to the incident
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Colorado Springs — 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.
Colorado Springs Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does homeowner's insurance always cover a dog bite in Colorado Springs?
Not always. Coverage depends on the specific policy the dog owner carries and whether any exclusion applies. We review the actual policy language rather than assuming coverage exists.
Can an insurer deny a claim because of the dog's breed?
Some policies contain breed-related exclusions, but this depends on the individual policy, not a general rule. We ask the insurer to point to the specific language it is relying on before accepting a denial.
What if the owner says they don't have insurance?
We still gather what information we can about the owner's coverage, since renter policies and other coverage can sometimes apply even when a homeowner policy does not. This is worked out on a case-by-case basis.
Is every claim denial considered bad faith?
No. A denial or delay can raise a legitimate coverage question without amounting to bad faith. We look closely at what the insurer said and whether its reasoning matches the policy before characterizing its conduct.
What happens if the insurer and I can't resolve the claim?
If a resolution can't be reached directly with the insurer, the matter may proceed in court, including El Paso County District Court depending on where the case is filed. We can walk you through what that process involves during a consultation.
Discuss a Colorado Springs dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.