City and County of Denver · Homeowner's insurance
Denver Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
Denver dog bite claims often turn on homeowner's insurance. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How Homeowner's Insurance Fits Into a Denver Dog Bite Claim
When a dog bites someone in Denver, the claim is usually presented to the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That policy is often the practical source of any recovery, since it stands behind the owner. But not every policy covers a dog bite, and we do not assume coverage exists until we look at the actual policy language.
Some homeowner and renter policies contain exclusions. An insurer may try to exclude coverage based on the type of dog, a prior bite history for that dog, or use of the dog for business purposes. Whether an exclusion actually applies depends on the specific policy wording and the facts of the case, not on a general rule. We review the policy itself rather than assume what it says.
Because coverage questions are fact specific, we look closely at what the policy promises, what it excludes, and how the insurer is applying those terms to the claim at hand. This matters in Denver cases where the dog owner may live in a house, a rented apartment, or a shared property in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill or Highland, each with its own insurance arrangement.
Evidence That Supports an Insurance Claim
A claim against a homeowner or renter policy is only as strong as the proof behind it. We gather documentation of the incident itself, including where and how the bite occurred, along with records connecting the dog to the named insured on the policy. Medical treatment records, including any care received at Denver Health Medical Center, help establish the extent of the injury tied to the claim.
We also look at the insurer's own conduct once a claim is submitted. If a claim is delayed or denied, we examine the stated reason and compare it against the actual policy terms. A denial is not automatically improper, but when the insurer's handling of the claim raises a legitimate coverage question, that becomes part of what we evaluate and, where appropriate, pursue.
- Any written or verbal information about who owns or controls the dog
- Copies of correspondence with the homeowner or renter's insurance company
- Medical records and bills related to treatment for the bite
- Photos of the injury and the location where the bite happened
- Any denial letter or explanation the insurer provides
Handling Denver Dog Bite Insurance Claims
We work with clients across Denver neighborhoods, including Five Points, Cherry Creek, and RiNo, where dog ownership is common and homeowner or renter policies vary widely from one building or block to the next. Identifying the correct policy and understanding its terms is often the first step in these cases.
When a claim proceeds to litigation, it is filed in Denver District Court, within the City and County of Denver. We handle the insurance coverage questions alongside the underlying dog bite claim so our clients are not left navigating a denial or delay on their own.
What May Be Recoverable Through an Insurance Claim
- Medical expenses connected to treatment for the bite
- Costs of any follow-up care or treatment
- Lost income if the injury affected the ability to work
- Pain and suffering associated with the injury
- Scarring or disfigurement resulting from the bite
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Denver — 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.
Denver Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does homeowner's insurance always cover a dog bite in Denver?
Not always. Coverage depends on the specific policy language, and some policies contain exclusions that may apply. We review the policy directly rather than assume coverage exists.
Can an insurance company exclude certain dogs from coverage?
Some policies do exclude coverage based on factors like the type of dog, a prior bite history, or business use of the dog. Whether an exclusion applies depends on the wording of that particular policy, not a general Colorado rule.
What happens if the insurer denies the claim?
A denial raises a coverage question that we examine closely, comparing the stated reason against the actual policy terms. Not every denial is improper, but in some cases the insurer's handling of the claim becomes a separate issue we address.
What if the dog owner is a renter instead of a homeowner?
Renter's insurance policies can provide similar coverage for dog bite liability, depending on the policy. We look at whichever policy applies to the dog owner's living situation.
How do I know which insurance policy applies to my case?
We identify the dog owner and determine what homeowner or renter coverage may apply to them. This often requires direct communication with the insurer and review of the policy documents themselves.
Discuss a Denver dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.