Pueblo Colorado riverwalk and downtown at late afternoon

Pueblo County · Homeowner's insurance

Pueblo Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers

If a dog bit you in Pueblo, homeowner or renter insurance may cover your claim. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.

60+years combined experience
Pueblo Countylocal bite evidence
301 N. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003nearest firm office
No feeunless we recover for you

Where the Money Usually Comes From

When a dog bites someone in Pueblo, the claim is typically presented to the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That policy is often the practical source of any recovery, since most dog owners do not have the personal resources to pay a claim directly. But not every policy covers dog bites, and we do not assume coverage exists until we have reviewed the actual policy language.

Some homeowner and renter policies contain exclusions that can affect a bite claim. A policy might exclude certain breeds, exclude a dog with a documented prior bite, or exclude injuries connected to business use of the dog, such as a dog kept for guarding a commercial property. The specific wording in the policy controls what is and is not covered, and that wording varies from insurer to insurer and policy to policy.

Because coverage depends on policy terms rather than a fixed rule, we start by identifying the applicable policy and obtaining a copy of it. From there we can assess whether the injury falls within coverage, whether an exclusion might apply, and what that means for how we present your claim.

When a Claim Is Delayed or Denied

Insurers sometimes delay a decision or deny a dog bite claim outright. A denial or unreasonable delay can raise a legitimate question about how the coverage should be applied, and in some cases it can raise a separate question about how the insurer handled the claim itself. We look closely at the denial letter, the stated reasons, and whether those reasons match the actual policy language.

Not every denial reflects mishandling by the insurer. Some denials are based on a legitimate exclusion or a genuine coverage dispute. We evaluate each denial on its own facts before deciding what response, if any, is appropriate.

Preserve Information to Gather After a Bite
  • The dog owner's name, address, and insurance company if known
  • Any written denial or delay correspondence from an insurer
  • Medical records from treatment, including any visit to CommonSpirit Parkview Medical Center
  • Photographs of injuries and the location of the incident
  • Contact information for witnesses in the area, such as Pueblo West, Bessemer, Downtown Pueblo, or Belmont

Handling Your Claim in Pueblo

We work with Pueblo residents and visitors injured by dogs across the city, including in Pueblo West, Bessemer, Downtown Pueblo, and Belmont. If a lawsuit becomes necessary because a coverage dispute cannot be resolved, that case would typically proceed in Pueblo County District Court.

Our office is located at 301 N. Main Street, Pueblo, CO 81003. We meet with clients throughout Pueblo County to review policy documents, insurer correspondence, and medical treatment records related to a dog bite claim.

Pueblo dog-bite overview →

What a Claim May Address

What clients say about McCormick & Murphy

Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Pueblo — and read client testimonials.

A pickup hit me from behind on Hwy 50 east of Pueblo. The insurer offered $2,600. McCormick & Murphy helped with treatment, filed suit, and the case settled at mediation for $165,000.

C. O., Pueblo · Highway 50 crash

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.

Pueblo Homeowner's insurance FAQ

Does homeowner insurance always cover a dog bite in Pueblo?

Not always. Coverage depends on the specific policy language, and some policies contain exclusions for certain breeds, dogs with a prior bite history, or business use of the dog. We review the actual policy before making any assumption about coverage.

What if the dog owner rents rather than owns their home?

Renter insurance policies can also provide coverage for a dog bite claim, depending on the policy terms. The same review process applies to determine whether the renter's policy covers the incident.

What happens if the insurer denies my claim?

A denial does not necessarily end the matter. We review the denial letter against the policy language to determine whether the stated reason is accurate, and we consider what response is appropriate based on the facts of your case.

Is every delayed claim considered bad faith?

No. Delay alone does not mean an insurer acted improperly. We look at the full history of the claim, including communication and the insurer's stated reasons, before drawing any conclusion.

Where would a coverage dispute be resolved?

If a lawsuit becomes necessary, it would typically be filed in Pueblo County District Court. Many coverage questions are resolved before reaching that point, but we prepare every claim as though it may need to proceed there.

Discuss a Pueblo dog bite

Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.