Nobody thinks it’ll happen to them. One minute you’re walking down the street or visiting a friend, and the next minute a dog attack changes everything. If you’re reading this, chances are you or someone you love is dealing with the aftermath of a serious dog bite, and you’re trying to figure out what comes next.
I get it – the whole situation feels overwhelming. Between the physical trauma, the emotional stress, and now the mountain of medical bills, it’s hard to know where to start. Let’s break down what you need to know about reconstructive surgery after dog attacks and how to make sure you don’t get stuck holding the financial bag.
The Reality of Dog Attack Injuries
Dog attacks aren’t just surface-level scratches that heal up in a week or two. When we’re talking about injuries that need reconstructive surgery, we’re dealing with some serious damage. Dogs have incredibly powerful jaws – a German Shepherd, for example, can bite with over 230 pounds of pressure per square inch. That’s enough force to crush bones and tear through muscle, tendons, and nerves.
Common Types of Severe Dog Bite Injuries
The injuries that typically require reconstructive surgery include:
Facial trauma is unfortunately common, especially in children. Dogs often target the face and neck area, leading to deep cuts, nerve damage, and scarring that can affect both how things work and how they look. I’ve seen cases where victims needed multiple surgeries just to get basic facial movement back.
Hand and arm injuries happen when people try to protect themselves or when they’re initially attacked. These can involve severed tendons, damaged nerves, and crushed bones. Your hands are incredibly intricate – there are 27 bones, 29 joints, and over 120 ligaments in each hand! When a dog’s teeth do damage here, the reconstruction process can be lengthy and pretty complicated.
Leg injuries often occur during attacks where the victim is knocked down or when dogs grab and shake. The tearing motion dogs naturally do can cause what doctors call “avulsion injuries” – where tissue is literally torn away from the body. Ouch.
Psychological trauma isn’t something you can see, but it’s totally real and it matters a lot. Many dog attack victims develop PTSD, anxiety, and phobias that can last for years. The good news is that mental health treatment is often covered as part of your overall injury claim.
Why Quick Medical Attention Matters
Here’s something that might surprise you – the immediate medical response after a dog attack can significantly impact how much reconstructive surgery you’ll need later. Getting proper wound cleaning, antibiotic treatment, and initial surgical repair within the first 24 hours can prevent infections and minimize scarring.
Dog mouths are basically bacteria factories. They carry over 60 different types of bacteria that can cause serious infections. If these infections get into deep tissue or bone, they can cause additional damage that requires much more extensive reconstruction down the road.
Understanding Reconstructive Surgery Options
When doctors talk about reconstructive surgery after dog attacks, they’re usually referring to several different types of procedures. The goal isn’t just to make things look better (though that’s important too) – it’s to restore function and help you get back to living your life.
Immediate vs. Delayed Reconstruction
Immediate reconstruction happens right after the attack, usually within the first few days. This might involve cleaning and closing wounds, repairing damaged muscles or tendons, and stabilizing any broken bones. The advantage here is that you’re dealing with fresh tissue that’s more likely to heal well.
Delayed reconstruction occurs weeks, months, or even years later. Sometimes this is planned – doctors want to let initial healing happen before attempting more complex repairs. Other times, it’s because complications developed or the initial results weren’t quite what everyone hoped for.
Types of Reconstructive Procedures
Skin grafts and flaps are probably what most people think of when they hear “reconstructive surgery.” With skin grafts, surgeons take healthy skin from one part of your body and move it to cover damaged areas. Skin flaps are similar, but they keep some of the original blood supply intact, which often leads to better healing.
Nerve repair is incredibly delicate work. When dog bites sever or damage nerves, you can lose sensation or movement in the affected area. Nerve repair surgery involves reconnecting or grafting nerve tissue, but honestly, the results can be unpredictable. Some people regain full function, others get partial improvement, and unfortunately, some see little change.
Tendon and muscle reconstruction focuses on restoring movement and strength. If a dog bite damages the tendons in your hand, for example, you might not be able to move your fingers properly. Surgeons can repair or replace damaged tendons, but it often requires months of physical therapy afterward.
Bone reconstruction comes into play when dog bites fracture or crush bones. This might involve metal plates, screws, or even bone grafts from other parts of your body. The recovery time here can be substantial – we’re talking months before you’re back to normal activities.
Scar revision surgery helps minimize the appearance of scars and can also address functional problems caused by tight scar tissue. This type of surgery often happens multiple times over several years as your body continues to heal and change.
The Reconstruction Timeline
One thing that catches people off guard is how long the reconstruction process can take. We’re not talking about a single surgery and you’re done. Most people need multiple procedures spread out over months or years.
The acute phase covers the first few weeks after the attack. You’re dealing with wound care, infection prevention, and any emergency surgeries needed to save life or limb.
The reconstructive phase typically starts a few months later and can continue for years. This is when you’re working on restoring function and appearance through various surgical procedures.
The refinement phase involves fine-tuning results, addressing any complications, and making final adjustments. This might include scar revision, additional nerve procedures, or adjustments to previous work.
What to Expect During Recovery
Recovery from reconstructive surgery after a dog attack isn’t just about the physical healing – though that’s certainly a big part of it. You’re looking at a process that affects every aspect of your life for months or years.
Physical Recovery Process
Pain management is going to be a major focus, especially in the first few weeks after each surgery. You’ll likely be prescribed pain medications, and your doctor might recommend other approaches like physical therapy, nerve blocks, or even alternative treatments like acupuncture.
Wound care becomes a daily routine. You’ll need to keep surgical sites clean, change dressings regularly, and watch for signs of infection. It might sound simple, but when you’re dealing with multiple surgical sites or limited mobility, basic wound care can become challenging.
Physical therapy usually starts pretty quickly after surgery, sometimes within days. The goal is to prevent stiffness, maintain range of motion, and gradually rebuild strength. Don’t underestimate how important this is – skipping or half-heartedly doing physical therapy can seriously impact your final results.
Activity restrictions can be frustrating but they’re absolutely necessary. Depending on where your injuries are, you might not be able to drive, work, or even do basic household tasks for weeks or months. This is where having a good support system becomes really important.
Emotional and Psychological Recovery
The mental health aspect of recovery often gets overlooked, but it’s huge. Many dog attack victims develop anxiety, depression, or PTSD. You might find yourself afraid of dogs (which is completely understandable), anxious in situations where you feel vulnerable, or dealing with body image issues related to scarring.
Counseling or therapy can be incredibly helpful. Many people benefit from working with therapists who specialize in trauma or medical recovery. The good news is that mental health treatment is typically covered as part of your overall injury claim.
Support groups connect you with other people who’ve been through similar experiences. Sometimes talking to someone who really gets what you’re going through can be more helpful than anything else.
Managing Expectations
Here’s the hard truth – reconstructive surgery can do amazing things, but it rarely gets you back to exactly where you were before the attack. Modern surgical techniques are incredible, but they have limitations.
Functional recovery is usually the priority. Surgeons focus first on helping you regain the ability to use the affected body part, even if it doesn’t look or feel exactly like it did before.
Cosmetic results vary widely. Some people are thrilled with how they look after reconstruction, others struggle with visible scarring or changes in appearance. It’s important to have realistic expectations and to discuss your concerns openly with your surgical team.
Long-term outcomes can take years to fully evaluate. Your body continues to heal and change for years after surgery. Scars fade and soften, nerve function sometimes continues to improve, and you adapt to any permanent changes.
Insurance Coverage: The Good, The Bad, and The Complicated
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room – paying for all this. Reconstructive surgery after dog attacks can easily run into six figures, especially when you factor in multiple procedures, hospital stays, and ongoing therapy. The good news is that in most cases, you shouldn’t have to pay these costs out of your own pocket.
Homeowner’s and Renter’s Insurance
If the dog that attacked you belongs to someone else, their homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy likely covers your medical expenses. This is actually the most common source of compensation for dog attack victims.
Coverage limits vary, but most homeowner’s policies include at least $100,000 in liability coverage, with many policies offering $300,000 or more. However, some policies specifically exclude certain dog breeds or have special restrictions for dogs with a history of aggression.
Filing a claim should happen as soon as possible after the attack. Don’t wait to see how bad your injuries are – file the claim immediately. The insurance company will assign an adjuster to investigate the claim and determine coverage.
Working with adjusters can be tricky. Remember, they work for the insurance company, not for you. They’re trained to minimize payouts and might try to get you to accept a quick settlement before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. This is where having legal representation becomes really valuable.
Your Own Health Insurance
Your health insurance will typically cover emergency treatment and initial surgeries, but coverage for reconstructive procedures can be more complicated. Insurance companies sometimes try to classify reconstructive surgery as “cosmetic” and deny coverage.
Medical necessity is the key phrase here. If the surgery is necessary to restore function or treat a medical condition (rather than just improve appearance), it should be covered. However, you might need to fight for this coverage.
Pre-authorization is often required for reconstructive procedures. Your surgeon’s office will usually handle this, but it’s worth understanding the process and staying involved.
Appeals process comes into play if your insurance company denies coverage. Don’t give up if your initial claim is denied – many denials are overturned on appeal, especially with proper documentation and legal support.
Workers’ Compensation
If the dog attack happened while you were working – maybe you’re a mail carrier, delivery driver, or service technician – workers’ compensation should cover your medical expenses and provide disability benefits.
Reporting requirements are strict with workers’ comp. You typically need to report the injury to your employer within a certain timeframe (often 30 days) or you might lose your right to benefits.
Medical provider restrictions might limit which doctors you can see. Some workers’ comp systems require you to see approved providers, at least initially.
Government Compensation Programs
Some states and localities have victim compensation programs that can help with medical expenses and other costs related to violent crimes. Dog attacks sometimes qualify, especially if the attack was particularly severe or if the dog owner was criminally charged.
Legal Options and When You Need a Lawyer
Here’s my honest take – if you’re dealing with reconstructive surgery after a dog attack, you probably need legal representation. The insurance and legal issues involved are complex, and the stakes are too high to try and handle this alone.
When to Contact a Lawyer
Immediately after the attack is actually the best time to at least consult with a lawyer. You don’t have to hire anyone right away, but getting legal advice early can prevent you from making mistakes that hurt your case later.
Before talking to insurance adjusters is super important. Anything you say to an insurance adjuster can be used to minimize or deny your claim. Having a lawyer handle these communications protects your interests.
If your claim is denied or if the insurance company offers a settlement that seems too low, you definitely need legal help. Insurance companies often make lowball offers to people who don’t have lawyers, hoping they’ll accept rather than fight.
When dealing with multiple insurance companies gets complicated quickly. If there are questions about which policy covers what, or if you’re dealing with both the dog owner’s insurance and your own health insurance, legal help becomes really valuable.
What a Personal Injury Lawyer Can Do
Investigate the attack to figure out who’s responsible and identify all potential sources of compensation. This might involve interviewing witnesses, reviewing animal control records, and researching the dog’s history.
Handle insurance communications so you don’t have to worry about saying the wrong thing or accepting inadequate offers. Lawyers know how to deal with insurance adjusters and understand the tactics they use.
Calculate your damages accurately. This isn’t just about current medical bills – it includes future medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Most people significantly underestimate the true cost of their injuries.
Negotiate settlements or take your case to trial if necessary. Insurance companies take cases more seriously when there’s a lawyer involved, and settlement offers are typically much higher.
Coordinate with medical providers to ensure you get the care you need and that bills are properly handled. Some lawyers work with medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they get paid when your case settles.
How Legal Fees Work
Most personal injury lawyers, including those at McCormick & Murphy P.C., work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay attorney fees unless they recover money for you. If there’s no recovery through settlement or judgment, there’s no fee.
This arrangement makes legal representation accessible to everyone, regardless of their financial situation. You’re not competing against insurance companies with their teams of lawyers while trying to represent yourself.
The contingency fee is typically a percentage of your recovery (often around 33-40%), which might sound like a lot, but studies consistently show that people with lawyers recover significantly more money than those who represent themselves, even after paying legal fees.
State Laws and Liability Rules
Dog bite laws vary significantly from state to state, and understanding the rules in your area can impact your case. Some states have “strict liability” laws, while others follow “one bite” rules or negligence standards.
Colorado Dog Bite Laws
Since McCormick & Murphy P.C. practices in Colorado, let’s look at how dog bite cases work here. Colorado follows a modified strict liability approach for dog bites.
Strict liability for bites means that dog owners are automatically liable if their dog bites someone, regardless of whether the owner knew the dog was dangerous. You don’t have to prove the owner was negligent – just that their dog bit you.
Negligence for other injuries applies when a dog causes injury without actually biting. For example, if a large dog knocks you down and you break your hip, you’d need to prove the owner was negligent in controlling their dog.
Trespasser exceptions mean that if you were unlawfully on someone’s property when the attack occurred, the strict liability rule might not apply. However, there are exceptions for children and people who were invited onto the property.
Comparative Fault Rules
Colorado uses a “comparative fault” system, which means that if you were partially at fault for the attack, your compensation might be reduced. For example, if you were teasing or provoking the dog, a jury might find you 20% at fault and reduce your award accordingly.
However, if you’re found to be 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover anything. This is why it’s important to have a lawyer who can investigate the circumstances and present your case in the best possible light.
Statute of Limitations
In Colorado, you generally have two years from the date of the dog attack to file a lawsuit. However, there are some exceptions:
Discovery rule might extend the deadline if you didn’t immediately realize the full extent of your injuries. This sometimes applies in cases where nerve damage or other complications develop over time.
Minor victims might have additional time to file a claim. The statute of limitations often doesn’t start running until the victim turns 18.
Government entities have special notice requirements. If the attack involved a government-owned dog or occurred on government property, you might need to file a notice of claim within a much shorter timeframe.
Documenting Your Case
Building a strong case for compensation requires careful documentation from day one. The more evidence you have, the stronger your position when negotiating with insurance companies or presenting your case in court.
Medical Documentation
Emergency room records from the initial treatment are super important. These documents establish the severity of your injuries and create a timeline of your medical treatment.
Surgical reports detail exactly what procedures were performed and why they were necessary. These reports are essential for proving that your reconstructive surgery was medically necessary rather than cosmetic.
Medical photographs can be powerful evidence, though I understand they’re difficult to look at. Photos of your injuries immediately after the attack and throughout your recovery help document the extent of damage and your progress.
Doctor’s notes and treatment plans show the ongoing nature of your medical needs and help establish future medical expenses.
Physical therapy records demonstrate your efforts to recover and can help prove the impact of your injuries on your daily life.
Incident Documentation
Police reports provide an official record of the attack and might include witness statements and information about the dog’s history.
Animal control records can reveal whether the dog had previously attacked someone or had been reported for aggressive behavior.
Photographs of the scene help establish the circumstances of the attack. If possible, take pictures of where the attack occurred, any damaged clothing, and the dog itself.
Witness statements from people who saw the attack can be incredibly valuable. Get contact information and written statements as soon as possible while memories are fresh.
Financial Documentation
Medical bills and insurance statements obviously need to be kept, but also save documentation of any out-of-pocket expenses like prescription medications, medical supplies, or travel to medical appointments.
Lost wage documentation includes pay stubs, tax returns, and a letter from your employer confirming time missed from work and any impact on your earning capacity.
Daily life impact can be documented through a journal describing how your injuries affect your ability to work, care for your family, or enjoy activities you used to do.
Working with Medical Providers
The relationship between your legal case and your medical treatment is more connected than you might realize. How you handle medical providers and insurance can significantly impact both the care you receive and the outcome of your case.
Choosing the Right Specialists
Plastic and reconstructive surgeons obviously play a key role, but not all surgeons have the same level of experience with dog attack injuries. Look for surgeons who specifically mention trauma reconstruction or dog bite injuries in their practice areas.
Hand specialists are super important if your injuries involve your hands or arms. The hand is incredibly complex, and you want someone who specializes in this area rather than a general orthopedic surgeon.
Facial plastic surgeons or oral and maxillofacial surgeons handle facial reconstruction. Again, experience with trauma cases is important – cosmetic surgery skills don’t necessarily translate to trauma reconstruction.
Mental health professionals who specialize in trauma can be just as important as your surgical team. PTSD and anxiety are common after dog attacks, and addressing these issues early can improve your overall recovery.
Managing Medical Bills
Health insurance complications often arise when you’re injured by someone else’s dog. Your health insurance might pay initially but then seek reimbursement from the dog owner’s insurance company. This is called “subrogation,” and it can get complicated.
Medical liens are arrangements where doctors agree to treat you now and get paid later from your settlement. This can be helpful if you don’t have health insurance or if your insurance won’t cover certain treatments.
Letters of protection are similar to medical liens but are typically used by lawyers to guarantee payment to medical providers. This ensures you can get the treatment you need while your case is pending.
Coordinating Care with Your Legal Case
Treatment planning should consider both your medical needs and your legal case. Sometimes the timing of procedures or the choice of treatments can impact your case value.
Medical records need to be carefully maintained and shared with your legal team. Your lawyer needs complete medical records to properly value your case and present it to insurance companies or a jury.
Expert medical testimony might be needed to explain your injuries and treatment to insurance adjusters or a jury. Your treating physicians might serve as witnesses, or your lawyer might hire independent medical experts.
Financial Planning During Recovery
The financial impact of a dog attack extends far beyond medical bills. You’re likely dealing with lost income, increased expenses, and uncertainty about future costs. Planning ahead can help reduce stress and ensure you make good decisions about settlements and treatment.
Understanding Your Damages
Economic damages are the concrete financial losses you can calculate:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to your injury
- Property damage (torn clothing, damaged personal items)
Non-economic damages are harder to calculate but often represent the largest part of your recovery:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse)
Future Medical Expenses
One of the biggest challenges in dog attack cases is estimating future medical costs. Reconstructive surgery often requires multiple procedures over several years, and complications can arise that require additional treatment.
Life care plans are detailed analyses of your future medical needs prepared by medical experts. These plans consider not just additional surgeries, but also ongoing therapy, medications, and assistive devices you might need.
Medical inflation needs to be factored into future medical expenses. Healthcare costs typically increase faster than general inflation, so a surgery that costs $50,000 today might cost $75,000 in five years.
Settlement Considerations
Lump sum vs. structured settlements each have advantages. A lump sum gives you immediate access to money and complete control, but a structured settlement might provide better long-term financial security and tax advantages.
Tax implications of settlements vary depending on what the money is for. Compensation for medical expenses and pain and suffering is typically not taxable, but punitive damages might be.
Medicare and Medicaid considerations can be complex if you receive government benefits. Large settlements might affect your eligibility for these programs, and there are special rules about setting aside money for future medical expenses.
Dealing with Insurance Companies
Insurance companies are businesses, and their goal is to pay as little as possible on claims while still maintaining their reputation and avoiding bad faith lawsuits. Understanding how they operate can help you protect your interests.
Common Insurance Company Tactics
Quick settlement offers often come before you fully understand the extent of your injuries. Insurance companies know that people facing medical bills and lost income are tempted to accept quick money, even if it’s inadequate.
Recorded statements are requests from insurance adjusters to get you talking about the attack. These statements are often used to find inconsistencies or admissions that can be used to deny or reduce your claim.
Independent medical examinations are required by some insurance companies. The doctor performing this exam works for the insurance company, not for you, and their reports often minimize your injuries or suggest you don’t need additional treatment.
Surveillance sometimes occurs in serious injury cases. Insurance companies might hire investigators to follow you and document your activities, looking for evidence that your injuries aren’t as severe as claimed.
Protecting Yourself
Don’t give recorded statements without talking to a lawyer first. You’re usually required to cooperate with your own insurance company, but you don’t have to talk to the other party’s insurance company without legal representation.
Be careful about social media during your case. Insurance companies and their investigators regularly check social media accounts looking for photos or posts that contradict your injury claims.
Follow your doctor’s orders completely. If you skip appointments or don’t follow treatment recommendations, insurance companies will argue that you’re not really injured or that you’re not doing everything possible to get better.
Keep detailed records of all communications with insurance companies, including the date, time, and content of phone calls.
The Role of Expert Witnesses
Complex dog attack cases often require expert witnesses to help explain technical issues to insurance adjusters, mediators, or juries. These experts can make the difference between a fair settlement and an inadequate one.
Medical Experts
Treating physicians are often the most important witnesses in your case. They can explain your injuries, the treatment you’ve received, and what you’ll need in the future.
Independent medical experts might be hired by your lawyer to provide additional opinions about your care or to counter opinions from the insurance company’s doctors.
Life care planners are specialists who evaluate your long-term medical needs and create detailed plans for future care. These plans are essential for calculating future medical expenses.
Economic Experts
Vocational rehabilitation experts evaluate how your injuries affect your ability to work and earn money. They consider your education, work history, and the physical demands of your job.
Economists calculate the present value of future lost earnings and medical expenses. They factor in inflation, wage growth, and other economic factors.
Accident Reconstruction Experts
Animal behavior experts can provide opinions about why the dog attacked and whether the attack was predictable. This can be important in establishing the dog owner’s liability.
Scene reconstruction experts might recreate the circumstances of the attack to show how it occurred and whether it could have been prevented.
Alternative Dispute Resolution
Not every dog attack case goes to trial. In fact, most cases are resolved through settlement negotiations, mediation, or arbitration. Understanding these alternatives can help you make informed decisions about your case.
Settlement Negotiations
Direct negotiations between your lawyer and the insurance company are the most common way cases are resolved. This process can take months and often involves multiple rounds of offers and counteroffers.
Demand letters are formal documents your lawyer sends to the insurance company outlining your injuries, treatment, and damages. A well-written demand letter can sometimes lead to a quick, fair settlement.
Settlement conferences are formal meetings where both sides try to negotiate a resolution. Sometimes a neutral mediator helps facilitate these discussions.
Mediation
Voluntary mediation involves hiring a neutral third party to help both sides reach an agreement. The mediator doesn’t make decisions but helps facilitate communication and compromise.
Court-ordered mediation is sometimes required before a case can go to trial. Even when it’s required, mediation can be an effective way to resolve cases without the time and expense of a trial.
Arbitration
Binding arbitration is like a private trial where an arbitrator (often a retired judge or experienced lawyer) makes a decision that both sides must accept.
Non-binding arbitration provides an opinion about what your case is worth, but either side can reject the decision and proceed to trial.
Preparing for Trial
While most dog attack cases settle out of court, you need to be prepared for the possibility of trial. Insurance companies are more likely to offer fair settlements when they know you’re ready and willing to go to trial.
What to Expect at Trial
Jury selection involves choosing people who can be fair and impartial about your case. Your lawyer will ask potential jurors questions to identify any biases or experiences that might affect their judgment.
Opening statements give both sides a chance to tell the jury what they expect the evidence to show. This is your lawyer’s opportunity to make a good first impression and outline your case.
Witness testimony includes your own testimony about the attack and how it’s affected your life, as well as testimony from medical experts, family members, and other witnesses.
Medical evidence is presented through doctor testimony, medical records, and sometimes visual aids that help the jury understand your injuries and treatment.
Closing arguments allow both sides to summarize the evidence and argue why the jury should rule in their favor.
Your Role as a Witness
Testifying about the attack can be emotionally difficult, but it’s often necessary to help the jury understand what happened and how it’s affected you.
Being cross-examined by the defense lawyer is challenging, but your lawyer will prepare you for the types of questions you might be asked.
Staying calm and honest is the best approach. Juries can tell when someone is exaggerating or being dishonest, and credibility is super important in personal injury cases.
Moving Forward: Life After Settlement
Reaching a settlement or winning at trial isn’t the end of your journey – it’s really just the beginning of the next phase. How you handle your recovery, both financially and emotionally, will impact the rest of your life.
Managing Your Settlement
Financial planning becomes super important when you receive a large settlement. This money needs to last for potentially decades of ongoing medical care and to replace income you’ve lost.
Setting aside money for future medical expenses is essential. Even if your current doctors think you’re done with surgery, complications can arise years later that require additional treatment.
Investment considerations should focus on preserving your money rather than trying to get rich quick. Conservative investments that keep pace with inflation are usually the best approach.
Ongoing Medical Care
Regular follow-ups with your medical team are important even after your reconstruction is “complete.” Scars can develop problems, nerve function can change, and new issues can arise.
Monitoring for complications is a lifelong process. Dog attack victims sometimes develop arthritis, chronic pain, or other problems years after their initial injury.
Mental health support might be needed on an ongoing basis. Anniversaries of the attack, additional medical procedures, or life changes can trigger anxiety or depression.
Advocacy and Prevention
Many dog attack survivors become advocates for better dog bite prevention and victim support. This can be a positive way to channel your experience and help prevent others from going through what you’ve endured.
Supporting legislation for stronger dog bite laws or better victim compensation can make a real difference in your community.
Sharing your story (when you’re ready) can help educate people about the serious consequences of dog attacks and the importance of responsible pet ownership.
Getting the Help You Need
If you’re dealing with reconstructive surgery after a dog attack, you don’t have to handle the legal and insurance issues alone. The team at McCormick & Murphy P.C. has been helping Colorado injury victims since 1995, with over 60 years of combined experience in personal injury and insurance bad faith cases.
We understand the challenges you and your family are facing. Dog attack cases are complex, involving multiple insurance companies, extensive medical treatment, and often years of recovery. Our goal is to handle the legal complications so you can focus on healing.
We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you don’t pay attorney fees unless we recover money for you. If there’s no recovery through settlement or judgment, there’s no fee. This arrangement allows you to get experienced legal representation without worrying about upfront costs.
Located at 929 W Colorado Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80905, we’re admitted to practice in Colorado state and federal courts, as well as other courts throughout the United States. You can reach us at (719) 800-9407 to discuss your case.
The insurance companies have experienced lawyers working for them from day one. You deserve the same level of professional representation. Don’t let them take advantage of your situation or pressure you into accepting an inadequate settlement.
Remember, you’re not just dealing with current medical bills – you’re potentially looking at years of additional treatment, lost income, and life changes you never expected. Make sure you get the compensation you need and deserve to move forward with your life and recovery.
The road ahead might seem overwhelming right now, but with the right medical care, legal representation, and support system, you can get through this. Take it one day at a time, focus on your recovery, and let experienced professionals handle the legal and insurance battles for you.
