El Paso County · Fatal dog attacks
Security-Widefield Fatal Dog Attack Lawyers
A fatal dog attack in Security-Widefield is a family tragedy and a legal case. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Dog Bite Causes Death
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a bite causes death and the person who died was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property. That statute establishes when an owner can be held responsible for what the dog did. It does not, by itself, decide who in the family can bring a claim over the death.
That second question, who may file and what the claim can address, is controlled by Colorado wrongful-death law. We handle that side of the case alongside the dog-bite claim, and we've put the details on who may file and what losses a wrongful-death claim covers on our wrongful-death page. If your family has lost someone to a dog attack in Security-Widefield, we can walk you through how the two areas of law fit together in your specific situation.
These cases often move on two tracks at once: establishing that the dog owner is responsible under the bite statute, and pursuing the wrongful-death claim on behalf of the family. We build both pieces from the start so nothing gets missed as the case develops.
Records That Matter in a Fatal Attack Case
A death from a dog attack typically generates records beyond the medical file. Police may respond to the scene, and animal-control officers may investigate the dog and its history. We gather those reports early, before they're harder to obtain, along with witness names, photographs of the scene, and any prior complaints about the dog.
Medical records also matter, including care provided at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs if the victim was treated there before death. These records help establish the cause and extent of the injuries and connect them to the attack. We handle the collection of this material so the family can focus on each other during an extremely difficult time.
- Request copies of any police and animal-control reports about the attack
- Identify and speak with witnesses while their memories are fresh
- Preserve any medical records from treatment before death
- Photograph the scene and the dog's environment if possible
- Avoid speaking with the dog owner's insurance company before consulting us
Handling Fatal Attack Cases From Security-Widefield
We take fatal dog attack cases from across Security-Widefield, including incidents near U.S. Highway 85, Bradley Road, Fontaine Boulevard, Widefield Boulevard, and out toward Fountain. Cases arising here are generally filed in El Paso County Combined Courts, and we're familiar with how that court handles both dog-bite and wrongful-death claims.
Our office is located at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, a short drive from Security-Widefield. We meet with families in person or by phone, whichever is easier during a time when travel may be the last thing you want to think about.
What a Wrongful-Death Claim May Address
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Loss of financial support the family depended on
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Other losses recognized under Colorado wrongful-death law
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Security-Widefield — 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.
Security-Widefield Fatal dog attacks FAQ
Can a family sue if a dog attack causes a death in Security-Widefield?
Colorado's dog-bite statute can apply when a fatal attack occurs in a public place or on the owner's property, but the question of who may bring a claim on behalf of the family is governed by wrongful-death law. We look at both the bite statute and wrongful-death rules to determine who can file. Our wrongful-death page explains this in more detail.
Who investigates a fatal dog attack?
A fatal attack can involve both police and animal-control investigations, which generate reports about the incident and the dog's history. We request and review these records as part of building the case. We don't rely on any single agency's conclusions and gather independent evidence as well.
Do I need a separate wrongful-death case for a fatal dog bite?
The dog-bite statute and wrongful-death law work together in these cases rather than as entirely separate lawsuits. The bite statute helps establish the owner's responsibility, while wrongful-death law determines who can recover and for what losses. We handle both aspects together for families in Security-Widefield.
What records should my family preserve after a fatal attack?
Police reports, animal-control records, witness contact information, and any medical records from before death are all valuable. Photographs of the scene and the dog can also help. We can request many of these records on your family's behalf.
Does the firm handle fatal dog attack cases outside Security-Widefield too?
Yes, we handle fatal dog attack cases throughout El Paso County and the surrounding area, with cases from Security-Widefield typically filed in El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office on West Colorado Avenue in Colorado Springs is convenient for families throughout the region. We offer a free consultation to discuss your situation.
Discuss a Security-Widefield dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.