Adams and Weld counties · Homeowner's insurance
Thornton Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
If you were bitten by a dog in Thornton, free consultation and no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Homeowner and Renter Insurance Claims After a Thornton Dog Bite
Most dog bite claims in Thornton are presented to the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That is where the money usually comes from if the owner does not pay out of pocket. But not every policy covers a dog bite, and we do not assume coverage exists until we see the policy itself.
Insurance policies sometimes exclude certain breeds, dogs with a documented prior bite, or dogs kept for business purposes. Whether any of those exclusions apply depends entirely on the specific policy language, not on a general rule. We read the policy closely before telling a client what is or is not covered.
When an insurer denies or delays a claim, that can raise a legitimate coverage dispute. In some cases, how the insurer handled the claim becomes its own issue. We do not label every denial as bad faith, but we do look closely at the reasons given and whether they hold up against the policy terms.
What We Gather From the Insurer and the Scene
We request the homeowner or renter policy itself, along with any correspondence between the insurer and the dog owner. That paperwork tells us what coverage exists, what exclusions the insurer is relying on, and whether the denial or delay is consistent with the policy language.
We also collect the same evidence any dog bite claim needs: incident reports, witness accounts, medical records tied to the bite, and photos of the injury and the location. This evidence supports the underlying claim regardless of which insurance company ends up paying it.
- Get the dog owner's name, address, and insurance information if possible
- Photograph the injury and the location where the bite occurred
- Seek medical care and keep all records related to the bite
- Write down what happened while the details are fresh
- Contact us before responding to any insurance company on your own
Handling Thornton Dog Bite Claims
Thornton sits across Adams and Weld counties, and where a case is filed depends on where the incident occurred. We handle matters headed to the Adams County Justice Center or Weld County Combined Courts, and we work with medical records from providers like HCA HealthONE North Suburban Medical Center when injuries are treated there.
We see dog bite cases from all over Thornton, including areas near I-25, E-470, 104th Avenue, Washington Street, and the Northglenn area. Wherever the bite happened, we start by identifying the homeowner or renter policy that may apply and work from there.
What a Dog Bite Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment for the bite injury
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Pain and suffering
- Lost income from time away from work
- Future medical care if needed
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Thornton — 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.
Thornton Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does the dog owner's homeowner insurance always cover a dog bite in Thornton?
Not always. Coverage depends on the specific policy, 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 assumptions about coverage.
What if the insurance company denies my claim?
A denial does not end the matter. We look at the reason given and compare it to the policy language to see whether the denial is supported. Depending on the facts, a denial or unreasonable delay can raise its own separate issue.
What if the dog owner is a renter, not a homeowner?
Renters often carry their own insurance policies that can provide similar coverage for a dog bite. We request that policy the same way we would a homeowner policy.
Do I need to deal with the insurance company myself?
No. We recommend speaking with us before giving any statement or signing anything from an insurer. Insurance adjusters represent the company's interests, not yours.
What should I do if I don't know whether the dog owner has insurance?
We can help investigate this. Even without knowing coverage details up front, gathering the owner's information and documenting the incident preserves your options while we sort out the insurance picture.
Discuss a Thornton dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.