Adams and Jefferson counties · Homeowner's insurance
Westminster Dog Bite Insurance Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in Westminster? Free consultation, no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How a Homeowner's or Renter's Policy Fits Into Your Claim
When a dog bites someone in Westminster, the claim is usually presented to the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy. That is the practical source of any recovery in most cases. But not every policy covers dog bites, and we do not assume coverage exists until we have looked at the actual policy language.
Some policies exclude certain breeds, dogs with a known prior bite, or dogs kept for business purposes. The specific wording of the policy controls what is and is not covered, not a general assumption about what insurers typically do. We review the policy itself rather than guess at exclusions.
When an insurer denies a claim or delays without explanation, that can raise a legitimate coverage question, and in some cases a separate question about how the claim was handled. We do not treat every denial as bad faith. We look at the specific reasons given and whether they match what the policy actually says.
What We Gather Before Dealing With the Insurer
Before we approach an insurance company, we want to understand the dog owner's coverage situation, including whether the policy is homeowner or renter, and what the insurer has said so far about the incident. We also gather information about the bite itself: where it happened, who witnessed it, and what medical treatment followed, including any records from a visit to a facility such as CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital.
We also look for any prior incidents involving the same dog, which can affect how an insurer evaluates the claim and how a policy's exclusions might apply. Photos of injuries, animal control reports, and witness contact information all help us respond if an insurer raises a coverage defense or asks for more before it will pay.
- Get the dog owner's name and address so we can identify their insurer
- Photograph the injury and the location where the bite occurred
- Save all medical records and bills related to treatment
- Write down what the owner said about the dog and any past incidents
- Keep copies of any letters or emails from the insurance company
Handling Claims Across Westminster and Nearby Areas
Westminster sits across Adams and Jefferson counties, and dog bite incidents here can end up in either the Adams County Justice Center or Jefferson County Courts depending on where the bite occurred. We handle claims tied to areas near U.S. Highway 36, I-25, Federal Boulevard, 120th Avenue, and neighborhoods bordering Broomfield.
Working across two counties means paying attention to which court and which local procedures apply to a given case. Our office is based in Denver, and we regularly handle dog bite and insurance claims for people throughout the greater Westminster area.
What a Homeowner's Insurance Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment for the bite and related injuries
- Scarring or disfigurement from the attack
- Lost income if the injury kept you from working
- Pain and suffering connected to the incident
- Future medical care if injuries require ongoing treatment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Westminster — 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.
Westminster Homeowner's insurance FAQ
Does the dog owner's homeowner insurance always cover a dog bite?
Not always. Coverage depends on the specific policy language, and some policies contain exclusions for certain breeds, dogs with a bite history, or business use of the dog. We review the actual policy before assuming coverage applies.
What if the insurance company denies the claim?
A denial does not automatically mean the claim is over. We look at the reasons given for the denial and compare them to the policy terms to see whether the denial was properly supported.
Can renters insurance apply if the dog owner rents their home?
Yes, renter policies sometimes provide liability coverage for a dog owned by the renter, though this again depends on the specific policy and any exclusions it contains.
What court would handle a Westminster dog bite case?
Because Westminster spans Adams and Jefferson counties, a case could be handled in the Adams County Justice Center or Jefferson County Courts depending on where the incident happened.
What should I do if I do not know the dog owner's insurance information?
Get the owner's name and address if possible, and we can help identify the applicable homeowner or renter policy as part of investigating your claim.
Discuss a Westminster dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.