Colorado Dog Bite Lawyer

Most dog bite claims are resolved through the owner’s homeowner’s or renter’s insurance policy. Understanding these policies helps maximize your compensation in Colorado dog bite cases.

Insurance Coverage Types for Dog Bite Victims

Standard homeowners policies typically include personal liability coverage from $100,000-$500,000 and medical payments coverage of $1,000-$5,000 for immediate expenses. Many dog owners also carry umbrella policies that provide additional coverage of $1,000,000+ beyond these standard limits.

These insurance policies generally cover medical treatment costs, lost income during recovery, pain and suffering damages, and legal defense costs for the dog owner. The specific coverage depends on the policy terms and applicable exclusions.

Critical Policy Limitations to Understand

Insurance companies implement various restrictions that can significantly affect your claim’s value:

Breed-Specific Exclusions: Many Colorado insurers exclude coverage for breeds they deem “high-risk,” like pit bulls or Rottweilers. Some policies use weight thresholds rather than specific breed designations to determine coverage eligibility.

Previous Bite History: Coverage is often denied for dogs with documented aggressive behavior. Many policies contain “first-bite” clauses providing coverage only for initial incidents. Meanwhile, policy renewals frequently exclude previously aggressive dogs entirely.

Coverage Caps: Be aware of dog bite-specific sub-limits within broader liability coverage, animal liability endorsements reducing standard coverage amounts, and specific deductibles that apply only to animal-related claims.