Advice from Sean McQuaid: Your Colorado Springs & Pueblo Dog Attack Lawyer
If you live in Colorado Springs, Pueblo, or the surrounding areas, you know we love our dogs. However, when a dog attack happens, things change. Whether you were jogging near Garden of the Gods or visiting a friend in Pueblo, a dog bite is a traumatic event.
My name is Sean McQuaid. As a top personal injury lawyer, I have helped countless victims across Colorado recover the money they need to heal. At Colorado Springs Personal Injury LawyersⓇ, we combine compassion with aggressive legal strategy to make sure you aren’t left holding the bill for someone else’s pet’s mistake.
Puncture Wounds vs. Stitches: The “Serious” Line
Not every nip requires a lawsuit, but many require a dog bite lawyer.
What Is a Puncture Wound?
Unlike a scrape, a puncture wound goes deep into the skin. Think of it like a nail going into a tire. Dog teeth are designed to grip and pierce. This pushes dirt and bacteria deep into your tissue, which can lead to severe infections if not treated.
Treatment: Bandages and Antibiotics vs. Stitches
- The Bandage Phase: Small punctures might only need a bandage and heavy antibiotics. While painful, these often heal well.
- The Stitches Phase: If a doctor says you need stitches, the risk of a permanent scar is very high. These are the cases we specialize in.
- Specialists: Many of our clients require visits to plastic surgeons or dermatologists to minimize the damage to their skin.
Complications to Watch For
- Infections: Dog bites are notorious for causing “cellulitis” or other dangerous infections.
- Nerve Damage: If the bite occurred on your hand or face, nerve damage can cause loss of feeling or movement.
- Physical Therapy: Serious bites can damage muscles, requiring months of therapy.
When to Hire a Personal Injury Lawyer
You don’t need a lawyer for every bite or incident. If the bite is a puncture that heals quickly with just a bandage, you can likely handle it yourself.
However, we recommend you call us to check first. If the wound requires stitches, involves nerve damage, or results in a permanent scar, we want to help. These cases have potential value that should be managed by an experienced attorney.
The Law in Colorado: No “Free Bites”
Colorado law is very protective of victims.
Colorado Dog Bite Statute (C.R.S. § 13-21-124)
Under this law, if you are lawfully on property (not trespassing) and a dog causes “serious bodily injury,” the owner is responsible. You don’t have to prove the owner did anything wrong; the fact that their dog bit you is enough.
Strict Liability Explained
In Colorado, we use strict liability. This means the owner is liable for your medical bills even if the dog has never been aggressive before. The old “One-Bite Rule”—where a dog gets one “free” bite before the owner is liable—does not apply here for serious injuries. If you are hurt, the owner is responsible. Period.
Steps to Take After an Attack in Colorado Springs or Pueblo
- Medical Care: Your health comes first. Go to the hospital immediately.
- Report to Animal Control: In Colorado Springs or Pueblo, reporting the bite is a legal requirement. It protects others from future attacks.
- Photos: Use your phone! Capture the dog, the owner, and your injuries.
- Contact Info: Get the owner’s insurance information if possible.
- Call Sean McQuaid: Contact us at www.coloradospringslaw.com to start your claim.
How Your Claim Works
We target the insurance policy, not the individual’s personal savings.
- Homeowners Insurance: Most dog bite claims are paid here.
- Renters Insurance: Even if the owner doesn’t own their home, they often have a policy that covers dog bites.
- Business Insurance: If you were bitten at a dog-friendly patio or store, the business may be liable.
What if the Owner Is a Relative?
We handle many cases involving aunts, uncles, or cousins. People often feel guilty about making a claim, but remember: you are simply asking their insurance company to do what is right. In almost every case, the relationship remains intact because the money comes from a corporation, not the relative’s pocket.
Settlements and Court
You will likely never see the inside of a courtroom. In Colorado, the laws are so clear that insurance companies almost always settle. I have only had to file a lawsuit once in a dog bite case because an owner wouldn’t share their insurance info. That case settled very quickly once the paperwork was filed.
Value: Pain, Suffering, and Scars
The biggest part of your check isn’t your medical bills—it’s your pain and suffering.
- Scars: A scar on the face or arm is a permanent reminder of a terrifying day. Insurance adjusters know juries are sympathetic to this.
- Photos & Metadata: To get the most money, we need “shocking” photos.
- Pro Tip: Every adjuster asks for Metadata. This is the hidden data in your photo.
- How to get it: On an iPhone, tap the “i” icon or swipe up on the photo. On an Android, tap “Details” in your gallery menu. This proves the photo is real and current.
FAQ: Dog Bite Claims in Colorado
- Do I Pay You Upfront?No. We work on a contingency basis. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a penny.
- Can I Get Money for My Own Dog’s Injuries?Yes. If your dog was attacked, we can seek compensation for their veterinary bills as part of your damages.
- What if I Was at a Friend’s House?You are still covered. Being a guest doesn’t mean you lose your right to be safe.
- Are Delivery Drivers Covered?Absolutely. Amazon, Uber Eats, and GrubHub drivers are bitten frequently and have strong claims.
- How Long Do I Have to Wait for Money?Most claims settle within a few months once your medical treatment is finished.
- What if I Have a Scar?Scars significantly increase the value of your case.
- What if the Dog Was on a Leash?If it bit you while on a leash, the owner failed to control it, making the claim even stronger.
- Do I Have to Call the Police?Yes, it creates the “paper trail” we need to win.
- What if the Dog Is a “Good” Breed?The breed doesn’t matter in Colorado; strict liability applies to all dogs.
10. Why Sean McQuaid?
I am a local expert who knows the Colorado Springs and Pueblo area and insurance adjusters.
Helpful Resources for Southern Colorado Victims
- Humane Society of the Pikes Peak Region (Colorado Springs)
- Pueblo Animal Services
- Colorado Dog Bite Statistics (2025/2026)
Contact a Dog Bite Attorney
I am Sean McQuaid, your dedicated dog bite lawyer for Colorado Springs and Pueblo. My firm, Colorado Springs Personal Injury LawyersⓇ, is the obvious choice for families seeking justice. We are compassionate, we are local, and we win. Call us today for a free consultation.