DENVER, COLORADO, July 2026 — Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® has secured a $1.6 million settlement for a 78-year-old woman who suffered devastating facial injuries in a dog attack. Based on public information, the result is one of the largest dog bite settlements in Colorado history.
How Did the Dog Bite Happen?
The client was visiting her insurance agent’s office on a routine appointment when an employee’s dog jumped up and bit her cheek, tearing away a portion of her face. There were no warnings or signs that the dog was about to attack. She was transported by ambulance to the hospital where she received emergency wound care.
“Obviously, you don’t get $1.6 million unless something really bad happened,” said Sean McQuaid of Denver Personal Injury Lawyers®. “And that is exactly what happened to my 78-year-old client, who was simply visiting her insurance agent’s office when an employee’s dog jumped up and bit into her face.”
A Devastating Facial Injury
The attack caused a severe facial wound involving tissue loss. A piece of her cheek was retrieved from the floor of the office, packed in ice, and taken to the hospital with her. The injury could not be fully closed during the initial emergency treatment, and the client required extensive follow-up care.
Over the following year and a half, she underwent multiple reconstructive procedures and additional treatment intended to address the physical damage and scarring caused by the attack. Her care included facial reconstruction, skin grafting, nasal reconstruction, fat grafting, dermabrasion, steroid injections, and laser therapy.
The attack left her with permanent facial scarring and other lasting symptoms, including numbness, pain, swelling, sensitivity, and difficulty breathing through one nostril.
The Owners of the Dog Were Charged
The owners of the dog were a married couple. The husband worked at the insurance agency in Colorado. Following the police investigation, the husband was charged with misdemeanor possession of a dangerous dog. The dog was also quarantined for ten days and vaccination records were required.
The Attack Affected Her Entire Family
The consequences extended far beyond the initial physical injury. The client experienced anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, difficulty sleeping, embarrassment, and significant self-consciousness about her appearance.
Before the attack, she was active and regularly spent time with friends and family. During her recovery, she became more withdrawn and needed help from relatives with daily responsibilities.
Her family helped care for her and witnessed the physical and emotional toll of what she endured.
“This was an absolute devastating consequence to her entire family,” McQuaid said. “Even though no amount of money is worth what she went through, at least she recovered one of the largest dog bite settlements in the state of Colorado.”
The Dog Had a Bite History
The investigation revealed that the dog had bitten someone before and there was a prior charge for harboring a dangerous dog against the owners. Despite this history, the dog was permitted to be in an office daily around customers. There were no warnings or attempts made to keep the dog away from customers.
Colorado law can allow injured people to pursue strict-liability and negligence claims after serious dog attacks, depending on the circumstances. Evidence of a prior bite, knowledge of a dog’s behavior, and a failure to warn or take reasonable precautions is not necessary under Colorado law, but can be important when determining responsibility.
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® investigated the circumstances of the dog attack, documented the full extent of the client’s injuries, and presented evidence showing how the incident affected both her life and her family.
The case was settled for $1.6 million in July 2026 without requiring the client to go through a lengthy civil trial.
Experience Matters in Serious Dog Bite Cases
A severe dog attack can cause permanent scarring, extensive medical treatment, emotional trauma, and lasting changes to a person’s quality of life. A strong Colorado dog attack claim must address more than the initial wound. It should also demonstrate the effect of ongoing treatment, disfigurement, pain, emotional suffering, and the assistance the injured person may require from family members.
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® represents people who have suffered serious and life-changing injuries. The firm carefully researches each client’s losses, identifies the parties who may be responsible, and builds a case that reflects the complete impact of the injury.
Proven Results in Serious Colorado Dog Bite Cases
Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® understands how to handle serious dog bite claims involving permanent injuries and significant emotional harm including PTSD.
Contact Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® for a free consultation. Our team is prepared to pursue the accountability and compensation that is deserved.
