Denver law firm wins $1.6 million dog attack settlement

Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® secured a $1.6 million settlement in July 2026 for a 78-year-old Colorado woman who suffered severe facial injuries when an employee’s dog bit her at an insurance office. The case highlights how prior dog behavior and owner precautions can shape liability in serious attack claims.

Why it matters: - The settlement covers permanent facial injuries, extensive reconstruction and lasting emotional harm from a dog attack that happened in a public-facing business setting. - The case underscores the potential legal exposure when a dog with a prior bite history is allowed around customers.

What happened: - A 78-year-old Colorado woman was visiting her insurance agent for a routine appointment when an employee's dog jumped up and bit her face. - The bite tore away part of her cheek. - Ambulance crews took the woman to a hospital for emergency treatment. - Doctors could not fully close the wound during the initial treatment because of the severity of the injury. - Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® said the case settled for $1.6 million in July 2026 without a civil trial.

The details: - The recovered portion of the woman's cheek was found on the floor, placed on ice and taken to the hospital with her. - Her treatment over the following year and a half included facial reconstruction, skin grafting, nasal reconstruction, fat grafting, dermabrasion, steroid injections and laser therapy. - The woman was left with permanent facial scarring, numbness, pain, swelling, sensitivity and difficulty breathing through one nostril. - The injury also led to anxiety, nightmares, flashbacks, sleep problems, embarrassment and greater self-consciousness about her appearance. - Before the attack, the woman was active and regularly spent time with friends and family. - During recovery, she became more withdrawn and needed help from family members with everyday responsibilities. - The firm's investigation found the dog had previously bitten someone. - The investigation also found the owners had previously faced a charge related to harboring a dangerous dog. - The dog was regularly present at the insurance office where customers could encounter it. - After the attack, authorities investigated the dog's owners. - The husband, who worked at the insurance agency, was charged with misdemeanor possession of a dangerous dog. - The dog was quarantined for 10 days and vaccination records were required. - Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® documented the woman's injuries, medical care, emotional suffering and the effect of the attack on her daily life and family. - Sean McQuaid said, "Obviously, you don't get $1.6 million unless something really bad happened," and said the client was simply visiting her insurance agent's office when the dog attacked her. - The firm said evidence about a dog's prior behavior, owner knowledge and reasonable precautions can be important in serious dog attack cases.

Between the lines: - The settlement suggests the reported injury evidence and alleged prior dog history may have increased pressure to resolve the claim before trial. - A dog attack in a place customers visit for routine business can raise broader questions about premises safety and animal control practices. - The case also shows how facial injuries can create both medical costs and long-term quality-of-life damages.

What's next: - Denver Personal Injury Lawyers® is using the case to encourage people with serious Colorado dog attack injuries to seek a free consultation. - The firm says it represents injured clients and pursues compensation from responsible parties. - The client's legal claim is complete, but the injury's physical and emotional effects are described as lasting.