Jefferson and Adams counties · Child dog-bite injuries
Arvada Child Dog Bite Lawyers
Arvada child dog bite? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How a Child's Dog Bite Claim Works
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can hold a dog owner liable when a child who was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's property suffers serious bodily injury from a bite. We look at where the child was and what the child was doing at the time, since that shapes whether the statute applies or whether a negligence claim is the better fit.
Because the injured person is a minor, a parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage the claim on the child's behalf. We do not guess at the exact court procedure for that step, and we walk families through what is required as the case moves forward.
Scarring, especially to a child's face or hands, can raise questions that go beyond the statute. Noneconomic losses like scarring are not automatically covered under the dog-bite statute, so we evaluate whether a negligence claim is needed to address disfigurement and how it may affect the child as they grow.
Evidence That Matters in a Child's Case
We gather records showing where the bite happened and whether the child had a lawful right to be there, along with photos of the injury taken soon after the incident and as healing progresses. Witness accounts from other children, parents, or bystanders can help establish what happened before and during the bite.
Medical documentation matters even more for a child because scarring and tissue damage can change as the child grows, sometimes requiring evaluation at more than one stage. We work to keep a clear record of treatment recommendations and any follow-up care discussed by providers, so the full picture of the child's injury is documented over time.
- Get the child medical attention and follow up on any recommended care
- Photograph the wound and any visible scarring as it heals
- Write down where the bite happened and what the child was doing beforehand
- Get names and contact information for any witnesses
- Keep a record of the dog owner's information and any prior incidents you learn about
Serving Arvada Families
We work with Arvada families whose children were bitten in neighborhoods like Olde Town, Wheat Ridge, near Wadsworth Boulevard, or along Ralston Road. Children may receive treatment at facilities such as Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital in Wheat Ridge, and we help families understand what documentation from that care may support the claim.
Arvada sits across Jefferson and Adams counties, and a child's case may involve Jefferson County Courts in Golden depending on where the bite occurred. Our office is based in Denver, and we meet with Arvada families to talk through the specifics of what happened to their child.
Losses a Child's Case May Cover
- Medical treatment, including follow-up care for scarring
- Future or staged treatment needs as the child grows
- Pain and suffering
- Scarring or disfigurement, where a negligence claim applies
- Emotional impact on the child, including fear around dogs
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Arvada — 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.
Arvada Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child's dog bite claim go forward even if they were near the dog owner's home?
It depends on whether your child was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property when the bite happened. We review the circumstances to see whether the statute applies or whether another legal theory fits better.
Do I need to file the claim myself since my child is a minor?
In most cases a parent or guardian needs to bring or manage the claim on the child's behalf. We do not assume the exact procedure applies the same way in every case, and we explain what your specific situation requires.
Will my child's scarring be covered automatically?
Not necessarily. Scarring and other noneconomic losses are not automatically included under Colorado's dog-bite statute, so we often look at whether a negligence claim is needed to address disfigurement.
What if my child was playing with the dog before the bite happened?
We look closely at what the child was doing at the time, since that can affect how the claim is evaluated. We do not assume a child cannot have contributed to what happened, and we assess each situation on its facts.
Where would my child's case be handled if we live in Arvada?
Arvada spans Jefferson and Adams counties, and depending on where the bite occurred, the case may involve Jefferson County Courts in Golden. We meet with families from Arvada to review the details and explain next steps.
Discuss a Arvada dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.