Adams County · Child dog-bite injuries
Commerce City Child Dog Bite Lawyers
Commerce City child dog bite? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Child's Bite Claim Fits Colorado Law
Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, a child who was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property may have a claim if the bite causes serious bodily injury. We look at where the child was and what the child was doing when the bite happened, because that matters for how the claim fits together.
Kids act like kids. A child running up to a dog or reaching toward it is not automatically disqualified from a claim. We look at the facts of what the child was doing and whether the statute applies or whether a negligence claim against the owner is the better fit given how the dog was kept or handled.
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 walk families through what that involves without guessing at court procedure we haven't confirmed for their specific situation.
Documenting a Child's Injury as It Changes Over Time
A bite to a child's face or body can leave scarring that changes as the child grows, sometimes needing more than one round of treatment over the years. We want photos taken soon after the bite, records from every follow-up visit, and notes on any recommendation for future treatment, including anything mentioned at Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital or a follow-up provider.
Scarring and other noneconomic losses are not automatically covered by the dog-bite statute alone, so a negligence claim may need to be built alongside it. That means we also gather information on how the dog was kept, any prior incidents, and witness accounts from the scene, whether that's a home near 104th Avenue, a yard along U.S. Highway 85, or another spot in the neighborhoods around Commerce City.
- Photos of the wound taken right after the bite and during healing
- All medical records, including any follow-up or specialist visits
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw what happened
- Information about the dog and its owner, including address
- Notes on what the child was doing right before the bite occurred
Handling Child Bite Cases Near Commerce City
We work with families throughout Commerce City and nearby areas including Brighton and Thornton, and along corridors like I-76 and U.S. Highway 85 where many local neighborhoods sit. If your child's case involves a court filing, that typically runs through the Adams County Justice Center, and we handle that process for the family.
Our office is based in Denver, and we meet with Commerce City families in person or by phone, whichever is easier while caring for an injured child. We handle the paperwork and insurance conversations so parents can focus on their child's recovery.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical bills for treatment and follow-up care
- Future treatment or revision procedures for scarring
- Pain and suffering tied to the injury
- Scarring and disfigurement, where a negligence claim applies
- Mental or emotional impact on the child, where applicable
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Commerce City — 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.
Commerce City Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child still have a claim if he or she was petting the dog?
It depends on the facts. We look at what the child was doing, where the bite happened, and whether it fits the dog-bite statute or a negligence claim against the owner. Petting a dog on its owner's property, without more, does not automatically rule out a claim.
Do I file the claim or does my child?
As the parent or guardian, you generally need to bring or manage the claim on your child's behalf. We explain what that looks like for your family's specific situation.
Will my child's scar go away on its own?
We can't predict medical outcomes, but visible scarring on a child sometimes requires more than one stage of treatment as the child grows. We work with your child's medical providers to document what's needed now and what might be needed later.
Does the dog-bite statute cover pain and scarring, or do we need something else?
The statute covers certain damages when a bite causes serious bodily injury, but noneconomic losses like scarring aren't automatic under it. In many cases we also pursue a negligence claim to address those losses.
What does a free consultation involve for a child's case?
We talk through what happened, review the medical treatment so far, and explain how the claim process works for a minor. There's no cost for that conversation, and no attorney fee unless we recover for your child.
Discuss a Commerce City dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.