City and County of Denver · Child dog-bite injuries
Denver Child Dog Bite Lawyers
Denver child dog bite lawyers helping families after a serious bite. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Legal Options for a Child Bitten by a Dog
A child who was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property can fall within C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 if the bite caused serious bodily injury. We look at where the child was and what the child was doing at the time of the bite to see whether the statute applies.
Children move through spaces differently than adults, and questions about what a child was doing right before a bite come up often. We do not assume a young age rules out every question about the circumstances. Instead, we look closely at the facts and consider whether the statute fits or whether a negligence claim against the owner is the better path.
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 help families understand what that involvement looks like and work with them through the process, without assuming a specific court procedure applies to every case.
Documenting a Child's Injury and Recovery
Bites to a child's face or body can require more than one stage of treatment as the child grows, and scarring that looks minor early on can become more noticeable over time. We work to document the injury as it develops, not just at the first visit, including any records from providers such as Denver Health Medical Center or other treating physicians.
The statute covers certain injuries but does not automatically include noneconomic losses like scarring or emotional distress. For those losses, a negligence claim against the dog owner may be necessary. We look at the full picture of a child's injury, ongoing treatment, and how the bite has affected daily life before deciding which legal route or combination of routes makes sense.
- Get medical attention for your child and keep all treatment records
- Photograph the injury early and again as it heals or changes
- Write down where the bite happened and what your child was doing beforehand
- Get the dog owner's contact and insurance information if possible
- Keep a simple log of follow-up appointments and any scarring or treatment updates
Handling Child Dog Bite Cases in Denver
Dog bites involving children in Denver happen in all kinds of settings, from parks and sidewalks in neighborhoods like Capitol Hill, Five Points, Cherry Creek, Highland, and RiNo to a friend's or relative's home. Whether the statute applies often depends on where the child was and what they were lawfully doing there, so we take the time to understand the specific location and situation.
When a case needs to go to court, claims involving Denver families are typically handled in Denver District Court, within the City and County of Denver. We work with families throughout that process and help coordinate with treating providers, including Denver Health Medical Center, to build a complete record of the child's injury and recovery.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical costs for treatment, including follow-up or staged care
- Costs of future or anticipated medical treatment related to scarring
- Pain and suffering, where a negligence claim applies
- Scarring and disfigurement, where a negligence claim applies
- Other losses tied to the child's specific injury and recovery
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Denver — 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.
Denver Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child bring a dog bite claim on their own?
A parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage the claim on a minor child's behalf. We help families understand what that involvement looks like as the case moves forward. The exact process can depend on the specifics of the situation.
Does it matter what my child was doing when the bite happened?
Yes. Whether the statute applies can depend on whether the child was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the owner's property at the time. We look closely at the facts of what your child was doing before deciding which legal approach fits best.
Will my child's scarring be covered automatically?
Not automatically. The statute covers certain injuries, but noneconomic losses like scarring often require a separate negligence claim against the dog owner. We evaluate whether that additional claim applies to your child's situation.
What if my child's scar changes as they grow?
Scarring in children can require more than one stage of treatment over time, and its appearance can change as the child grows. We work to document the injury throughout that process rather than relying only on the initial treatment records.
What should I do first after my child was bitten?
Get medical attention and keep all records of that care. Photograph the injury and write down what happened and where, including what your child was doing at the time. Then reach out to discuss your options in a free consultation.
Discuss a Denver dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.