Arapahoe County · Child dog-bite injuries
Englewood Child Dog Bite Lawyers
An Englewood child dog bite raises questions parents haven't faced before; free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
How Colorado Law Treats a Child Dog Bite Claim
When a dog bites a child in Englewood, the first question we ask is where the child was and what the child was lawfully doing at the time. If the child was lawfully in a public place, such as a sidewalk along South Broadway or Hampden Avenue, or lawfully on the dog owner's property, and the bite caused serious bodily injury, the claim can fall within C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124. That statute does not require us to prove the owner was careless, but it does require us to look closely at what happened before and during the bite.
We do not assume a child cannot have contributed to what happened, and we do not assume a certain age automatically settles the question either way. Instead, we look at the facts: was the child playing in a yard near Santa Fe Drive, visiting a neighbor's home in Littleton or Sheridan, or encountering a dog somewhere in between. Depending on those facts, the claim may fit under the statute, under a general negligence theory, or both.
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 that applies in a given case, but we walk families through what involvement is expected as the claim moves forward, including anything that may need attention through the Arapahoe County Justice Center.
Building the Record for a Child's Injury
Children often cannot describe what happened as clearly as an adult, so we rely on what surrounds the incident: witness accounts from neighbors or other parents, photographs of the scene, and any records from treatment the child received. If the child was treated at HCA HealthONE Swedish or another facility, those records become part of the picture as we sort out the extent of the injury and how it happened.
Because a child's skin and body are still developing, an injury that looks minor at first can turn into a lasting scar as the child grows. We work to document the injury early and stay in contact with the family as treatment continues, since scarring on a child's face or body sometimes needs more than one stage of care over time.
- Photos of the wound taken as soon as possible and as it heals
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the incident
- Medical records and any follow-up treatment notes
- Information about the dog and its owner, including where they live
- Notes on what the child was doing right before the bite occurred
Serving Families in Englewood
Englewood families dealing with a child dog bite come from all over the area, from homes near South Broadway and Hampden Avenue to neighborhoods stretching toward Littleton and Sheridan. We work with families throughout Arapahoe County and understand that a case involving a minor often means more back-and-forth as parents balance their child's recovery with the legal process.
Our office is based in Denver, and we meet with Englewood families to talk through their situation without pressure. Whether the bite happened on Santa Fe Drive or somewhere closer to home, we take the time to understand the child's injury and what the family is facing before recommending next steps.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment, including any staged or follow-up care for scarring
- Pain and suffering tied to the injury
- Scarring or disfigurement, which may require a negligence claim
- Psychological effects the child experiences after the bite
- Costs parents incur related to the child's care and recovery
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Englewood — 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.
Englewood Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child still have a claim if they were petting the dog when it bit them?
It depends on the circumstances. We look at what the child was doing, where they were, and whether the statute or a negligence claim fits the facts. We do not assume any single fact automatically rules out a claim.
Do I need to file the claim myself since my child is a minor?
In most situations a parent or guardian is involved in bringing or managing the claim for a child. We do not guess at the exact procedure for every case, but we explain what is expected as the claim moves forward.
My child's scar seems small now. Should we still look into a claim?
Scarring on a child can change as they grow, and what looks minor now may need more attention later. It is worth having the injury evaluated and documented early rather than waiting to see how it develops.
Does the dog-bite statute cover pain and suffering for my child?
The statute covers certain losses tied to serious bodily injury, but noneconomic losses like scarring are not automatic under it. Those may need to be pursued through a negligence claim depending on the facts.
What if the bite happened at someone else's house in Englewood?
Whether the bite happened at a home, in a yard, or in a public area, we look at whether the child was lawfully present at the time. That detail matters for how the claim is evaluated under Colorado law.
Discuss a Englewood dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.