Larimer County · Child dog-bite injuries
Fort Collins Child Dog Bite Lawyers
A Fort Collins child dog bite raises questions no parent wants to face. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover for you.
How Colorado Law Treats Child Dog Bite Claims
Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, a child who was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property can have a claim if the bite caused serious bodily injury. That covers a lot of ordinary situations in Fort Collins: a child visiting a friend's house near College Avenue, walking with family along Mulberry Street, or playing at a home in Wellington. The statute does not require the child to prove the owner was careless, only that the bite happened and the injury was serious.
We do not assume there is a fixed age below which a child cannot be found to have provoked a dog, and we will not tell you there is one. What matters is what the evidence actually shows about the child's conduct and the circumstances of the bite. We look closely at where the child was, what they were doing in the moments before, and whether the statute applies or a negligence theory fits better.
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 lay out the exact court procedure for that here, since it depends on the specifics of the case, but we walk families through what is involved once we understand the facts.
Documenting a Child's Injuries as They Grow
A bite to a child's face or body can mean more than an initial trip to a provider like UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital. Scarring on a growing child can change with age and sometimes needs more than one stage of treatment over time. We work to document not just the initial wound but how it may affect the child going forward, including any follow-up care already recommended.
It is worth understanding that noneconomic losses, including scarring, are not automatically available under the dog bite statute alone. In many cases, recovering for scarring and related harm requires bringing a negligence claim alongside or instead of the statutory claim. We evaluate which combination of legal theories fits the facts of your child's case rather than assuming one approach covers everything.
- Photos of the child's injuries taken as soon as possible and again as healing progresses
- Names and contact information for the dog owner and any adults who witnessed the incident
- Medical records from any visit to a provider, including UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital
- Notes on where the bite happened, such as a home near Harmony Road or a public area in Loveland
- A written account of what the child was doing before and during the incident, while memories are fresh
Handling Child Bite Cases Across Larimer County
We represent families throughout Fort Collins and Larimer County, including cases arising near College Avenue, Harmony Road, Mulberry Street, Loveland, and Wellington. Child bite cases often involve neighbors, family friends, or home visits, which can make the conversation with an insurer more sensitive. We handle that communication so parents can focus on their child's recovery.
When a claim requires filing, matters connected to Fort Collins may proceed through the Larimer County Justice Center. Our office is based in Denver, and we work with Fort Collins and Larimer County families by phone, video, or in person as needed throughout the claim.
Losses We Evaluate in Child Dog Bite Claims
- Medical treatment costs, including any anticipated follow-up or revision care
- Scarring and disfigurement, evaluated under the applicable legal theory
- Pain and emotional distress experienced by the child
- Costs related to a parent's time away from work for medical appointments
- Other out-of-pocket expenses tied directly to the child's injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Fort Collins — 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.
Fort Collins Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child still have a claim if they were playing with the dog before the bite?
It depends on the facts. We look at what the child was actually doing, where they were, and whether the statute or a negligence claim best fits those circumstances. There is no blanket rule that a child's play with a dog rules out a claim.
Do I need to file the claim myself since my child is a minor?
In general, a parent or guardian needs to bring or manage a claim on behalf of a minor child. The exact procedure depends on the case, and we walk families through what applies to their situation.
Will my child's scar automatically be covered under Colorado's dog bite law?
Not automatically. The dog bite statute covers serious bodily injury, but noneconomic losses like scarring often require a separate or additional negligence claim. We evaluate which approach fits your child's injury.
What if the scar might need more treatment as my child gets older?
We factor in that scarring on a growing child can change over time and may involve more than one stage of care. We work to document both the current injury and any follow-up treatment already recommended by a provider.
Where would a case be handled if my child was bitten in Fort Collins?
Matters connected to Fort Collins may proceed through the Larimer County Justice Center if filing becomes necessary. We represent families throughout Larimer County and meet with clients by phone, video, or in person from our Denver office.
Discuss a Fort Collins dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.