El Paso County · Child dog-bite injuries
Fountain Child Dog Bite Lawyers
A Fountain child dog bite needs careful handling. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover for you.
How Colorado Law Treats Bites to Children
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a child was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property and the bite caused serious bodily injury. We look closely at where the child was and what happened before the bite to see whether the statute fits, or whether a negligence claim is the better path.
We do not assume a certain age keeps a claim out, and we do not assume a child's actions automatically rule out a claim either. We look at what the child was actually doing at the time, whether the dog owner knew the dog posed a risk, and how the facts line up with the statute or with a general negligence theory.
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 can walk a Fountain family through what that involves once we understand the facts of the bite.
Documenting a Child's Injury Over Time
Scarring on a child's face or body is different from an adult injury because a child is still growing. What looks manageable early on can need additional treatment stages later, and we want that documented as it develops rather than assumed at the outset.
We gather medical records, photographs taken over time, and any notes from providers who saw the child, whether that care happened locally or at a facility like UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs. Scarring and other noneconomic losses are not automatically covered under the statute, so we also look at whether a negligence claim is needed to address them.
- Photos of the wound and any scarring, taken at intervals as it heals
- Names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the bite
- Medical records from every provider who treated the child
- Notes on where the child was and what they were doing beforehand
- Any information about the dog and its owner, including prior incidents
Fountain and El Paso County
We hear about bites involving families near Mesa Ridge Parkway, Fountain Mesa Road, and along U.S. Highway 85, as well as incidents closer to Colorado Springs and the Security-Widefield area. A claim on behalf of a Fountain child typically moves through El Paso County Combined Courts, and we handle that process for the family.
Our office is at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, a short drive from Fountain. We meet with families in person or by phone, whichever works better while they're focused on their child's recovery.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment, including any follow-up or staged care as the child grows
- Scarring and disfigurement, often through a negligence claim
- Pain and emotional distress connected to the incident
- Costs tied to future treatment recommended by a provider
- Other losses tied directly to the bite and its aftermath
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Fountain — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Fountain Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child still have a claim if they were playing with the dog before it bit?
It depends on the facts. We look at what the child was doing and where, and whether the statute or a negligence claim better fits the situation. Provoking a dog is not automatically assumed just because a child was playing with it.
Do I need to file this claim myself or can my child do it later?
A parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage a claim for a minor child. We can explain what that looks like once we know the details of your situation.
My child's scar looks small now. Should I wait to see how it heals?
We recommend documenting it now with photos and medical notes, even if it looks minor. Scarring on a child can change as they grow, and having records from the start helps later if further treatment is needed.
Does the dog-bite statute cover scarring and emotional distress?
Not automatically. The statute focuses on the bite itself, so noneconomic losses like scarring or emotional distress may need to be pursued through a negligence claim in addition to or instead of the statute.
Where would my child's case be handled?
Claims involving Fountain families typically go through El Paso County Combined Courts. We can meet with you at our Colorado Springs office to go over the specifics.
Discuss a Fountain dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.