Arapahoe County · Facial scarring
Greenwood Village Dog Bite Scarring Lawyers
Facial scarring from a dog bite in Greenwood Village? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Facial Scarring and Colorado Dog Bite Law
Colorado's dog bite statute treats serious permanent disfigurement as a form of serious bodily injury, which matters for how a bite case is classified. Facial scarring, especially where a child or adult is bitten around the eyes, cheeks, lips, or ears, often falls squarely into this category.
The statute itself makes an owner liable for economic damages, including medical bills tied to the bite. Scarring and disfigurement, though, are noneconomic losses, and recovering for that harm often means bringing a separate negligence claim against the owner alongside the statutory claim.
We look at how the dog was kept, whether the owner knew of prior aggression, and how the attack happened to build both the statutory economic claim and the negligence claim for the visible, lasting harm to your face.
Documenting the Injury and the Healing Process
Facial wounds change over time. Emergency treatment addresses the immediate injury, but infection risk, nerve damage, and the eventual look of a scar often aren't clear for months. We work to gather records from every stage of care, not just the first visit, so the full picture of the injury is part of the claim.
Photographs are central to a scarring claim. Images taken right after the bite, during healing, and after any scar revision work show the change over time in a way records alone cannot. We help clients keep a photo record and gather the treating provider's notes, since a doctor's own documentation carries significant weight later. We do not promise any particular medical outcome or estimate reconstructive costs before treatment is known.
- Photos of the wound immediately after the bite and at intervals during healing
- All emergency treatment and follow-up records
- Notes on any signs of infection or numbness near the wound
- Referrals to specialists, including any discussion of scar revision
- A written timeline of appointments and how the injury has changed
Facial Scarring Cases Near Greenwood Village
We handle facial scarring claims arising from bites near Belleview Avenue, Orchard Road, and University Boulevard, as well as from neighboring Englewood and Cherry Hills Village. Bites involving children on residential streets or in shared yards in this area often raise the disfigurement questions central to these claims.
When a case in Greenwood Village needs to go beyond negotiation, it's typically filed at the Arapahoe County Justice Center. Initial treatment for area residents is often through HCA HealthONE Swedish or Sky Ridge Medical Center, and we work with those records as part of building the claim. Our office is in Denver, and we meet with clients from Greenwood Village as needed.
Losses We Evaluate in Scarring Claims
- Emergency and follow-up medical treatment
- Costs tied to infection or nerve injury care
- Scar revision or reconstructive treatment
- Pain, disfigurement, and emotional impact
- Any lasting effect on daily life or appearance
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Greenwood Village — 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.
Greenwood Village Facial scarring FAQ
Does facial scarring automatically count as serious bodily injury under Colorado's dog bite law?
Serious permanent disfigurement can qualify as serious bodily injury under the statute, and facial scars are often evaluated closely for this reason. Whether a specific scar meets that standard depends on its size, location, and permanence, which is something we assess with the medical records.
Can I recover money for the scar itself, not just my medical bills?
The dog bite statute covers economic damages like medical bills, but compensation for the scarring itself, as a noneconomic loss, generally requires a separate negligence claim against the owner. We evaluate both angles together.
How long should I wait before pursuing a claim if scar revision surgery might happen later?
We look at each case individually, since ongoing treatment and possible future revision surgery affect timing and value. We can talk through your specific treatment plan and what makes sense for your situation.
What if the scar hasn't fully healed yet?
That's common with facial wounds. We focus on documenting the healing process over time with photos and medical records rather than rushing to value the claim before the scar has stabilized.
Where would a Greenwood Village dog bite case be filed if it doesn't settle?
Cases arising in Greenwood Village are typically filed in Arapahoe County, at the Arapahoe County Justice Center, if a lawsuit becomes necessary. Most claims are worked toward resolution before that step.
Discuss a Greenwood Village dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.