Douglas County · Child dog-bite injuries
Highlands Ranch Child Dog Bite Lawyers
If a dog bit your child in Highlands Ranch, we can help. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How a Child's Dog Bite Claim Works
A child who was lawfully in a public place, or lawfully on the dog owner's property, can fall within Colorado's dog bite statute if the bite causes serious bodily injury. We look at where the child was and whether they had a right to be there, the same starting point we use for any bite case, but we also pay close attention to how a child's age and understanding shape the facts.
We do not assume a child cannot have contributed to what happened. We look at what the child was actually doing at the time of the bite and then decide whether the statute applies or whether a negligence claim is the better fit. Every family situation is different, and we build the claim around the specific facts rather than a one-size answer.
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 walk parents through what that involves for their specific case rather than assuming a standard process applies.
Documenting a Child's Injury as They Grow
Facial and body scarring on a child is not always a one-time medical issue. It can require more than one stage of treatment as the child grows, and we want that documented early with photos and provider records so the full picture is on file, not just the initial ER visit or urgent care trip.
Colorado's dog bite statute covers certain economic losses tied to serious bodily injury, but noneconomic losses like scarring and disfigurement are not automatically included. That often means we need to build a negligence claim alongside the statutory claim to address how a visible scar could affect a child over time. We gather medical records, photos, and any witness accounts from the scene to support whichever legal theory fits the facts.
- Photos of the wound and any resulting scar, taken over time
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the incident
- Medical records from every visit, including follow-up care
- The dog owner's name, address, and contact information
- Any animal control or incident report tied to the bite
Serving Families in Highlands Ranch
We work with families throughout Highlands Ranch, including areas near C-470, University Boulevard, and Highlands Ranch Parkway, as well as neighboring Littleton and Lone Tree. Many local families receive initial treatment at UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital, and we help parents gather those records as part of building the claim.
Douglas County claims are typically handled through the Douglas County Justice Center. Our office is based in Denver, and we meet with Highlands Ranch families to talk through what happened, what the child is going through, and what options make sense for their situation.
What a Child's Claim May Address
- Medical treatment costs, including follow-up care as the child grows
- Costs tied to future scar revision or related treatment
- Pain and suffering from the incident and recovery
- Scarring and disfigurement, where a negligence claim applies
- Other losses tied to the child's recovery and daily life
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Highlands Ranch — 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.
Highlands Ranch Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child's dog bite claim proceed even if they were doing something at the time of the bite?
We look closely at what your child was doing when the bite happened before deciding how to proceed. Depending on the facts, the statutory claim, a negligence claim, or both may fit. We do not assume a child's actions automatically block a claim.
Do I have to file the claim myself since my child is a minor?
In most cases a parent or guardian needs to bring or manage the claim on the child's behalf. We explain what that looks like once we understand the specific facts of your situation.
Will scarring be covered under Colorado's dog bite law?
Not automatically. The statute addresses certain losses tied to serious bodily injury, but noneconomic harms like scarring often require a separate negligence claim. We evaluate both angles when a child has visible scarring.
What if my child's scar might need more treatment later as they grow?
We recommend documenting the injury and any scarring over time with photos and medical records, since treatment needs can change as a child grows. That documentation helps support the claim if additional treatment becomes necessary.
Where will my child's case be handled if we live in Highlands Ranch?
Douglas County matters are typically handled through the Douglas County Justice Center. We meet with families from Highlands Ranch and nearby areas to discuss the details and figure out the right path forward.
Discuss a Highlands Ranch dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.