Boulder County · Child dog-bite injuries
Lafayette Child Dog Bite Lawyers
Free consultation for Lafayette families after a child dog bite. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Child's Dog Bite Case Qualifies
Colorado law, 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 they were doing when the bite happened to see whether the statute fits, or whether a negligence claim is the better path.
We do not assume a child cannot have contributed to what happened, and we do not assume a specific age controls the outcome. Instead we gather the facts: was the child invited onto the property, were they somewhere they had a right to be, and what led up to the bite. Those facts shape whether the statutory claim applies or whether we build the case around the owner's negligence.
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 families through what that involves and handle the legal work so parents can focus on their child's recovery.
Documenting a Child's Injury and Recovery
Children heal differently than adults, and a bite to the face or body can mean more than one round of treatment as the child grows. We work to document the initial injury and stay in contact with families as care continues, so the record reflects the full course of treatment rather than just the first visit.
Scarring is often the biggest long-term concern in a child bite case, but noneconomic losses like scarring are not automatically available under the statute. In many cases that means building a negligence claim alongside or instead of the statutory one. We collect photographs over time, medical records, and provider notes to support that kind of claim.
- Photos of the injury taken soon after and as it heals
- Names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the bite
- Records from every medical visit related to the injury
- Notes on where the child was and what they were doing at the time
- Information about the dog and its owner, if known
Helping Lafayette Families
We work with families across Lafayette, including near Baseline Road, South Boulder Road, and U.S. Highway 287, as well as in neighboring Louisville and Boulder. Dog bites involving children often happen at a home, a park, or while walking in the neighborhood, and we take the time to understand exactly where and how the incident occurred.
When care is needed, Lafayette families are often near Intermountain Health Good Samaritan Hospital. If a claim moves toward litigation, cases from this area are typically handled through the Boulder County Justice Center. We guide parents through each step, from the medical side to the legal side.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment, including follow-up care as the child grows
- Future or staged treatment related to scarring
- Pain and suffering under a negligence claim
- Counseling or emotional support related to the incident
- Travel and other costs tied to ongoing care
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lafayette — 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.
Lafayette Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child's dog bite case still qualify if my child was playing near the dog?
It depends on where the bite happened and whether your child was lawfully in that place. We review the specific facts to see whether the statute applies or whether a negligence claim fits better.
Do I have to file the claim myself since my child was hurt?
In most cases a parent or guardian needs to bring or manage the claim on the child's behalf. We can explain what that involves once we know the details of your situation.
Will my child automatically be compensated for scarring?
Not automatically. The statute does not guarantee compensation for scarring or other noneconomic losses, so we often need to build a negligence claim to pursue those damages.
What if my child's scar needs more treatment later as they grow?
We try to account for treatment that may continue over time, not just the initial injury. Staying in touch with your child's providers helps us document that ongoing need.
Does it cost anything to talk to you about my child's case?
No. We offer a free consultation, and we do not charge an attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Discuss a Lafayette dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.