Jefferson County · Child dog-bite injuries
Lakewood Child Dog Bite Lawyers
A dog bite injured your child in Lakewood? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How a Child's Bite Claim Works in Lakewood
When a dog bites a child in Lakewood, the first question is where the child was and what they were lawfully doing at the time. Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a child is lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property and the bite causes serious bodily injury. We look closely at the circumstances of the encounter along West Colfax Avenue, near Wadsworth Boulevard, along Kipling Street, or anywhere else in Lakewood the bite happened.
We do not assume a child is automatically excused from every question about what happened, and we do not assume there is a fixed age below which the law treats a child differently. Instead, we examine what the child was doing, whether the statute's requirements are met, or whether a negligence claim against the owner fits better given the facts. Every case turns on its own details.
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 help families understand what that involves without guessing at court procedures we have not confirmed for the specific matter. If the case needs to move through Jefferson County Courts in Golden, we walk parents through what to expect at each stage.
Documenting a Child's Injuries and Scarring
Children's injuries from dog bites often involve the face, hands, or other exposed areas, and scarring can change as a child grows. Medical records from providers such as CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital help establish the initial injury, but ongoing documentation matters too, especially if a scar may need more than one stage of treatment over time. We work to gather records that show both the immediate injury and the treatment plan going forward.
Noneconomic losses like scarring are not automatically covered just because the statute applies to the bite itself; those losses may need to be pursued through a negligence claim against the owner. That means witness statements, photos taken close to the time of the bite, and animal control or incident reports all matter. We also look at where the bite happened, whether near Wheat Ridge, Golden, or elsewhere in Lakewood, since that location affects what records exist and who may have witnessed it.
- Photos of the wound taken as soon as possible and again as it heals
- Contact information for the dog's owner and any witnesses present
- Medical records and follow-up treatment plans from providers seen
- Names of any animal control officers or police who responded
- A written timeline of what the child was doing before the bite
Handling a Child's Case in the Lakewood Area
Lakewood covers a lot of ground, from the corridors along West Colfax Avenue and Wadsworth Boulevard to residential streets near Kipling Street. A child's bite might happen at a neighbor's yard, a park, or a public sidewalk, and each setting affects how we approach the claim. We take the time to understand exactly where and how the incident occurred before advising a family on next steps.
If a case needs court involvement, Jefferson County Courts in Golden is the relevant venue for matters arising in Lakewood. We help parents understand what a claim on a minor's behalf may require without overstating the process. Families in Wheat Ridge, Golden, and throughout the Lakewood area can reach our Denver office for a conversation about their child's case.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment for the initial bite injury
- Follow-up or staged treatment for scarring as the child grows
- Mental health support if the child shows lasting fear or anxiety
- Lost wages for a parent who missed work for medical appointments
- Noneconomic losses pursued through a negligence claim where scarring applies
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lakewood — 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.
Lakewood Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child's dog bite claim proceed even if my child was playing with the dog?
It depends on the circumstances. We look at what the child was doing at the time, whether the child was lawfully present, and whether the statute or a negligence claim best fits the facts. We do not assume a child is automatically excused from every question, but children are also not held to the same standard as adults in every situation.
Do I need to bring 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 can walk you through what that involves for your specific situation. We do not guess at exact court procedures until we've reviewed the details of your case.
Will the dog bite statute cover my child's scarring?
The statute may cover the bite injury itself if the requirements are met, but noneconomic losses like scarring are not automatic under that law. Those losses often need to be pursued through a separate negligence claim against the dog's owner. We evaluate which approach fits your child's injuries.
What if my child's scar needs more treatment later as they grow?
We understand that scarring in children can require more than one stage of treatment over time. We work to document not just the initial injury but the likely course of future treatment. This helps ensure the full picture of the injury is part of the claim.
Where would a dog bite claim involving my Lakewood child be handled in court?
Matters arising in Lakewood are generally handled through Jefferson County Courts in Golden. We can explain what that process looks like once we understand the specifics of your child's case. A free consultation is a good place to start.
Discuss a Lakewood dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.