Boulder County · Child dog-bite injuries
Louisville Child Dog Bite Lawyers
Louisville families whose child was bitten by a dog can call us. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
How Colorado Law Treats a Child Dog Bite
Colorado's dog-bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply when a child who was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property suffers serious bodily injury from a bite. We look closely at where the child was and whether they had a right to be there, since that shapes whether the statute applies.
We do not assume a certain age makes a claim easier or harder, and we do not assume a child's actions around the dog automatically bar a claim. Instead we look at what the child was actually doing at the time, whether the statute fits the facts, or whether a general negligence claim against the owner is the better route.
A parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage a claim on behalf of a minor. We walk families through what that involves for their situation without guessing at the exact court steps ahead of time, since that depends on the specifics of the case.
Documenting a Child's Bite Injury and Scarring
Facial and body scarring on a growing child is different from an adult injury. A wound that looks minor early on can need more than one stage of treatment as the child ages, and the visible outcome may not be clear for some time. We want to see medical records, photos taken over time, and notes from any follow-up care so the full picture of the injury is on record.
Colorado's statute covers certain injury categories, but noneconomic losses like scarring and disfigurement are not automatically included just because the statute applies. In many cases, recovering for scarring or emotional impact on a child means also building a negligence claim against the dog owner, supported by clear documentation of how the injury has affected the child over time.
- Photos of the wound taken right after the bite and as it heals
- Medical records from every visit, including any follow-up or specialist care
- Notes on where the child was and what they were doing when the bite happened
- Contact information for the dog owner and any witnesses
- A written timeline of how the injury or scar has changed over time
Handling Child Bite Claims in Louisville
Louisville sits along the U.S. Highway 36 corridor near McCaslin Boulevard and South Boulder Road, with residential neighborhoods that back up to trails, parks, and yards where dogs and kids cross paths. When a child is bitten here, care often starts nearby at AdventHealth Avista, and we work to get those records as part of building the claim.
Claims arising in Louisville, along with nearby Lafayette and Superior, generally move through Boulder County, and related court matters are handled at the Boulder County Justice Center. We're based in Denver but regularly handle cases for families throughout Boulder County.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Emergency and follow-up medical treatment
- Future or staged treatment for scarring as the child grows
- Costs tied to specialists, such as plastic surgery consultations
- Pain and suffering tied to the injury and recovery
- Emotional impact on the child from the incident
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Louisville — 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.
Louisville Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child's dog bite claim move forward even if they were playing with the dog before the bite?
It depends on the specific facts. We look at what the child was doing and where they were to see whether the statute applies or whether a negligence claim is the better fit. Playing with a dog beforehand does not automatically prevent a claim.
Do I need to file the claim myself instead of my child?
A parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage a claim for a minor. The exact steps depend on the case, and we walk families through what's needed for their situation.
Will my child's scar be covered automatically under Colorado's dog-bite law?
Not automatically. The statute covers certain injury categories, but noneconomic losses like scarring often need to be pursued through a negligence claim alongside the statutory claim.
What if the scarring gets worse or needs more treatment as my child grows?
That's common with facial and body scarring in children, since it can require more than one stage of treatment over time. We keep track of ongoing care and factor that into the claim.
Where would a child's dog bite case in Louisville be handled?
Claims arising in Louisville generally fall under Boulder County, with related court proceedings handled at the Boulder County Justice Center. We regularly work with families throughout this area.
Discuss a Louisville dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.