El Paso County · Child dog-bite injuries
Manitou Springs Child Dog Bite Lawyers
A Manitou Springs child dog bite needs careful handling. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How Colorado Law Treats a Child's Dog Bite Claim
Under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, a child who was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property can bring a claim if the bite caused serious bodily injury. We look closely at where the child was and what the child was doing when the bite happened, since that shapes whether the statute applies or whether a negligence claim is the better fit.
We do not assume a certain age changes the analysis, and we do not assume a child's actions before the bite rule out a claim. Every situation is different. We gather the facts about the encounter, the dog's history if any is known, and the setting, then work out which legal theory covers the injury.
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 procedures we have not confirmed for the specific case.
Documenting a Child's Injury and Recovery
Facial and body scarring in a child can change as the child grows, and treatment sometimes requires more than one stage over time. We want records that track the injury from the initial visit through any follow-up care, along with photos taken at different points, so the full picture of healing and scarring is on file.
The statute covers serious bodily injury, but noneconomic losses like scarring and its emotional impact are not automatically included. In many cases that means we also need to build a negligence claim to address those losses properly. We start by collecting medical records, incident details, and witness accounts while they are still fresh.
- Photos of the wound and any scarring, taken over time
- Medical records from every visit related to the bite
- Names and contact information for any witnesses
- Details on where the bite happened and what led up to it
- Information about the dog and its owner, if known
Handling Claims From Manitou Springs
Manitou Springs is a small, walkable town, and areas like Manitou Avenue and Ruxton Avenue see steady foot traffic from residents and visitors alike. Dog bite incidents involving children in this area often happen near sidewalks, trailheads, or residential yards close to these main routes, and we take the specific location into account when evaluating a claim.
Families here sometimes travel toward Colorado Springs or Old Colorado City for care, and children with more serious injuries have been treated at UCHealth Memorial Hospital Central in Colorado Springs. If a claim moves forward, it would typically be filed in El Paso County Combined Courts. Our office at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs is a short drive from Manitou Springs via U.S. Highway 24 for anyone who wants to meet in person.
Losses We Look At in a Child's Case
- Medical bills for treatment and follow-up care
- Costs tied to future treatment stages for scarring
- Pain and emotional distress from the bite and recovery
- Scarring and its lasting impact, addressed through a negligence claim where needed
- Any other out-of-pocket costs tied to the child's care
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Manitou Springs — and read client testimonials.
A passenger suffered traumatic brain, neck, and back injuries in a Colorado Springs intersection collision. After the carrier refused a fair number, a jury awarded $295,000 including interest and costs.
El Paso County jury verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Manitou Springs Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can a child's own actions before the bite affect the claim?
We look at what the child was doing and where the child was when the bite happened. That helps us determine whether the statute applies or whether a negligence claim is the better path. We do not assume any outcome before reviewing the facts.
Who brings the legal claim on behalf of a bitten child?
A parent or guardian generally needs to bring or manage the claim for a minor. We help guide families through what that involves for their specific situation rather than assuming a one-size-fits-all process.
Does the statute cover scarring and emotional distress?
The statute addresses serious bodily injury, but noneconomic losses like scarring and emotional distress are not automatic under it. In many cases we need to bring a negligence claim alongside the statutory claim to address those losses.
What if my child's scar treatment isn't finished yet?
Scarring in children can require more than one stage of treatment as they grow. We track ongoing care and keep records updated so the claim reflects the full scope of treatment, not just the initial visit.
Where would a Manitou Springs child bite case be handled?
A claim arising in Manitou Springs would typically be filed in El Paso County Combined Courts. Our Colorado Springs office is close by if you'd like to discuss the details in person.
Discuss a Manitou Springs dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.