El Paso County · Child dog-bite injuries
Monument Child Dog Bite Lawyers
Monument dog bite hurt your child? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Claims for Bites to Children
Colorado law, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply to a child who was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property when the bite happened and the bite caused serious bodily injury. We look at where the child was and what the statute requires before deciding how to frame the claim.
We do not assume a child cannot have contributed to what happened, and we do not apply a made-up age cutoff. We look at what the child was actually doing at the time, whether the statute fits, or whether a general negligence claim against the owner is the better path.
A parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage a claim on behalf of a minor. We do not guess at the exact court procedure in advance; we walk families through what applies to their situation once we have the facts.
Documenting a Child's Injury and Recovery
Facial and body scarring on a child can change as the child grows, and treatment sometimes happens in more than one stage over time. We want records that show the initial injury, follow-up care, and any plan for future treatment, since a single set of records taken right after the bite may not tell the whole story.
The statute's noneconomic losses, including scarring, are not automatic just because the dog bit the child. In many cases we need to build a negligence claim alongside the statutory claim to pursue those losses, which means gathering witness accounts, photos over time, and medical documentation that connects the scarring to the incident.
- Photos of the injury taken soon after the bite and again as it heals
- Names and contact information for any adults who saw the incident
- Records from any medical visits, including follow-up appointments
- Notes on where the child was and what the child was doing beforehand
- Any contact information for the dog's owner or the property where it happened
Handling Child Bite Claims Near Monument
We work with families in Monument and nearby areas along I-25 and Colorado Highway 105, including Second Street and Palmer Lake, where dogs are often kept outdoors or walked near neighborhood paths. Children can be lawfully in these public areas or lawfully visiting a home when a bite happens, and we look closely at those facts before evaluating a claim.
If your child was treated at UCHealth Memorial Hospital North in Colorado Springs or another facility, we help gather those records as part of the claim. Cases arising from these incidents may be handled through El Paso County Combined Courts, and our office at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs is available for families who want to meet in person.
Losses We Help Evaluate for Children
- Medical treatment already received for the bite
- Anticipated future treatment or follow-up care
- Scarring and its effect on the child
- Pain and distress the child experienced
- Any impact on the child's normal activities during recovery
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Monument — 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.
Monument Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child's dog bite claim fall under Colorado's dog bite statute?
It can if your child was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property and the bite caused serious bodily injury. We review the specific facts of where your child was and what happened before determining how the statute applies.
Does it matter if my child was playing with or near the dog?
We look at what the child was actually doing at the time, not a fixed rule about age or behavior. This helps us decide whether the statutory claim fits or whether a negligence claim is a better fit for the facts.
Who brings the legal claim if my child was bitten?
A parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage the claim on behalf of a minor. We don't guess at exact procedures in advance; we explain what applies once we know your family's situation.
Will my child automatically be compensated for scarring?
Not automatically. Scarring falls under noneconomic losses, which are not guaranteed under the statute alone, so we often need to build a negligence claim to pursue that part of the case.
What should I do if my child was bitten near Monument?
Get medical attention, take photos of the injury as it heals, and write down what happened and who saw it. Then reach out for a free consultation so we can review the facts and explain your options.
Discuss a Monument dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.