El Paso County · Child dog-bite injuries
Palmer Lake Child Dog Bite Lawyers
A child dog bite in Palmer Lake deserves careful legal review. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Dog Bite Claims Involving Children in Palmer Lake
When a dog bites a child in Palmer Lake, the first legal question is whether the child was lawfully in a public place or lawfully on the dog owner's property at the time. Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply if those conditions are met and the bite caused serious bodily injury. We look closely at where the child was and what the child was doing when the bite happened.
We do not assume there is a set age below which a child cannot be found to have provoked a dog, and we do not assume a young age automatically resolves that question either way. Instead we examine the facts: what the child was doing, how the dog reacted, and whether the statute fits or whether a negligence claim against the owner is the better path. Every case turns on its own facts.
Because the injured person is a minor, a parent or guardian typically needs to be involved in bringing or managing the claim. We don't guess at the exact court procedure for that here, but we can walk a family through what's involved once we know the details of the case and where it may need to be filed, such as through El Paso County Combined Courts.
Documenting a Child's Injuries and Recovery
Bites to a child's face or body can leave scarring that changes as the child grows. What looks like a minor mark shortly after the bite may need revision or additional treatment later. We work to document the injury early and to keep track of how it may need to be reassessed over time, including follow-up care that may occur at UCHealth Memorial Hospital North in Colorado Springs or with other providers.
It's important to understand that noneconomic losses like scarring and disfigurement are not automatically covered dollar-for-dollar under the strict liability statute. Depending on the facts, a negligence claim against the dog owner may be necessary to pursue those losses. We evaluate both angles so a family understands the full picture, not just the strict liability piece.
- Photos of the wound taken right after the bite and as it heals
- Names and contact information of any adults who witnessed the incident
- Medical records and any referrals for follow-up or scar treatment
- Information about the dog and its owner, including any known bite history
- A written account of where the child was and what happened, while memories are fresh
Palmer Lake and the Surrounding Area
Palmer Lake sits along the I-25 corridor near Monument and Colorado Springs, with Colorado Highway 105 and County Line Road running through the area. Families here often have children out walking, biking, or playing near neighbors' yards and open space, which means dog bite incidents can happen close to home or on a short trip through town.
Our office is located at 929 W Colorado Ave in Colorado Springs, a manageable drive from Palmer Lake. We're familiar with how cases from this part of El Paso County move through El Paso County Combined Courts, and we can meet with families to talk through what happened and what comes next.
Losses We Help Families Pursue
- Medical treatment for the bite and any follow-up care
- Costs tied to future scar revision or reconstructive treatment
- Pain and suffering the child experienced
- Mental or emotional impact, including fear around dogs
- Any other losses connected to the incident
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Palmer Lake — 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.
Palmer Lake Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child's dog bite claim proceed even if my child was on the dog owner's property?
Yes, the Colorado statute can apply as long as the child was lawfully on the property when the bite happened. We look at the specific circumstances to see whether the statute applies or whether a negligence claim is the better fit.
Does it matter if the dog owner says my child provoked the dog?
It can matter, but there's no fixed age below which a child is automatically considered incapable of provoking a dog. We review what actually happened, including the child's actions and the dog's behavior, before drawing conclusions.
Who actually brings the legal claim since my child is a minor?
A parent or guardian generally needs to be involved in bringing or managing a claim on a minor's behalf. We can explain what that looks like once we understand the specifics of your situation.
Will my child's scar be covered by the dog bite statute?
Not automatically. Noneconomic losses like scarring often require a separate negligence claim against the owner rather than relying solely on the strict liability statute, and we evaluate both possibilities.
What if my child needs more treatment as they get older?
We take that possibility seriously and try to document the injury in a way that accounts for future treatment needs, including potential scar revision as your child grows.
Discuss a Palmer Lake dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.