Arapahoe, Adams, and Douglas counties · Child dog-bite injuries
Aurora Child Dog Bite Lawyers
An Aurora child dog bite raises questions parents shouldn't face alone. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How Child Dog Bite Claims Work in Aurora
Colorado law, 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 a serious bodily injury from a bite. We look closely at where the child was and what the child was doing when the bite happened to see whether the statute fits or whether a negligence claim is the better path.
We don't assume a certain age makes a claim automatic, and we don't assume a child can't have contributed to what happened. Every case turns on the facts: what the child was doing, how the dog reacted, and what the owner knew or should have known about the dog. We walk through those facts with the family before deciding how to frame the claim.
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 don't guess at the exact court procedure that applies to a given case, but we help families understand who needs to be involved and what role they'll play as the claim moves forward.
Documenting a Child's Injuries Over Time
Bite injuries to a child's face or body can look very different at six months than they did on the day of the incident. Scarring can change as a child grows, and some injuries need more than one round of treatment down the line. We want photos from the start, updated photos as healing progresses, and records from every provider who treats the child, whether that's care shortly after the bite or follow-up visits at a facility like UCHealth University of Colorado Hospital.
The statute doesn't automatically hand a family compensation for scarring or other noneconomic harm. Those losses often need to be pursued through a negligence claim, which means we need evidence showing the owner's fault, not just proof that a bite occurred. That's why we start gathering witness statements, animal control records, and medical documentation early, before memories fade or records become harder to track down.
- Photos of the wound taken right after the bite and as it heals
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw the incident
- Medical records from every visit, including any follow-up care
- Notes on where the child was and what the child was doing beforehand
- Any information you have about the dog and its owner
Handling Aurora Cases
We represent Aurora families whose children were bitten in neighborhoods along East Colfax Avenue, near Parker Road, and around the E-470 corridor. Claims arising in Aurora often move through the Arapahoe County Justice Center, and depending on where the incident happened, a case can also touch Adams or Douglas county. We're familiar with how these cases are handled locally and adjust our approach based on where the bite occurred.
Our office is based in Denver, and we work with Aurora families throughout the claims process, from the first conversation through resolution. We coordinate with local medical providers and keep parents informed at each step, since a child's case often unfolds over a longer period than an adult claim as scarring and treatment needs become clearer.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical bills for initial treatment and follow-up care
- Future medical or revision treatment tied to scarring
- Pain and suffering, pursued through a negligence claim where it applies
- Mental or emotional impact on the child
- Costs parents incur related to the child's care and treatment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Aurora — 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.
Aurora Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Does my child's age affect whether we have a claim?
We don't apply a strict age cutoff. We look at where your child was, what your child was doing, and whether the facts fit the Colorado dog bite statute or a negligence claim instead.
Can the dog owner argue my child provoked the dog?
An owner may raise that argument, and we address it based on the specific facts rather than assuming it rules out a claim. We look at the full picture of what happened before and during the incident.
Who actually brings the claim if my child was bitten?
A parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage the claim on a minor's behalf. We help explain what that involves for your specific situation.
Will my child's scarring be covered automatically?
Not necessarily. Noneconomic losses like scarring aren't automatic under the statute and may need to be pursued through a negligence claim, which we evaluate case by case.
What if my child needs more treatment as they grow?
Scarring and other injuries can change over time, sometimes requiring additional treatment later. We factor ongoing medical needs into how we document and pursue the claim.
Discuss a Aurora dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.