Pueblo County · Child dog-bite injuries
Pueblo West Child Dog Bite Lawyers
A Pueblo West child dog bite raises questions parents shouldn't handle alone. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
When a Child's Dog Bite Claim Holds Up
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 have a claim if the bite caused serious bodily injury. We look closely at where the child was and what they were doing at the time, since that shapes whether the statute applies or whether a negligence theory fits better.
Children move through yards, driveways, and neighbors' property differently than adults do, and that context matters when we evaluate a case. We don't assume a child was or wasn't provoking the dog. We gather what actually happened and match it to the law that fits.
Because a minor generally can't bring a claim on their own, a parent or guardian typically needs to manage the process on the child's behalf. We walk families through what that involves without guessing at procedural details that vary by case.
Documenting a Child's Injury Over Time
A child's scarring, especially on the face, can change as they grow and may need more than one round of treatment. We want photos taken soon after the bite and again as healing progresses, along with medical records from every visit and follow-up. If a child was treated at UCHealth Parkview Medical Center in Pueblo, those records become part of the picture we build.
The statute covers serious bodily injury, but noneconomic losses like scarring aren't automatic under it, so a negligence claim may need to be part of the case. That means witness accounts, incident location details, and a clear medical timeline all carry weight. We put that record together early, while memories and documentation are still accessible.
- Photos of the wound taken right after the bite and as it heals
- All medical records and any referrals for follow-up care
- Names and contact information for anyone who saw what happened
- Notes on where the bite occurred, including whether it was on public or private property
- Information about the dog and its owner, including any prior incidents you're aware of
Handling Child Bite Cases in Pueblo West
Pueblo West is a spread-out community, and we see bite incidents tied to yards, walking paths, and loose dogs near areas like U.S. Highway 50, McCulloch Boulevard, Joe Martinez Boulevard, and Pueblo Boulevard. Children on bikes or walking with family are often in these areas, and where exactly the bite happened matters for the legal analysis.
When a child bite case in Pueblo West needs to go to court, it's typically filed in Pueblo County Combined Courts. Our office at 301 N. Main Street in Pueblo is close by, and we meet with families to talk through what happened and what the claim looks like for their child specifically.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment costs, including any follow-up procedures
- Scarring and disfigurement, addressed through a negligence claim where applicable
- Pain and emotional distress connected to the incident
- Costs related to future care as the child grows
- Other losses tied directly to the injury and its impact on the child
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Pueblo West — and read client testimonials.
A pickup hit me from behind on Hwy 50 east of Pueblo. The insurer offered $2,600. McCormick & Murphy helped with treatment, filed suit, and the case settled at mediation for $165,000.
C. O., Pueblo · Highway 50 crash
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Pueblo West Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child still have a claim if they were playing near the dog?
It depends on where the child was and what they were doing at the time. We review the details to see whether the statute applies or whether a negligence claim is the better fit. Every situation is different, so we look at the facts rather than assume an outcome.
Do I file the claim myself since my child is a minor?
A parent or guardian generally needs to bring or manage the claim on the child's behalf. We can explain what that involves for your specific situation once we know more about the case.
What if the scarring might need more treatment later?
We take that into account when building the case, since a child's scarring can change as they grow and sometimes needs staged treatment. Scarring isn't automatically covered under the statute, so we look at whether a negligence claim applies.
Where would a Pueblo West child bite case be filed?
Cases from Pueblo West are typically handled through Pueblo County Combined Courts. We can talk through what that process looks like during a consultation.
Does it cost anything to talk to you about my child's case?
No. We offer a free consultation, and we don't charge an attorney fee unless we recover for you. You can ask questions and learn your options before deciding anything.
Discuss a Pueblo West dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.