Huerfano County · Child dog-bite injuries
Walsenburg Child Dog Bite Lawyers
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you if your child was bitten by a dog in Walsenburg.
How a Child's Dog Bite Claim Works
When a dog bites a child in Walsenburg, the child's age doesn't automatically change the legal framework. 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 at where the child was and what the child was doing at the time.
We don't assume a child cannot have contributed to what happened, and we don't invent an age below which a child is presumed blameless. Instead, we look closely at the facts: where the encounter took place, whether the child had permission to be there, and whether the injury meets the seriousness the statute requires. If the statute doesn't fit cleanly, we also look at whether a negligence claim against the owner is available.
Because the injured person is a minor, a parent or guardian typically needs to be involved in bringing or managing the claim on the child's behalf. We help families understand what's needed to move the claim forward without guessing at procedures we're not certain apply to a given case.
Documenting a Child's Injury Over Time
A child's bite wound doesn't always tell the full story right away. Scarring, especially on the face or hands, can change as a child grows, and some injuries need more than one round of treatment over the years that follow. We work to document the injury early and keep gathering medical records as treatment continues, so the claim reflects what the child is actually going through, not just the first visit.
If your child was treated at Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center or seen by a specialist afterward, we ask you to hold on to every record, photo, and follow-up note. We also talk to you about what the child remembers, since a young child's account of the incident can be different from what an adult witness saw, and both matter.
- Photos of the wound taken soon after the bite and as it heals
- All medical records and referrals, including any follow-up care
- Names of anyone who witnessed the bite, including other children
- Information about the dog owner and where the bite occurred
- Notes on how the injury has affected your child since it happened
Handling Child Bite Claims Near Walsenburg
Kids in and around Walsenburg spend time outdoors near Main Street, along Colorado Highway 10, and out toward La Veta, where dogs are common on porches, in yards, and sometimes off leash. We've worked with families dealing with a range of situations, from a bite that happened during a visit to a relative's property to one that occurred near U.S. Highway 160. A claim on behalf of a minor filed in Huerfano County typically goes through Huerfano County Combined Courts, and we guide parents through what that involves.
Our office is in Pueblo at 301 N. Main Street, and we regularly meet with Huerfano County families to talk through what happened to their child and what comes next. We keep the conversation straightforward, because parents dealing with a child's injury don't need extra confusion added to an already stressful situation.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment already received, including any follow-up care
- Anticipated future treatment for scarring or related issues
- Pain and suffering tied to the injury and recovery
- Scarring or disfigurement, which may require a negligence claim
- Impact on the child's daily activities during recovery
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Walsenburg — 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.
Walsenburg Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child's dog bite claim still move forward if my child was doing something like petting the dog?
It depends on the specific facts, including where your child was and whether the child had permission to be there. We look at what happened before drawing conclusions about how the claim fits under Colorado law. This isn't something we can answer with a blanket rule, which is why we review the details of each case.
Do I need to file the claim myself since my child is a minor?
A parent or guardian generally needs to be involved in bringing or managing a claim on a child's behalf. We can't lay out the exact court steps here since that depends on the specifics of your situation, but we walk families through what's needed as we go.
Will my child's scarring automatically be part of the claim?
Not automatically. The dog bite statute covers certain injuries, but noneconomic losses like scarring often require pursuing a negligence claim alongside or instead of the statutory claim. We evaluate which approach fits your child's situation.
What if my child needs more treatment as they get older?
That's common with scarring in growing children, and it's something we try to account for by keeping the claim open to ongoing medical documentation. We ask families to continue sharing records and updates as treatment continues. This helps make sure the claim reflects the child's actual, evolving needs.
Where would a claim involving a Walsenburg incident be handled?
Claims tied to incidents in Huerfano County typically go through Huerfano County Combined Courts. We meet with families from Walsenburg and the surrounding area, including La Veta, to go over the details of what happened and how the process works.
Discuss a Walsenburg dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.