Adams and Jefferson counties · Child dog-bite injuries
Westminster Child Dog Bite Lawyers
A Westminster child dog bite raises questions parents haven't faced before. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How a Child's Bite Claim Works
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, can apply to a child the same way it applies to an adult: if the child 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, the statute may fit. We look closely at where the child was and what they were doing at the time.
We do not assume a certain age makes a child immune from questions about what happened, and we do not claim a child can never be found to have provoked a dog. Every case is different, and we look at the specific facts, the child's age and understanding, and whether the statute or a general negligence claim is the better fit for what occurred.
Because the injured party is a minor, a parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage the claim on the child's behalf. We help families understand what that involves and walk through the practical steps without guessing at procedures we haven't confirmed for the specific situation.
Documenting a Child's Injury Over Time
Facial and body scarring on a growing child is different from an adult injury. Skin that stretches as a child grows can change how a scar looks over time, and treatment may involve more than one stage as the child gets older. We work to document the injury early and keep records that reflect how it may change, not just how it looks the day of the bite.
Noneconomic losses like scarring and disfigurement are not automatically covered under the dog bite statute, which is why we also look at whether a negligence claim applies. Medical records, photographs taken over time, and notes from treating providers all help build a clearer picture of what the child has been through and what may still lie ahead.
- Photos of the wound taken soon after the bite and as it heals
- Names and contact information for anyone who witnessed the incident
- Records from any medical visits or follow-up care
- Notes on where the bite happened and what the child was doing
- Information about the dog and its owner, if known
Serving Westminster Families
We work with Westminster families whose children were bitten near U.S. Highway 36, I-25, Federal Boulevard, 120th Avenue, or in the Broomfield area. Because Westminster sits across Adams and Jefferson counties, we look at where the bite occurred to determine whether a claim moves through the Adams County Justice Center or the Jefferson County Courts.
Children treated after a bite in this area are often seen at CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital. We ask families to keep copies of records from that visit and any follow-up appointments, since those records help show both the immediate injury and how it may need to be treated as the child grows.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment, including follow-up or staged care as the child grows
- Scarring and disfigurement, addressed through a negligence claim where it applies
- Pain and emotional distress connected to the incident
- Costs tied to future treatment the child may need
- Other losses tied directly to the bite and its effects on the child
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Westminster — 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.
Westminster Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child still have a claim if they were playing with the dog before the bite?
It depends on the specific facts of what the child was doing and where. We look at whether the child was lawfully present and review the circumstances closely rather than assuming any outcome based on age alone.
Do I need to file the claim myself since my child is a minor?
A parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage a claim on behalf of a minor child. We can walk you through what that involves for your family's situation.
Will my child's scar be covered under the dog bite statute?
Not automatically. Noneconomic losses like scarring often require a negligence claim rather than relying solely on the statute, so we evaluate both angles.
What if the scar changes as my child gets older?
Scarring on a growing child can change in appearance and may need additional treatment over time. We work to document the injury early and keep track of how it develops so that is reflected in the claim.
Where would my child's case be handled if we live in Westminster?
Westminster spans Adams and Jefferson counties, so the court involved depends on where the bite occurred. That could mean the Adams County Justice Center or the Jefferson County Courts.
Discuss a Westminster dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.