Jefferson County · Child dog-bite injuries
Wheat Ridge Child Dog Bite Lawyers
A Wheat Ridge child dog bite needs its own approach. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
How Colorado Law Treats Bites to Children
When a dog bites a child in Wheat Ridge, the first question we ask is where the child was and what they were doing at the time. If the child was lawfully in a public place, or lawfully on the dog owner's property, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 can apply when the bite causes serious bodily injury. We look closely at the facts before deciding which legal path fits best.
We do not assume a specific age makes a difference, and we do not assume a child's actions rule out a claim. Instead, we examine what the child was actually doing around the dog and whether the statute applies or whether a negligence claim is the better route given the circumstances.
Because a minor generally cannot bring a claim on their own, a parent or guardian typically needs to bring or manage the case on the child's behalf. We help families in Wheat Ridge understand what that involves without guessing at court procedures we have not confirmed for their situation.
Documenting a Child's Injury Over Time
A bite to a child's face or body can leave scarring that changes as the child grows. Because of this, we think about the long term from the start: what the wound looks like now, whether more than one stage of treatment might be needed, and how the injury is likely to be tracked over time by treating providers, including those at facilities like Intermountain Health Lutheran Hospital when care is sought there.
We also remind families that noneconomic losses like scarring are not automatically covered under the statute. In many cases, recovering for scarring and related suffering requires a negligence claim built on the specific facts of how the bite happened, which is why early documentation of the incident and the child's ongoing treatment matters.
- Photos of the injury taken soon after the bite and as it heals
- Names of any adults who saw the incident happen
- Records from any medical visits related to the bite
- Notes on where the child was and what they were doing beforehand
- Any communication with the dog owner or their insurer
Handling These Cases Near Wheat Ridge
We see these incidents happen in yards and on sidewalks near Wadsworth Boulevard, Kipling Street, and West 38th Avenue, as well as in neighborhoods bordering Arvada and areas close to I-70. A bite near a busy corridor sometimes means there were more witnesses around, which can help later when we are trying to piece together what happened.
Claims involving Wheat Ridge families may be handled through Jefferson County Courts in Golden. We work from our Denver office but are set up to manage these cases for families throughout Jefferson County without requiring frequent travel on their part.
What a Child's Claim May Cover
- Medical treatment for the bite and follow-up care
- Costs tied to scar treatment or revision procedures
- Pain and suffering tied to the injury and recovery
- Emotional impact on the child following the attack
- Related expenses parents incur while caring for the child
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Wheat Ridge — 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.
Wheat Ridge Child dog-bite injuries FAQ
Can my child bring a claim if they were playing near the dog?
It depends on the specific facts of what the child was doing and where they were. We look at whether the child was lawfully present and go from there, rather than assuming the child's actions automatically block a claim.
Do I have to file the claim myself as the parent?
In many cases a parent or guardian needs to bring or manage the claim for a minor child. We can walk you through what that looks like for your family's situation without guessing at exact procedures.
Will the statute cover my child's scarring?
Not automatically. Scarring and other noneconomic losses often need to be pursued through a negligence claim rather than the statute alone, depending on how the bite occurred.
What if my child needs more treatment as they get older?
We think about that possibility from the start and document the injury with future treatment in mind. This helps us account for scarring or care that may not be finished right away.
Where would a case like this be handled if we live in Wheat Ridge?
Cases involving Jefferson County residents are often handled through Jefferson County Courts in Golden. We work from our Denver office and regularly handle matters for families throughout the area.
Discuss a Wheat Ridge dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.