What Type of Accident Did You Have?
How Colorado Law Applies to a Child’s Dog Bite Claim
Responsibility depends on the facts and the legal theory involved. Relevant questions include who owned or controlled the dog, why the child was at the location, what happened before the bite, and how seriously the child was injured.
When Colorado’s Dog Bite Statute Applies
C.R.S. § 13-21-124 addresses dog bites that cause death or serious bodily injury. Serious bodily injury can include a substantial risk of serious permanent disfigurement, protracted loss or impairment of a bodily function, and certain fractures or burns.
A statutory claim may turn on whether the defendant owned, kept, or controlled the dog, whether the child was lawfully on the property, and whether the bite caused the claimed harm. Because statutory exclusions may apply, no single fact determines every case.
When Negligence or Premises Liability May Apply
Other legal theories may be relevant even when the statutory requirements are disputed. Negligence examines whether someone failed to use reasonable care, while premises liability may apply when an injury is connected to a condition, activity, or circumstance on another person’s property.
The analysis may consider restraints, fencing, warnings, previous aggressive conduct, complaints, and what the dog owner or property possessor knew. The child’s familiarity with the dog doesn’t resolve responsibility by itself.
Documenting Your Child’s Injuries & Losses
A claim may account for emergency care, follow-up appointments, procedures, scar management, psychological care, pain, fear, missed activities, and future medical evaluation. The appearance or functional effect of an injury may not be clear at the first medical visit.
Photographs taken over time, medical documentation, and notes about changes in school, sleep, social activity, or behavior can create a fuller record. Parents should consult medical providers about treatment and seek legal guidance before giving an insurer a detailed recorded statement or signing a release.
What to Do After a Child Dog Bite in Boulder
Boulder County states that animal bites must be reported under Colorado health regulations. Dogs involved in biting incidents are generally confined for a 10-day observation period.
Important steps for parents and guardians include:
- Seek medical evaluation: Follow the treating provider’s instructions and retain records from every appointment.
- Report the incident: Contact the animal control agency serving the location where the bite occurred.
- Identify the dog: Record the owner’s information and request available vaccination details.
- Preserve evidence: Photograph the injuries and scene, keep damaged clothing, and collect witness information.
- Record what happened: Write down what the child and witnesses remember before details fade.
The cities of Boulder, Erie, Lafayette, Longmont, and Louisville provide animal control through their police departments. Boulder County serves unincorporated areas and certain municipalities, so the precise location determines which agency should receive the report.
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I highly recommend this law firm! They take care of everything in a timely manner & alleviate any harassment while you recover from injuries. Everyone is extremely nice & very efficient...if you need an attorney, Tenge Law is the place to go!
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Thank you for your dedication to justice, communication, and serving others. I am so grateful to have Nina and the entire Tenge Law Firm on my team. Thank you for all you did for me! Everyone was so kind, caring and just a joy to work with.- Autumn F. -
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Paige and Nina were a delight to work with. They were extremely responsive and answered my questions very well. They made me feel like I was in good hands and could trust them!
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Tenge Law Firm helped me out when I was in a accident that involved my whole family. They were great and fast with the entire process, and were awesome at keeping me updated throughout the entire process. Would highly recommend to anyone!!
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Brenda was my attorney. She was amazing, helped me through the whole process. Definitely made it a stress-free experience, especially after going through something so traumatic! Was extremely attentive and always kept me updated on how my case was going! I would 1000% recommend them to everyone and anyone!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
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Personal Attention for Your Child’s Claim
We intentionally limit our caseload so each case receives careful attention. Parents have direct access to the attorneys and staff handling the claim, with prompt communication by phone, text, and email.
Our attorneys, paralegals, investigators, and staff work together to coordinate evidence, medical records, insurer communications, and legal strategy. This collaborative structure gives parents a clear point of contact while they focus on their child’s care.
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In the last ten years, we've recovered $75 million on behalf of our clients. Our motto is simple - our clients focus on recovering, while we handle the rest.
More Than $75 Million Recovered for Accident Victims
We’ve recovered more than $75 million in verdicts and settlements for accident victims. We handle negotiations and litigation and can take a case to trial when the circumstances call for it. Past results don’t predict a new claim’s outcome, but they reflect our experience building and litigating serious injury cases.
How We Investigate Responsibility for a Dog Bite
Our children dog bite attorneys in Boulder examine the incident location, the dog’s ownership and history, witness accounts, photographs, medical records, animal control reports, and available insurance coverage. We may also investigate previous aggression, complaints, or attacks that could show what the owner knew about the dog’s behavior.
The evidence needed depends on whether the case involves Colorado’s dog bite statute, negligence, premises liability, or multiple legal theories. We combine factual investigation, technology, legal analysis, and trial preparation to build a strategy around the circumstances of the bite.
Legal Guidance While Your Child Recovers
We guide parents through insurer requests, evidence preservation, medical documentation, and settlement discussions. As the child’s condition develops, we review how new records and treatment information affect the legal analysis.
Our child dog bite attorneys in Boulder also keep families informed about the progress of the claim and decisions that may require their input. Medical providers remain the proper source for diagnosis, treatment, and future care recommendations.
Why the Location of a Child Dog Bite Matters
A bite may occur at a private home, apartment property, park, sidewalk, business, family gathering, or school-related location. The setting can affect the child’s legal status, the responsibilities of the dog owner or property possessor, and the agency that handles the animal bite report.
Whether the dog was leashed or fenced and whether warnings were posted may influence the investigation. The exact location can also lead to witness accounts, surveillance footage, property records, and applicable insurance coverage.
Every Case Is Managed by J. Todd Tenge
J. Todd Tenge, our Founder and Managing Partner, personally manages every case with support from our collaborative legal team. We’ve represented injury victims since 1992, earned hundreds of five-star reviews, and received recognition from Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and Attorney and Practice Magazine.
Discuss Your Child’s Dog Bite Claim
A free case review allows you to explain the incident, identify available records, and discuss legal options based on your child’s circumstances. We handle personal injury matters throughout Colorado, combining direct case management with responsive communication.
Call (303) 219-7377 to request a free case review with Tenge Law Firm LLC.
