Adams County · Landlord liability
Commerce City Landlord Dog Bite Lawyers
Bitten by a dog at a Commerce City rental or apartment complex? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Landlord Shares the Blame
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, is written to hold the dog's owner accountable. It does not make a landlord automatically liable just because the attack happened on rental property. If you were bitten at an apartment complex, rental home, or HOA property in Commerce City, the owner of the dog is still the starting point for a claim.
That said, a landlord, property manager, or HOA can face its own negligence claim in certain situations. If the property owner knew about a dangerous dog on the premises, through complaints, prior incidents, or direct knowledge, and failed to take reasonable steps, that failure can support a separate claim. The same is true when the attack happened in a common area the landlord controlled, like a shared yard, hallway, or leasing office.
These cases require looking closely at who had control over the dog, the space, and the information about prior problems. We investigate the lease, any complaints on file, and the property's own rules before deciding whether a landlord or HOA belongs in the claim alongside the dog owner.
Building the Property Owner Angle
Lease agreements often include breed or weight restrictions on pets. If a lease had such a rule and the landlord still allowed the dog to stay, that can show the landlord had notice of the dog's presence. A breed restriction alone does not prove liability, but it is one piece of the notice picture when paired with complaints or prior incidents.
Insurance coverage in these cases is often layered. The dog owner's homeowner or renter policy is usually the first place to look for coverage. Depending on the facts, a property or liability policy tied to the landlord or HOA may raise a second question, though not every landlord policy responds to a dog bite claim. We sort through what coverage may apply before making demands.
- A copy of the lease, including any pet or breed clauses
- Photos of where the attack happened, including any common areas
- Any prior complaints you made to the landlord or HOA about the dog
- Contact information for neighbors who may have seen or heard about the dog before
- Records from Intermountain Health Platte Valley Hospital or any other care you received
Handling Claims in Commerce City
We take on landlord liability claims from across Commerce City, including apartment and rental properties near 104th Avenue, U.S. Highway 85, and the I-76 corridor. We also hear from clients in nearby Brighton and Thornton who were bitten at a rental or HOA property and want to know whether the landlord bears any responsibility.
When a claim proceeds in court, Adams County cases are typically handled at the Adams County Justice Center. We handle the investigation and filing work so you do not have to navigate the property management company or the dog owner's insurer on your own.
What You Can Pursue
- Medical bills for treatment of the bite
- Future medical or follow-up care costs
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering from the attack and recovery
- Scarring or disfigurement from the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Commerce City — 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.
Commerce City Landlord liability FAQ
Can I sue my landlord if a tenant's dog bit me?
You may have a claim against the landlord if they knew about a dangerous dog on the property and failed to act, or if the attack happened in a common area they controlled. The dog owner remains a central part of most claims. We look at the specific facts to see whether the landlord shares responsibility.
Does a breed restriction in the lease help my case?
A breed restriction can be useful because it may show the landlord had rules in place and knowledge of what dogs were allowed. On its own, a breed clause does not prove the landlord is liable. It works best alongside other evidence like complaints or prior incidents.
Will the landlord's insurance cover my injury?
Not always. The dog owner's homeowner or renter policy is usually the first source of coverage. Whether a landlord's property policy applies depends on the facts, and not every policy covers dog bite claims.
What if the attack happened in a shared area like a courtyard?
Attacks in common areas controlled by the landlord or HOA can support a negligence claim against the property owner, separate from any claim against the dog's owner. We would need to look at who was responsible for maintaining and monitoring that space.
Do I still have a case if the landlord didn't know about the dog?
You may still have a claim against the dog's owner under Colorado's dog bite statute even without landlord involvement. A landlord's liability specifically depends on their knowledge or control over the situation, so we evaluate that separately from the owner's liability.
Discuss a Commerce City dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.