Douglas County · Landlord liability
Highlands Ranch Landlord Dog Bite Lawyers
Bitten in a Highlands Ranch rental or HOA common area? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Landlord or HOA Can Be Held Responsible
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, is aimed at the dog owner. Renting property to someone who has a dog does not by itself make a landlord strictly liable under that statute.
A separate negligence claim against a landlord, property manager, or HOA can arise when the facts show they knew about a dangerous dog on the property and failed to act, or when the attack happened in a common area they controlled, like a shared yard, walkway, pool area, or clubhouse in a Highlands Ranch community.
We look at lease terms, complaint records, and who had authority over the space where the bite occurred. Many Highlands Ranch neighborhoods sit within HOA-governed communities, and that structure can matter when a dog is loose in a shared area rather than inside a private unit.
Building the Case Against Multiple Parties
The dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy is usually the first place coverage comes from. Whether a landlord's property policy also applies is a separate question we evaluate case by case, and we do not assume any particular landlord policy covers a dog bite claim.
We gather the lease, any HOA rules or breed restrictions, prior complaint or incident records, maintenance and management communications, and witness statements about where the attack happened and who was in charge of that space. A lease's breed restriction can be evidence of notice that certain dogs were a known risk, but a restriction alone does not prove a landlord is liable.
- A copy of the lease or HOA rules, including any pet or breed provisions
- Photos of where the attack happened, including common areas or shared spaces
- Any prior complaints you made or heard about the dog, in writing or verbal
- Contact information for the property manager, landlord, or HOA representative
- Medical records from treatment, including any visit to UCHealth Highlands Ranch Hospital
Handling Highlands Ranch Rental and HOA Cases
Highlands Ranch has a large number of managed communities and HOA-governed neighborhoods near University Boulevard, Highlands Ranch Parkway, and the C-470 corridor. When a dog bite happens in a shared amenity area or common walkway in one of these communities, we look closely at who controlled that space and what they knew.
We handle these cases from our Denver office and are familiar with how disputes involving Douglas County properties are litigated, including proceedings at the Douglas County Justice Center when a case needs to go that route.
What These Claims Can Cover
- Medical bills tied to the attack and follow-up care
- Scarring or disfigurement from the bite
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical needs if injuries require ongoing treatment
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Highlands Ranch — 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.
Highlands Ranch Landlord liability FAQ
Can I sue my landlord instead of the dog owner in Highlands Ranch?
It depends on the facts. A landlord is not automatically liable simply because a tenant owned the dog, but a separate negligence claim may exist if the landlord knew about a dangerous dog and did nothing, or if the attack happened in a common area the landlord controlled.
Does an HOA have responsibility if a dog attack happens in a shared area?
An HOA can potentially be liable for negligence if the attack occurred in a common area it controlled and there is evidence it knew of a dangerous dog on the property. This is a fact-specific question we review case by case.
Does a breed restriction in my lease help my case?
A breed restriction can be useful evidence that the landlord had notice certain dogs posed a risk. It does not by itself prove the landlord is liable, but it is one piece of the picture we examine.
Whose insurance pays if a landlord is involved?
The dog owner's homeowner or renter policy is typically the first source of coverage. Whether the landlord's property insurance also applies is a separate question that depends on the policy and the facts of the case.
What should I collect if the attack happened in my Highlands Ranch apartment complex?
Save your lease, any HOA or community rules, photos of the location, and records of any prior complaints about the dog. Also get contact information for the property manager or HOA and your medical records from treatment.
Discuss a Highlands Ranch dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.