Jefferson County · Landlord liability
Lakewood Landlord Dog Bite Lawyers
Bitten by a dog on rental property in Lakewood? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Landlord Can Be Held Responsible
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, is written to hold the dog owner accountable. It does not make a landlord automatically liable simply because the attack happened on property they own or manage. If someone tells you a Lakewood landlord is strictly liable under that statute, that is not an accurate reading of the law.
A separate path exists, though. A landlord, property manager, or HOA can face a negligence claim if the facts show they knew about a dangerous dog on the property and did nothing about it, or if the attack happened in a common area they controlled, like a shared courtyard, parking lot, or hallway. These claims turn on what the landlord actually knew and what they did or failed to do with that knowledge.
We look closely at the lease, prior complaints, and any communication between tenants and management before deciding whether a landlord negligence claim exists alongside a claim against the dog's owner. Not every case has both angles, and we tell you honestly which claims the facts support.
Building the Coverage and Notice Picture
In most cases, the dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy is the first place we look for coverage. Whether a landlord's property insurance policy also applies is a separate question that depends on the specific policy and the specific facts. We do not assume every landlord policy covers a dog bite claim, and we check rather than guess.
Lease terms matter too. If a lease includes a breed restriction or a pet policy, that document can show the landlord was on notice about dogs on the property. A breed restriction alone does not prove liability, but combined with complaint records, prior incident reports, or management emails, it can help establish what the landlord knew and when.
- A copy of the lease, including any pet or breed policy
- Any prior complaints you or neighbors made about the dog
- Photos of where the attack happened, especially common areas
- Names of witnesses, including other tenants
- Medical records from treatment after the bite
Handling Landlord Claims Around Lakewood
Lakewood has a large rental and apartment population along corridors like West Colfax Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard, and Kipling Street, and we see landlord liability questions come up regularly in these dog bite cases. We also handle claims from nearby Golden and Wheat Ridge, where similar rental and HOA arrangements are common.
These cases are typically filed in Jefferson County Courts in Golden, and we handle the Jefferson County paperwork and procedure while you focus on recovering. If you were treated at CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital after a bite, we help gather those records as part of building the negligence claim against the property owner or manager, separate from any claim against the dog's owner.
What We Pursue in These Claims
- Medical expenses from the attack and follow-up care
- Lost wages if the injury kept you from work
- Pain and suffering from the attack and recovery
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Future medical needs tied to the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lakewood — 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.
Lakewood Landlord liability FAQ
Can I sue my landlord if a neighbor's dog bit me in Lakewood?
It depends on what the landlord knew and where the attack happened. If the landlord had notice of a dangerous dog and failed to act, or the attack occurred in a common area they controlled, a negligence claim may exist alongside a claim against the dog's owner.
Does the Colorado dog bite statute apply to landlords?
No. C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124 is aimed at the dog's owner, not the property owner or manager. A landlord claim has to be built as a separate negligence case based on notice and control.
Does a landlord's insurance always cover a dog bite?
Not automatically. The dog owner's homeowner or renter policy is usually the first source of coverage, and whether a landlord's property policy also applies depends on the specific policy and facts.
Does a breed restriction in my lease help my case?
It can help show the landlord was aware of dog-related risks on the property, but a breed restriction by itself does not prove liability. It works best alongside other evidence like complaint records.
Where would a landlord liability claim be filed for a Lakewood attack?
These claims typically go through Jefferson County Courts in Golden. We handle that process and coordinate any related claim against the dog's owner at the same time.
Discuss a Lakewood dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.