Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas counties · Landlord liability
Littleton Landlord Dog Bite Lawyers
Bitten by a dog in a Littleton rental or HOA community? Free consultation, no fee unless we recover for you.
When a Littleton Landlord or HOA Can Be Held Responsible
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 strictly liable simply because the attack happened on their property. If you were bitten in a Littleton apartment complex, rental home, or HOA-managed neighborhood, the owner of the dog is usually the first party we look at under that statute.
That said, a landlord, property manager, or homeowners association can face a separate negligence claim in certain situations. If the facts show they knew about a dangerous dog on the property and did nothing, or if the attack happened in a common area they controlled, such as a shared yard, hallway, parking lot, or clubhouse space, that knowledge and control can support a claim against them independent of the statute.
These cases turn on specific facts, not assumptions. We look at what the landlord or HOA actually knew, when they knew it, and what they did or failed to do with that information. Every Littleton case is different, and we build the claim around what the evidence actually shows.
Building the Case Against a Landlord or HOA
Lease agreements often matter here. A lease that includes a breed restriction or a no-dogs clause can be evidence that the landlord had notice of a tenant's dog or of company policy regarding dangerous animals. But a breed restriction alone does not prove liability. We look at complaints, prior incident reports, maintenance requests, emails, and any record showing the property manager or HOA board was told about aggressive behavior before your attack.
Insurance coverage in these cases can involve more than one policy. The dog owner's homeowner or renter's insurance is typically the first source we examine. A landlord's or HOA's property or liability policy may be a second question, but not every landlord policy covers dog bite injuries, so we do not assume coverage exists until we've reviewed the actual policy language.
- A copy of your lease, including any pet or breed policy
- Photos of the property, including the common area where the attack happened
- Any prior complaints you made to the landlord, manager, or HOA about the dog
- Contact information for neighbors who may have reported the same dog before
- Records or notes from your visit to AdventHealth Littleton or another provider
Handling Landlord Liability Cases Around Littleton
Littleton includes a mix of apartment complexes, rental homes, and HOA-governed neighborhoods, from properties near Santa Fe Drive and Bowles Avenue to communities closer to South Broadway, Englewood, and Highlands Ranch. Each of these areas has its own mix of property managers, HOA boards, and rental companies, and each case requires us to identify exactly who controlled the property and what they knew.
Depending on where the attack happened, your case may fall under the jurisdiction of Arapahoe, Jefferson, or Douglas county, with the claim filed in the district court for the county where the injury occurred. We work from our Denver office and handle these matters throughout the Littleton area, gathering property records and speaking with landlords, managers, and HOA representatives as needed.
What You May Be Able to Recover
- Medical treatment costs related to the bite
- Scarring or disfigurement
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care if ongoing treatment is needed
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Littleton — 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.
Littleton Landlord liability FAQ
Can I sue my landlord if another tenant's dog bit me in Littleton?
It depends on what your landlord knew and whether the attack happened somewhere they controlled, like a common area. If they had notice of a dangerous dog and failed to act, or the incident happened in a shared space they managed, a negligence claim against them may be possible alongside a claim against the dog owner.
Does a no-dogs or breed-restriction clause in my lease help my case?
It can be useful evidence that the landlord had a policy in place and possibly knowledge of a violation, but it does not by itself prove liability. We look at the full picture, including whether the landlord enforced or ignored that policy.
Will the landlord's insurance cover my injury?
Not necessarily. The dog owner's homeowner or renter policy is usually the first place we look for coverage, and a landlord's property policy is a separate question that depends on the specific policy terms. We review the actual coverage before making any assumptions.
What if the attack happened in an HOA common area in Highlands Ranch or another Littleton neighborhood?
If the HOA controlled that space and had knowledge of a dangerous dog, that can support a negligence claim against the HOA in addition to any claim against the dog's owner. We would need to review HOA records and any prior complaints to evaluate this.
Where would my case be filed if I was bitten in the Littleton area?
It depends on where the attack occurred, since Littleton spans Arapahoe, Jefferson, and Douglas counties. Your case would generally be filed in the district court for the county where the injury happened.
Discuss a Littleton dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.