Boulder and Weld counties · Landlord liability
Longmont Landlord Dog Bite Lawyers
Longmont dog bite in an apartment or HOA property? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Longmont Landlord Can Be Held Responsible
Colorado's dog bite statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑124, is written to hold dog owners accountable. It does not make a landlord strictly liable simply because the attack happened on rental property they own. If you were bitten at a Longmont apartment complex, rental home, or HOA-managed property, the owner of the dog remains the primary target under that statute.
That said, a landlord, property manager, or HOA can face a separate negligence claim in certain situations. If the facts show they knew about a dangerous dog on the property, whether through prior complaints, a prior incident, or direct knowledge, and did nothing about it, that knowledge can support a claim against them. The same is true if the attack happened in a common area the landlord or HOA controlled, like a shared yard, breezeway, or path near Hover Street or a complex off Ken Pratt Boulevard.
We look closely at what the property owner or manager actually knew and when. A lease that was never enforced, a complaint that went nowhere, or a common area with no real safety measures can all matter. But every case is different, and knowledge or control has to be shown with real facts, not assumed.
Building the Case Against a Property Owner or Manager
Insurance coverage in these cases is not always straightforward. The dog owner's homeowner or renter policy is usually the first place to look for coverage. Whether a landlord's separate property policy also applies is a different question that depends on the specific policy and the facts of what happened. We do not assume every landlord policy covers a dog bite claim, and we review the actual coverage before making promises.
Lease terms can matter too. If a lease had a breed restriction or a no-pets clause, that can be evidence the landlord had some notice or policy around dogs on the property. But a breed restriction alone does not prove the landlord is liable. We look at the whole picture: what the lease said, whether it was enforced, what complaints were made, and who controlled the area where the bite happened.
- Copy of the lease or HOA rules, including any pet or breed clauses
- Names of the landlord, property manager, and management company
- Any prior complaints about the dog, written or verbal
- Photos of where the attack happened, especially common areas
- Contact information for other tenants or witnesses
Handling Landlord Liability Claims Near Longmont
Longmont sits across Boulder and Weld counties, and where your case gets filed, Boulder County Justice Center or Weld County Combined Courts, depends on where the property and the parties are located. Rental properties and HOA communities near Hover Street, Ken Pratt Boulevard, and along Colorado Highway 119 fall under different jurisdictions depending on the exact address, and we sort that out early.
If you were treated at UCHealth Longs Peak Hospital after a bite on a rental property, those medical records help establish the injury. We also work with clients from nearby Boulder and Erie who were bitten while visiting or living on Longmont-area rental or HOA property. Our office is based in Denver, and we handle these cases throughout the Longmont area without requiring you to come to us first.
What These Claims Can Cover
- Medical treatment for the bite and any follow-up care
- Scarring or disfigurement from the attack
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Ongoing counseling or emotional distress related to the attack
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Longmont — 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.
Longmont Landlord liability FAQ
Can I sue my landlord if a neighbor's dog bit me in Longmont?
It depends on what the landlord knew and whether they controlled the area where it happened. If they had notice of a dangerous dog and did nothing, or the attack happened in a common area they managed, you may have a separate negligence claim against them. This is different from a claim against the dog owner and requires its own set of facts.
Does a no-pets or breed restriction in my lease help my case?
It can be useful evidence that the landlord had some awareness or policy about dogs on the property. But a breed restriction alone does not automatically make a landlord liable. We look at whether the rule was enforced and what the landlord actually knew about the specific dog.
Will the landlord's insurance cover my injury?
The dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance is usually the first source of coverage. A landlord's property insurance may or may not apply depending on the policy and the facts, so we review the actual coverage rather than assume it applies.
What if the attack happened in a shared yard or parking area?
Common areas controlled by a landlord or HOA are often where these separate negligence claims arise. If the property owner failed to address a known dog problem in a space they were responsible for maintaining, that can support a claim against them in addition to the dog owner.
Do I still have a claim against the dog owner too?
Yes. A landlord liability claim does not replace a claim against the dog owner under Colorado's dog bite statute. In many cases we look at both the owner and the property manager or HOA to determine who is responsible.
Discuss a Longmont dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.