Adams and Weld counties · Landlord liability
Northglenn Landlord Dog Bite Lawyers
Bitten by a dog at a Northglenn rental or HOA property? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Landlord or HOA Can Be 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 rental property they own or manage.
That said, a landlord, property manager, or HOA can face a separate negligence claim in the right circumstances. If the facts show they knew a dog on the property was dangerous and did nothing about it, or if the attack happened in a common area they controlled, such as a shared yard, hallway, or parking area at a Northglenn apartment complex or HOA community, that opens a distinct legal theory apart from the owner's liability.
These are fact-specific cases. We look at who had notice of the dog, who had authority to act, and where the attack occurred before deciding whether a claim against a landlord or HOA makes sense alongside the claim against the dog's owner.
Coverage and Proof Issues in These Cases
The dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance policy is usually the first place we look for coverage. Whether a landlord's or HOA's property policy also applies is a separate question, and we do not assume it does. Some property policies exclude dog bite claims entirely, so this has to be checked, not assumed.
If the lease had a breed restriction or a no-pets clause, that can be evidence the landlord was on notice about a dog living on the property. It does not by itself prove the landlord is liable. We still need facts showing the landlord knew about a dangerous dog specifically, or that the attack happened somewhere the landlord or HOA controlled.
- Copy of the lease, including any pet or breed clause
- Photos of where the attack happened, especially common areas
- Any prior complaints to the landlord, manager, or HOA about the dog
- Contact information for the dog owner and the property manager or HOA board
- Medical records from treatment, including care at HCA HealthONE North Suburban Medical Center
Northglenn Rental and HOA Communities
Northglenn has a mix of apartment complexes, rental homes, and HOA-governed neighborhoods spread along corridors like Washington Street and near 104th and 120th Avenues, with easy access to I-25 and close ties to neighboring Thornton. Many of these properties have shared yards, walking paths, or common areas where dog bite incidents can raise landlord or HOA questions alongside the dog owner's liability.
When these cases involve a Northglenn property, filings typically proceed through the Adams County Justice Center, since Northglenn sits primarily in Adams County, though the city also touches Weld County. We handle these cases from our Denver office and work with Northglenn clients on a case-by-case basis to sort out who the proper parties are.
What These Claims May Cover
- Medical bills for treatment and follow-up care
- Scarring or disfigurement from the bite
- Lost income from time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical needs related to the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Northglenn — 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.
Northglenn Landlord liability FAQ
Can I sue my landlord if a neighbor's dog bit me in Northglenn?
You may have a claim against your landlord or HOA if they knew about a dangerous dog and failed to act, or if the attack happened in a common area they controlled. This is a separate legal theory from the claim against the dog's owner, and it depends on the specific facts. We would need to review what the landlord knew and when.
Does a breed restriction in my lease mean the landlord is automatically liable?
No. A breed restriction can be evidence that the landlord had notice about dogs on the property, but it does not by itself prove liability. We still need facts showing the landlord knew about a specific dangerous dog or controlled the area where the attack happened.
Will the landlord's insurance pay for my injuries?
Not necessarily. The dog owner's homeowner or renter policy is usually the first source of coverage. Whether a landlord's property policy also applies depends on that specific policy, and some exclude dog bite claims entirely.
What if the attack happened in a shared area of my apartment complex?
Attacks in common areas, like a shared yard or hallway, can support a negligence claim against the property owner or manager if they controlled that space and had notice of a dangerous dog. We look closely at where the incident happened and who was responsible for that area.
How much does it cost to talk to a lawyer about my case?
We offer a free consultation, and there is no attorney fee unless we recover money for you. You can discuss the details of your Northglenn case with us before deciding how to proceed.
Discuss a Northglenn dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.