Huerfano County · Landlord liability
Walsenburg Landlord Dog Bite Lawyers
Bitten by a rental or apartment dog in Walsenburg? Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
When a Landlord Can Be 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 strictly liable just because the attack happened on rental property they own. If we bring a claim against a landlord, property manager, or HOA, it has to be built on a separate negligence theory, not on that statute.
That negligence theory usually turns on knowledge and control. If a landlord or HOA knew a tenant kept a dangerous dog and did nothing about it, or if the attack happened in a common area the landlord controlled, like a shared yard, hallway, or parking area at a Walsenburg apartment complex, there may be a viable claim against them in addition to the dog owner.
We look closely at the lease and any HOA rules. A breed restriction or no-pets clause can be evidence that the landlord had reason to know about a dog on the property, but it does not automatically prove liability on its own. We build the case fact by fact rather than assuming a rule violation wins the claim.
Building the Case Against Multiple Parties
We start by identifying every possible source of recovery. The dog owner's homeowner or renter insurance is often the first policy we look at, since it is the most common source of coverage in these cases. Whether a landlord's own property policy applies is a separate question we investigate rather than assume, because not every landlord policy responds to a dog bite claim.
We gather the lease, any complaint history the landlord or HOA may have on file, maintenance and management records, and photos of where the attack happened, whether that was inside a unit or in a shared space. If the incident happened near I-25, U.S. Highway 160, Colorado Highway 10, Main Street, or in the La Veta area, we document the exact location early, since that detail can matter to who controlled the space.
- Photos of the attack location, including any common area or shared yard
- A copy of the lease or HOA rules, especially any pet or breed provisions
- Any prior complaints you made to the landlord or property manager about the dog
- Contact information for the dog owner and for the landlord or management company
- Medical records from Spanish Peaks Regional Health Center or any other provider you saw
Handling Walsenburg Landlord Claims
Cases involving Walsenburg rental properties and HOAs are typically filed in Huerfano County Combined Courts. We handle the coordination between insurance carriers when more than one party may be responsible, which can slow claims down if it is not managed carefully from the start.
Our office is at 301 N. Main Street in Pueblo, and we regularly work with clients throughout Huerfano County, including rental communities near Main Street and along the U.S. Highway 160 corridor. We can review your lease and the facts of the attack during a free consultation to see whether a landlord or HOA claim makes sense alongside the claim against the dog owner.
What These Claims Can Cover
- Medical treatment for bite injuries
- Follow-up care and any scarring or disfigurement
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage from the incident
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Walsenburg — and read client testimonials.
A pickup hit me from behind on Hwy 50 east of Pueblo. The insurer offered $2,600. McCormick & Murphy helped with treatment, filed suit, and the case settled at mediation for $165,000.
C. O., Pueblo · Highway 50 crash
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Walsenburg Landlord liability FAQ
Can I sue my landlord directly for a dog bite in Walsenburg?
You cannot sue a landlord under Colorado's dog bite statute simply for owning the property. A separate negligence claim may be possible if the landlord knew about a dangerous dog and failed to act, or if the attack happened in a common area they controlled.
Does a no-pets clause in my lease help my case?
It can be useful evidence that the landlord had notice a dog was on the property in violation of the lease. On its own, though, a lease violation does not automatically establish that the landlord is liable for the bite.
Whose insurance pays if a tenant's dog bites someone?
The dog owner's homeowner or renter policy is usually the first place we look for coverage. Whether a landlord's separate property insurance also applies depends on the specific facts and policy, and we do not assume it automatically covers a bite claim.
What if the attack happened in a shared apartment courtyard?
Attacks in common areas controlled by the landlord or HOA, like courtyards, shared yards, or parking lots, can support a negligence claim against the property owner in addition to a claim against the dog owner. Control over the space where the attack occurred is a key fact we examine.
Where would a landlord liability case be filed?
Claims arising from Walsenburg rental properties are typically filed in Huerfano County Combined Courts. We can explain the process during a free consultation based on the details of your situation.
Discuss a Walsenburg dog bite
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.