Who Is Responsible If a Dog Bites You on Someone Else’s Property?

Dog bites can lead to painful injuries, permanent scarring, and psychological trauma. When a bite occurs on someone else’s property—especially at a friend’s house—it raises difficult questions: Who pays for your medical bills? Does it matter where the attack happened? Can you still recover damages without creating personal tension? 

In Colorado, the law is clear: the dog’s owner is usually responsible, no matter where the bite happens. But depending on the situation, the property owner or other parties could also be liable. Whether the attack occurs at a private home, rental property, or public space, it’s important to understand your rights.

Colorado’s Strict Liability Law for Dog Bites

Colorado law holds dog owners strictly liable when their dog bites someone and causes serious bodily injury. This rule applies even if the dog had never bitten anyone before, had no known history of aggression, and was previously considered friendly. Under Colorado Revised Statute § 13-21-124:

• Dog owners are liable for bites that cause serious bodily injury or death.
• Liability applies if the victim was legally on public or private property.
• The injured person does not need to prove negligence—ownership and injury are enough.

Serious injuries include deep wounds, broken bones, muscle or nerve damage, disfigurement, or injuries requiring surgery or prolonged medical treatment. This “strict liability” rule makes it easier for bite victims to pursue a claim and receive compensation.

Bitten at a Friend’s House? Here’s What to Know

Dog bites don’t always happen in high-risk environments. Many people are injured while visiting a friend’s home or attending a casual gathering. These situations can be emotionally complicated. You might hesitate to pursue compensation out of concern for damaging the friendship or causing financial hardship for your host. But it’s important to remember that most homeowner’s insurance policies cover dog bite claims. In other words, you’re not suing your friend personally—you’re filing a claim against their insurance provider. These claims can often be resolved without ever setting foot in a courtroom. By filing a claim, you may be able to recover:

• Emergency room and follow-up medical expenses
• Plastic or reconstructive surgery costs
• Lost wages from time missed at work
• Pain and emotional distress

Your friend may feel guilty, but responsible pet owners understand that victims need to be made whole. Insurance exists for this exact purpose, and most policies specifically list dog bites as a covered incident.

When Property Owners Share Liability

While Colorado law focuses primarily on the dog owner, there are situations where the property owner may also share fault. This is where premises liability comes into the picture. Let’s say a landlord rents a home to a tenant with a large, aggressive dog. Over time, neighbors complain about the dog lunging at passersby or escaping the yard. If the landlord fails to address these complaints and a visitor is bitten on the property, the landlord may be held partially responsible for failing to address a known danger. In other words, when the property owner has control over conditions that contribute to the bite—or fails to take reasonable steps to protect guests—they could be liable alongside the dog’s owner. This kind of shared responsibility often arises in:

• Apartment complexes
• Vacation rentals
• Commercial spaces with guard dogs
• Homes where the dog is owned by someone other than the property owner

An experienced attorney will investigate who had knowledge of the risk, who controlled the environment, and who could have prevented the bite.

What If the Dog Has Bitten Before?

If the dog that bit you had previously attacked someone—or shown signs of aggression—the owner may be subject to additional penalties under Colorado’s “dangerous dog” statute. This could increase the value of your claim, especially if the owner failed to take proper precautions after earlier incidents. Signs of a dangerous dog may include:

• A prior bite (even if minor)
• Previous citations or complaints to animal control
• Use of a “Beware of Dog” sign on the property

In cases involving known aggression, your claim may expand beyond strict liability and include claims of negligence or even punitive damages.

What Should You Do After a Dog Bite?

Whether you're at a friend’s barbecue or walking up a neighbor’s driveway, a dog bite should always be taken seriously. The injuries may not seem severe at first but can worsen quickly due to infection or nerve damage. Here’s what to do after a dog bite:

1. Seek immediate medical treatment and follow all doctor recommendations.
2. Get the dog owner’s name, address, and phone number.
3. Ask for information about the dog’s vaccination status.
4. Take photos of the injury, the dog, and the property where the attack occurred.
5. File a report with local animal control or law enforcement.

You should also contact a personal injury attorney with experience in dog bite and premises liability cases. An attorney can help identify all responsible parties, document your damages, and deal with insurance adjusters on your behalf.

Call Pribila & Fields to File a Dog Bite Claim in Colorado

In Colorado, you generally have two years from the date of the dog bite to file a personal injury lawsuit. If you wait too long, your right to compensation may be permanently lost. That’s why it’s important to seek legal advice soon after the incident—even if you’re unsure about pursuing a claim. An attorney can help preserve evidence, gather medical records, and initiate the insurance claim process well within the deadline. If multiple parties are involved—such as a property owner and a dog owner—additional legal considerations may apply.

If you’ve been bitten by a dog while visiting a friend’s home, a rental property, or any location in Colorado, don’t assume you’re out of options. Pribila & Fields helps dog bite victims pursue compensation with professionalism and sensitivity. We’ll work to hold the appropriate parties accountable and seek a resolution that respects your injuries and your relationships.

To discuss your case and learn your legal options, contact us today for a free consultation. We’ll help you take the right next step—while protecting your rights and recovery.