[CO] Can I sue someone for knowingly infecting me with an STI, then threatening to evict me while I recover?

CO Criminal Law

Richard

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Yes, you have potential legal rights in several areas based on what you described. I’ll break them down clearly:

Intentional or Negligent Transmission of an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease). If this person knew or strongly suspected he had herpes and failed to disclose it before sexual contact, this can support a civil claim for:
- Battery (intentional harmful contact without informed consent)
- Negligence (failure to warn or prevent foreseeable harm)
- Fraudulent concealment (knowingly hiding a material health fact that caused injury)
- Because you now have a severe systemic infection and documented medical expenses, your case could potentially involve compensatory and punitive damages. The fact that you have medical records and text or other proof of his awareness and failure to warn would strengthen your claim. (CO Rev Stat § 13-21-102)
Threats of Eviction / Your Right to Remain Until Move Out. Even without a written lease, once you’ve paid rent or contributed money for housing, you are considered a tenant-at-will under Colorado law. (CO Rev Stat § 13-40-104) That means:
- He cannot legally evict you without notice (usually a 10-day written notice for breach or 21-day notice for a no-cause termination).
- He cannot lock you out, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities; doing so would constitute an illegal eviction, which can itself create civil liability.
- Keep proof of payments, texts, and threats.
Property Damage by Roommates. If other residents intentionally damage or interfere with your property, that is grounds for a civil claim for conversion or trespass to chattels, and in some cases criminal mischief. Keep photos, screenshots, and messages showing any tampering. (CO Rev Stat § 18-4-405)
Statements About Legal Action. Telling someone that you “may pursue legal recourse” for infecting you, damaging your property, or illegally evicting you is not a misstep. That’s a lawful assertion of your rights, not a threat of harm or extortion. However, you must avoid linking it directly to a demand for money or silence, such as “pay me or I’ll report you,” since that could be misconstrued as coercion. Framing it as “I may pursue legal remedies if this continues or if I’m harmed further” is appropriate.

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I was infected with herpes type 1 by someone who knew they were exposed to it, slept with me, and didn’t tell me. I now have a severe infection all over my body, affecting all of my organs, and it is potentially life threatening. I have spent thousands on medical bills, and my life is at risk. I am unfortunately living with this person currently, but will move out on 11/10/25. This person has threatened to kick me out of the home in which I live with him, and I have nowhere to go until my move out date on 11/10/25.

I told the man who infected me with this disease that if he kicks me out with nowhere to go while I am attempting to heal, I may seek legal recourse for what he has done to me, or if my condition gets worse, if he doesn’t offer me financial help on his own first before I consider legal recourse.

This man who infected me, whom I live with, has an illegal career selling drugs. One of the roommates in the household began messing with my personal items and trying to destroy them, and my items are financially valuable. I also told the people I live with that if my items are destroyed, I will take legal recourse on this as well, for damaging my items, for my severe health conditions since being affected, and if I am kicked out before I am able to move out, so that I can heal from my disease in peace before I am able to move out.

First off, do I have a legal right to do all of the things I have said I may move forward in, and did I misstep in saying I may take legal recourse based on what has been done to me?

Lexi, Chatbot

I'm really sorry to hear about your difficult situation and the health challenges you're facing. Have you already sought medical treatment for your condition, and do you have documentation of your diagnosis and medical expenses?

Yes, I have documentation of my medical condition and medical expenses. I have sought medical treatment from many doctors and specialists at this point.

Lexi, Chatbot

Are you currently in a lease agreement with the person you live with, or is it a verbal arrangement?

It is a verbal agreement. However, I have proof of sending money to stay here.

Lexi, Chatbot

Is there anything else the lawyer should know before I connect you? Rest assured they'll be able to help with your health issues.

Yes. I cannot think of anything else that needs to be mentioned at this point.

Richard

Hello. My name is Richard and I have been a licensed attorney for over 25 years and hope to be of assistance. I understand you're dealing with a severe health condition due to herpes type 1 and are facing potential eviction from your current living situation. Could you tell me more about any legal actions or discussions you've had regarding this matter?

Disclaimer: Just a note, this conversation does not create an attorney client relationship. I can answer your questions for educational purposes only.

No legal actions yet, besides putting in an online claim with a personal injury law firm here in Colorado. I have not heard from this law firm yet. I have discussed the matter with the man who infected me and who I live with, who has an illegal career (selling drugs) and has threatened to kick me out.

Richard

Thanks for sharing that. It's important to gather all the necessary details to help you better. Since you're in Denver, Colorado, could you tell me if you have any evidence or documentation of the threats or any damage to your belongings?

Richard

Yes, you have potential legal rights in several areas based on what you described. I’ll break them down clearly:

Intentional or Negligent Transmission of an STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease). If this person knew or strongly suspected he had herpes and failed to disclose it before sexual contact, this can support a civil claim for:
- Battery (intentional harmful contact without informed consent)
- Negligence (failure to warn or prevent foreseeable harm)
- Fraudulent concealment (knowingly hiding a material health fact that caused injury)
- Because you now have a severe systemic infection and documented medical expenses, your case could potentially involve compensatory and punitive damages. The fact that you have medical records and text or other proof of his awareness and failure to warn would strengthen your claim. (CO Rev Stat § 13-21-102)
Threats of Eviction / Your Right to Remain Until Move Out. Even without a written lease, once you’ve paid rent or contributed money for housing, you are considered a tenant-at-will under Colorado law. (CO Rev Stat § 13-40-104) That means:
- He cannot legally evict you without notice (usually a 10-day written notice for breach or 21-day notice for a no-cause termination).
- He cannot lock you out, remove your belongings, or shut off utilities; doing so would constitute an illegal eviction, which can itself create civil liability.
- Keep proof of payments, texts, and threats.
Property Damage by Roommates. If other residents intentionally damage or interfere with your property, that is grounds for a civil claim for conversion or trespass to chattels, and in some cases criminal mischief. Keep photos, screenshots, and messages showing any tampering. (CO Rev Stat § 18-4-405)
Statements About Legal Action. Telling someone that you “may pursue legal recourse” for infecting you, damaging your property, or illegally evicting you is not a misstep. That’s a lawful assertion of your rights, not a threat of harm or extortion. However, you must avoid linking it directly to a demand for money or silence, such as “pay me or I’ll report you,” since that could be misconstrued as coercion. Framing it as “I may pursue legal remedies if this continues or if I’m harmed further” is appropriate.

Ok, I just got the reply I was looking for. Thanks for your help! Can you help me further or what should I do next?

Richard

I'm glad you found the information helpful!

For your next steps, consider gathering all your documentation, including medical records, proof of payments, and any evidence of threats or damage. This will be crucial if you decide to pursue legal action.

You might also want to consult with a local attorney who specializes in personal injury or tenant rights to explore your options further. They can provide specific advice tailored to your situation and help you understand the potential outcomes.

If you have any more questions or need further guidance, feel free to ask!

Richard

76,546 satisfied customers

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