Have You Been Injured in a Slip and Fall Accident?
As slip and fall lawyers, we are dedicated to helping slip and fall victims throughout Colorado fight for the compensation they deserve. We understand the complexities of premises liability law and are prepared to hold negligent property owners accountable.
Call us today at 970-893-8857 for a free consultation and case evaluation; no fees unless compensation is obtained. We also advance all litigation costs for clients (normally these are repaid from a settlement). Let us help you secure the justice and financial relief you need to move forward!
Understanding Slip and Fall Claims in Colorado
Slip and fall cases fall under premises liability law, which holds property owners, renters, and lessees responsible for maintaining safe conditions. If the negligence of a property owner, renter, or lessee led to your injuries, you may have a valid claim for damages.
What Are Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip and fall accidents can occur due to a variety of hazardous conditions, including:
- Wet or slippery floors from spills, leaks, or mopping
- Uneven or broken sidewalks and flooring
- Cluttered walkways and unsecured obstacles
- Poor lighting in stairwells or parking lots
- Missing or broken handrails
- Ice or snow accumulation that was not properly cleared
- Potholes
- Cords Running across walkways
- Unsecured ladders
- Open cabinets or drawers
- Spilled liquids that are not expeditiously cleaned up
Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent these hazards. If they fail to do so, they may be held liable for injuries sustained on their premises.
Who Can Sue for Slip and Fall Injuries in Colorado?
Under Colorado premises liability law, individuals who suffer injuries due to unsafe conditions on someone else’s property may have the right to sue for compensation. Colorado law categorizes visitors into three groups, each with different levels of legal protection:
- Invitees: An invitee is someone who enters a property for the mutual benefit of both parties, such as a customer in a retail store or a patron at a restaurant. Property owners owe invitees the highest duty of care, which includes maintaining safe conditions, conducting routine inspections, and promptly addressing known hazards.
- Licensees: A licensee is an individual who has the property owner’s express or implied permission to enter but is visiting for their own purposes, such as a social guest at someone’s home. While property owners do not have to inspect for dangers, they are required to warn licensees of known hazards that may not be obvious.
- Trespassers: Generally, property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers. However, there is an exception for child trespassers under the attractive nuisance doctrine—if a property has a potentially dangerous feature (like an unfenced swimming pool or abandoned machinery) that is likely to attract children, the owner may be liable if a child is injured.
Because premises liability cases can be complex, it is crucial to have an experienced Colorado slip and fall attorney review your case. At Anzen Legal Group, we provide a free case evaluation to discuss your legal options and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Call 970-893-8857 today.
How is Negligence Proven in a Slip and Fall Case?
To successfully pursue a slip and fall claim, the following elements must be proven:
- A hazardous condition existed – There was an unsafe condition that posed a risk.
- The property owner, renter, or lessee knew or should have known about the hazard.
- The hazard was not adequately addressed – The property owner, renter, or lessee neglected to make the area safe.
- Causation – The hazardous condition directly caused the resulting injuries, such as if you slipped and fell due to water on a floor.
- You were lawfully on the property and not trespassing.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Slip and Fall Case?
If you have been injured in a trip and fall accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills (past and future treatment)
- Lost wages from missing work
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy costs
- Loss of earning capacity
- Permanent disability or scarring
These are only some of the possible types of compensation that may be owed in a slip and fall case; other types of compensation and damages may also be owed depending upon the circumstances of the case.
As experienced slip and fall attorneys, we will evaluate your case and determine the full extent of damages that you may be eligible to recover. Call 970-893-8857 today to schedule your free case review.
What Are the Time Limits for Filing a Slip and Fall Claim in Colorado?
Colorado law has a two-year statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim, meaning you must file within two years from the date of an accident. If you wait too long, you may lose your right to seek compensation.
What Time Limits Apply if a Slip and Fall Injury Occurs on Government Property?
If your accident occurred on government property, additional legal requirements and much shorter deadlines may apply. The specific deadlines that will apply depending upon what governmental entity is involved. Because of the significantly shorter time period in which a suit must be filed, you should contact an experienced slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible to preserve your right to seek compensation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Slip. Trip and Fall Lawsuits in Fort Collins
What Should I Do After a Slip and Fall Accident?
After a slip and fall accident, taking the right steps can help strengthen your case:
- Seek Medical Attention – Your health is the top priority.
- Report the Accident – Notify the property owner or manager and request an incident report.
- Document Everything – Take photos of the hazard and location, if possible, and document all injuries that you suffered.
- Collect Witness Information – Get names and contact details of anyone who saw the accident.
- Contact a Slip and Fall Lawyer – Legal guidance is crucial to maximizing your compensation.
It’s important to contact a slip and fall lawyer as soon as possible so that an investigation can be conducted. As an example, in the case of a fall in a store, we will want to obtain any video that may exist before the same is destroyed.
Can I Still File a Claim If I Was Partially at Fault for a Trip and Fall Accident?
Yes, but in some cases you may not be entitled to compensation.
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. If you are found less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20% of the judgment. If, however, you are found to be 50% or more liable for your accident, you will not be entitled to any compensation.
Please note that this rule only applies if a trial is held and a jury determines an allocation of fault. Because most personal injury cases settle outside of a trial, an exact determination of fault usually does not occur, and instead the focus is on negotiating a settlement for the injured victim.
Businesses, property owners, and insurance companies frequently try to shift the blame onto slip and fall victims, aiming to reduce or eliminate their liability. They often argue that the injured person was wearing inappropriate footwear, distracted, or otherwise responsible for their own accident and injuries. These tactics are designed to exploit Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule, which can reduce compensation if the victim is found partially at fault.
At Anzen Legal Group, our Fort Collins slip and fall lawyers push back against these tactics. We meticulously gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a compelling case to prove the true cause of the accident. Our team is committed to ensuring that responsible parties are held fully accountable, so you receive the maximum compensation you deserve.
Is a Store Owner Automatically Liable for a Fall in Colorado?
No, a store owner is not automatically liable for a slip and fall accident. Under Colorado premises liability law, the injured party must demonstrate that the store owner’s negligence directly contributed to the hazardous condition that caused the fall.
To succeed in a claim, the victim generally needs to prove the following elements:
- A hazardous condition existed that created an unreasonable risk of harm.
- The store owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition and failed to address it.
- The store owner’s negligence in failing to fix or warn about the hazard caused the injury.
As mentioned above, Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning that if the injured party is found to be 50% or more at fault, they may be barred from recovering compensation.
Because proving liability can be complex, it’s crucial to work with an experienced Colorado slip and fall attorney who can gather evidence, consult with experts, and advocate for the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, call Anzen Legal Group at 970-893-8857 for a free consultation.
Do I Need a Lawyer for a Slip and Fall Case?
While not required, having an experienced slip and fall attorney can significantly increase your chances of obtaining full compensation. Defendants and insurance companies will still use their lawyers even if a victim chooses not to retain a lawyer. Unless the victim of a slip and fall case is also a lawyer, defendants and their insurance companies and lawyers will not have a great concern about being taken to court, since the injured person will usually not know how represent themself in a trial. As a result, it’s always best to seek the assistance of an experienced slip and fall lawyer to maximize your chance of a good result.
What If the Property Owner Says They Weren’t Aware of the Hazard?
Property owners cannot simply ignore dangers on their premises. If the hazard existed for an unreasonable amount of time and they failed to fix it, they may still be held responsible. Surveillance footage, maintenance records, and witness statements can help prove they should have known about the dangerous condition.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Slip and Fall Lawyer?
We represent slip and fall injury victims on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing upfront, and we only receive a fee if compensation is obtained. We will also advance all litigation costs of your case so that you do not need to come out of pocket for any money while you case is proceeding (these costs are normally repaid from settlement of jury verdict proceeds).
Schedule A Free Consultation With A Colorado Slip and Fall Attorney Today
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. We are here to protect your rights and seek the compensation you deserve.
Call us today at 970-893-8857 for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced trip and fall attorney.
