Denver Premises Liability Lawyer

Understanding Premises Liability in Colorado: Holding Property Owners Accountable

First things first: What, exactly, is premises liability?

Premises liability in Denver refers to a legal responsibility property owners owe to individuals who may come across their premises. It’s a property owner’s duty to make sure their property is safe if people will have access to it. For example, think about a parking lot. If it’s cracked because the property owner hasn’t done maintenance recently, someone could trip and fall when walking across the lot.

If someone gets injured because of a hazardous condition on someone else’s property, they may be able to pursue compensation.

Types of Premises Liability Cases

There are many types of premises liability cases in Colorado. Some common examples include:

• Slip and fall accidents
• Inadequate security (and resultant assault or robbery)
• Dog bites
• Negligent maintenance (as in our parking lot example)
• Accidents in retail stores or private residences

Premises liability can be tricky to identify and litigate because many property owners will be adamant that they had nothing to do with a victim’s injury – or try to pin the blame on the victim’s carelessness, lack of awareness, or incompetence.

That’s victim blaming, and that’s not okay! But determining who is at fault and what you can hold property owners accountable to can be difficult. Luckily, that’s where we can help.

Relevant Colorado Premises Liability Laws

Colorado’s premises liability regulations mainly fall under one law: the Colorado premises liability statute – CO Code § 13-21-115 (2021).

In that code, the law lays out the various legal statuses of each pertinent person in a premises liability case. To mount a strong case, you must identify whether the plaintiff and defendant fall into these clear categories.

Legal Statuses for the Plaintiff in Colorado Premises Liability Actions

To file a premises liability action, you need to show that you (or your loved one) as the victim were a trespasser, licensee, or invitee concerning the involved property.

The amount you can pursue in damages will depend on this legal status. For example:

• If you’re deemed a trespasser, you may only be able to claim damages deliberately caused by the property owner.
• If you’re a licensee, you can recover compensation for damages caused by the property owner’s failure to exercise reasonable care OR unreasonable failure to warn of exceptional dangers the owner did not personally cause.
• If you’re an invitee, you can recover for damages caused by the landowner’s lack of reasonable care or protection against dangers they knew about – OR should have known about.

If you go to court, the judge will determine this formally, but you should already have a good idea if you’re filing an action.

Determining the Identify of the Defendant in a Colorado Premises Liability Case

You also need to identify who the relevant landowner or property owner is. This is the person you may be able to sue.

Under CO Code § 13-21-115 (2021), the landowner or property owner could be:

• The person in possession of the property or their authorized agent
• The person legally responsible for the property or activities on the property
• Property managers
• Vendors
• Tenants
• Contractors
• Event planners or organizers

If your case goes to trial, a judge will consider all the compiled evidence to determine which property owner or agent is responsible for damages.

Call (303) 465-8733 to speak with an experienced lawyer about your case.

For a free legal consultation with a premises liability lawyer serving Denver, call (303) 465-8733

A Practical Guide to Premises Liability Actions

When someone gets injured on someone else’s property, they may have grounds for a premises liability action or personal injury case.

Here, we’ll discuss the essential elements of these actions and the steps to expect when pursuing compensation:

The Elements of a Valid Premises Liability Claim

For your claim to be lawful and robust, you’ll need to establish certain elements of your case. These elements include:

• A duty of care.
• A breach of that duty.
• Causation.
• Damages.

What Types of Damages Are Available in a Premises Liability Action?

Here’s a quick look at the damages you may be able to pursue:

How a Colorado Premises Liability Lawyer Can Help You

If you’ve just sustained an injury, you don’t have time to do extensive homework about Colorado law. You also don’t have the bandwidth to argue with your insurer (or third-party insurers) who don’t have your best interests in mind.

“You’re dealing with an insurance company or car insurance company, that their whole their whole existence is to, you know, have presented to them and claims not paid out. It’s an uphill battle facing a huge company that is going to try to undervalue that person’s claim from the beginning.” – JASON JORDAN

Here’s what you can do after an incident in Denver, and what your lawyer will be able to tackle on your behalf:

What You Can Do After a Premises Liability Incident

Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, a minor slip and fall can result in a concussion and insidious internal injuries. Your doctor’s report will also be important later in your case.

Document what happened. Whip out your phone and take a few pictures of the area, if you’re not too badly hurt. If you’re acting after the fact, write down everything you remember (or take a voice memo).

Preserve all relevant evidence. Don’t wash or toss your clothing – keep them in case they’re needed later on.

Contact a good lawyer. Your key to relaxing after your accident is retaining the services of an experienced Colorado personal injury attorney. Call (303) 465-8733 to call Jordan Law, and we’ll set up your free consultation at your earliest convenience.

What Premises Liability Lawyers Do for You

Your Denver property liability attorney can help you:

• Evaluate your case.
• Navigate the complex legal process before you.
• Investigate your accident.
• Establish liability.
• Negotiate with other involved parties.
• Litigate your case, if necessary.
• Work toward maximum compensation.
• Ultimately, gain the peace of mind you deserve!

Call (303) 465-8733 today, and the Jordan Law Firm will be pleased to take your case off your shoulders.

Denver Premises Liability Lawyer Near Me (303) 465-8733

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