When accidents occur on someone else’s property, the consequences can be devastating. Slip-and-fall accidents often result in severe injuries that require extensive medical treatment alongside missed work days. Property owners have a legal obligation to maintain safe premises for guests. Unfortunately, negligence by property owners frequently leads to slips and falls, which are a leading cause of injuries in Colorado.
If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall accident in Broomfield, call Goldman and Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers. Our experienced attorneys are here to help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve. Schedule a FREE consultation by calling (720) 571-0606 today.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents
Property owners’ negligence often leads to dangerous conditions that cause slip and fall accidents. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Wet or slippery floors from spills, cleaning, or weather conditions
- Uneven walking surfaces and broken pavement
- Poor lighting in walkways and stairways
- Snow and ice accumulation during Colorado winters
- Torn carpeting or loose floorboards
- Unmarked hazards and obstacles.
Common Injuries in Slip-and-Fall Accidents
While a fall can be both embarrassing and painful, it can sometimes result in severe or even life-changing injuries. Common injuries from slip-and-fall accidents in Broomfield include:
- Traumatic brain injuries or other head injuries
- Fractures, including hip fractures, especially among elderly individuals
- Spinal or back injuries
- Knee damage
- Neck injuries
- Shoulder damage
- Thoracic injuries
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and strains
- Facial injuries, including broken teeth.
If you or your loved one suffered a bad fall that led to a serious injury, it’s imperative to seek medical attention right away. Not only does this help protect your physical health, it is also valuable documentation for your potential personal injury claim.
Compensation (Damages) Available to Slip and Fall Victims
Victims of slip and fall accidents may be entitled to various forms of compensation:
- Medical bills, ongoing treatment costs, and related future medical expenses
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Rehabilitation expenses
- Home modifications to accommodate injuries
- Mental anguish or emotional distress
- Other related losses.
Proving Negligence in a Premises Liability Claim for a Slip and Fall Case in Broomfield
Under Colorado law, victims of slip-and-fall accidents have the right to seek compensation when property owners fail to maintain safe premises. This is under the legal concept of premises liability. To succeed in your claim, you must first establish the liability of the negligent party.
In premises liability cases, property owners are required to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and address foreseeable hazards that could harm lawful guests or visitors. If they fail to meet this obligation and you get injured as a result, you have the right to seek compensation for their damages.
Specifically, you must prove these elements of negligence:
- The property owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition.
- The owner failed to take reasonable steps to address the hazard.
- The dangerous condition directly caused the claimant’s injuries.
- The claimant suffered actual damages as a result.
Note that property owners do not owe a duty of care to trespassers. You’ll also have to establish that you were lawfully present on the property with the owner’s explicit or implied permission when the accident happened.
Once liability is established, you can seek compensation for the damages caused by the slip and fall accident. An attorney’s help can be indispensable in proving the property owner’s liability, allowing you to pursue proper compensation for your slip-and-fall injury.
Time Limit for Filing a Broomfield Slip-and-Fall Lawsuit
One way to seek compensation after a slip and fall accident is by filing a lawsuit. However, there are strict time limits for filing. In Colorado, you typically have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit over your personal injury. Certain circumstances can change this deadline, so it’s important to consult a slip and fall accident attorney as soon as you can.
Steps to Take After a Slip and Fall Accident
Taking proper action immediately after a slip and fall accident is crucial for protecting your legal rights:
- Seek immediate medical attention for your injuries.
- Report the accident to the property owner or manager. Ask for a copy of the accident report.
- Document the scene with photos and gather witness information.
- Preserve evidence including clothing worn during the accident.
- Contact an experienced slip and fall attorney.
Why Choose Goldman and Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers
When you need reliable guidance and legal representation in your personal injury claim, contact Goldman and Haydel. We are a trusted Colorado law firm that has obtained maximum compensation for many injury victims, helping them recover financially and emotionally. Our firm brings over 25 years of combined experience representing slip and fall victims throughout Colorado. We offer:
- Aggressive representation in negotiations and in court
- Proven track record of successful outcomes
- Deep understanding of Colorado premises liability law
- Personalized attention to every case
- Regular updates on your case progress.
Your consultation with Goldman and Haydel is free. Call (720) 571-0606 to discuss your case with our Broomfield slip and fall attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions on Broomfield Slip and Fall Accidents
How long do I have to file a slip and fall claim in Broomfield?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for a slip and fall lawsuit is two years from the accident date. However, you have 180 days to file notice if your claim is against a government agency. You may completely forfeit your ability to seek compensation if you miss these deadlines.
It’s crucial to contact an attorney as soon as possible to ensure your personal injury claim is filed within the required timeframe and all necessary evidence is preserved.
How much can I get for my slip and fall case?
The value of a slip and fall case depends on multiple factors including the severity of injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and long-term impact on your life. Each case is unique, and settlement amounts vary significantly based on:
- Extent and permanency of injuries
- Cost of current and future medical treatment
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Impact on quality of life
- Strength of evidence proving liability
- Insurance coverage available.
An experienced attorney can evaluate these factors to determine a fair settlement value for your case.
What if I was partially at fault for my slip and fall accident?
Colorado follows the modified comparative negligence system. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were not responsible for 50% or more of the accident. However, your percentage of fault will be deducted from your reimbursement. For instance, if your losses were $100,000 and you were determined to be 20% at fault, you may get only $80,000.
What evidence is needed to prove a slip and fall case?
Successfully proving a slip and fall case requires substantial evidence:
- Photographs of the hazardous condition
- Surveillance footage if available
- Incident reports
- Witness statements
- Medical records documenting injuries
- Expert testimony when necessary
- Documentation of lost wages and other damages
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Weather reports for outdoor accidents.
How long does it take to resolve a slip and fall case?
The timeline for resolving a slip and fall case depends on several factors:
- Severity of injuries and recovery time
- Complexity of liability issues
- Cooperation of property owners and insurance companies
- Settlement negotiations progress
- Court scheduling if litigation is necessary.
While some cases settle within months, more complex cases can take a year or longer to resolve.
Hurt in a Broomfield Slip and Fall? Consult for Free with Goldman and Haydel Personal Injury.
The experienced legal team at Goldman and Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers stands ready to fight for your rights after your slip-and-fall. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial challenges you’re facing, and we can provide the skilled representation you need during this difficult time.
Our attorneys offer free initial consultations where we can evaluate your case, explain your legal options, and answer any questions you may have about the legal process. With over 25 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases throughout Colorado, we have the knowledge and resources to build a strong case on your behalf.
Take the first step toward seeking compensation. Call us today at (720) 571-0606 or visit our conveniently located Broomfield office at 520 Zang St, Suite 214, Broomfield, CO 80002.
The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin investigating your case and preserving crucial evidence. Don’t let insurance companies minimize your claim – let our skilled attorneys fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
