When you’re injured on someone else’s property due to unsafe conditions, the aftermath can be overwhelming: mounting medical bills, lost wages, emotional distress, and more. Under Colorado law, you may be entitled to compensation that can help you get back on track. However, claiming compensation is often difficult without the help of a lawyer.
Find a reliable Broomfield premises liability lawyer at the Goldman & Haydel law firm. We specialize in helping victims secure the compensation they deserve by holding accountable those negligent property owners who caused their injuries. For a free consultation, call us today at (720) 571-0606.
Why You Need a Premises Liability Lawyer in Broomfield
Navigating a premises liability claim without legal representation can be daunting. A skilled attorney brings:
- Legal knowledge: Understanding of Colorado’s complex premises liability laws
- Mastery of the procedure: Ensuring you properly accomplish every step and meet every deadline in the legal process
- Negotiation skills: Ability to deal with insurance companies that often try to minimize payouts
- Resources: Access to investigators and experts who can strengthen your case.
An experienced lawyer ensures you don’t make critical mistakes that could jeopardize your claim.
How Our Law Firm Can Help You Seek Justice and Fair Compensation
At Goldman & Haydel Injury Lawyers, we specialize in premises liability cases across Colorado, including Broomfield. Here’s how we help:
- Conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies on your behalf
- Represent you in court if necessary to secure justice and compensation
- Guide you and consistently communicate with you every step of the way.
We offer a free consultation so you can discuss your case without financial risk. Call us at (720) 571-0606 today.
What Is Premises Liability Law in Colorado?
Premises liability law holds property owners responsible for injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe conditions or negligence. Under the Colorado Premises Liability Act (Colorado Revised Statutes section 13-21-115), property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors, whether it’s a private residence, commercial establishment, or public space.
The law categorizes visitors into three groups:
- Invitees: These are people on the property for the owner’s benefit – for example, customers at a shop. Owners owe them the highest duty of care.
- Licensees: These are social guests or individuals on the property for their own purposes.
- Trespassers: These are individuals without permission to be on the property; they are afforded minimal protection.
Not all of these visitors may have a premises liability case. A judge will ascertain what kind of visitor the victim was, which affects the damages they can seek:
- Trespasser – Because they did not have the right to be on the property, trespassers cannot seek compensation under premises liability law. They can only seek damages intentionally incurred by the owner.
- Licensee – A licensee has the right to pursue damages stemming from safety risks that the property owner knew about but failed to address.
- Invitee – An invitee may pursue damages if the owner failed to address dangerous conditions that they knew about or should have known about.
What Are the Responsibilities of Property Owners Under Colorado Law?
Property owners are legally obligated to maintain their premises in a safe condition. This includes:
- Inspecting for hazards regularly
- Repairing known dangers promptly
- Providing adequate warnings about potential risks.
Failure to meet these responsibilities can result in legal liability if someone is injured on their property.
Common Premises Liability Injury Instances in Broomfield
Whether you’re visiting a friend, shopping at a store, or spending time anywhere outside your home, accidents can happen due to a property owner’s negligence. These can range from something minor, like allowing wet floors to cause a slip and fall injury, to something more severe, such as assault at a business with inadequate security.
Common examples of premises liability injuries include:
- Slips, trips, and falls
- Injuries at construction sites
- Accidents in hotels
- Assaults resulting from negligent security
- Poorly maintained or broken stairs
- Uneven or hazardous flooring
- Wet surfaces without proper warning signs
- Damaged or missing railings
- Swimming pool accidents and drownings.
If a property owner allows their home or business to fall into disrepair, leading to your injury, you may have the right to pursue financial compensation. This could cover your medical expenses, insurance claims, and the pain and suffering you’ve endured.
What Are Common Injuries in Premises Liability Cases?
Injuries resulting from premises liability accidents often include:
- Concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries
- Broken wrists, arms, and other fractures
- Back strains and spinal injuries
- Paralysis, such as quadriplegia, tetraplegia, and nerve damage
- Internal organ injuries
- Burns and electric shocks
- Illnesses caused by toxic exposure or poisoning
- Drowning.
These injuries can result from falls on the same level or from heights, being crushed or caught between objects, electrical accidents, and exposure to hazardous substances. The severity and type of injury depend on the nature of the accident.
What Compensation Can You Recover in a Premises Liability Claim?
Victims of premises liability injuries may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical bills: Covering immediate and ongoing treatment costs
- Lost wages: Reimbursement for income lost due to inability to work
- Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical and emotional distress.
In cases involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be awarded to you as a punishment to the at-fault party.
How Do Insurance Companies Handle Premises Liability Claims?
Insurance companies often aim to settle claims quickly and for as little as possible. They may dispute liability by blaming you, or offer lowball settlements before you understand your rights. Having an attorney handle negotiations ensures you receive fair compensation.
How to Prove Negligence in a Premises Liability Case
To succeed in a premises liability claim, you must prove the following elements:
- A hazardous condition existed on someone else’s property.
- The property owner failed to uphold their duty of care.
- Your injury directly resulted from the owner’s negligence.
Establishing these three key elements is crucial to securing a successful outcome in your case.
What Is the Statute of Limitations for Filing a Premises Liability Lawsuit in Colorado?
In Colorado, you must file a premises liability lawsuit within two years from the date of the injury. Exceptions may apply if:
- The injury wasn’t immediately apparent.
- The victim is a minor or incapacitated.
Failing to meet this deadline could bar you from recovering damages.
Injured in Broomfield? Contact Goldman & Haydel for Your Premises Liability Claim.
If you’ve suffered an injury on someone else’s property due to hazardous conditions, you don’t have to face the legal battle alone. At Goldman & Haydel Personal Injury & Accident Lawyers, we are dedicated to holding negligent property owners accountable and securing the compensation you deserve.
Time is critical in premises liability cases, so don’t wait — reach out now for a free consultation. While you concentrate on getting better, let us take care of the complicated legal issues. Give us a call at (720) 571-0606 to discuss your potential case with our experienced premises liability attorneys.
