Slip & Fall Injury Attorney

Experienced Denver Slip and Fall Attorneys

Slip and fall accidents are no laughing matter. According to the National Floor Safety Institute (NFSI), falls account for over 8 million emergency room visits annually—the leading cause of ER visits in the United States. In Colorado, where icy conditions persist from October through April, slip and fall accidents are especially common and often result in devastating injuries.

Property owners have a legal duty to maintain safe premises for visitors and guests. When they fail to meet this duty, serious injuries can occur. If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, and other damages. At Conduit Law, our experienced Denver slip and fall attorneys understand the complexities of premises liability law and fight to hold negligent property owners accountable.

Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents

Slip and fall accidents can occur in various locations and circumstances:

• Wet or Slippery Floors: Spills, leaks, and recently mopped surfaces
• Uneven Surfaces: Cracked sidewalks, potholes, and uneven flooring
• Poor Lighting: Inadequate lighting in stairwells, parking lots, and walkways
• Loose Carpeting: Torn, frayed, or improperly secured carpeting
• Missing Handrails: Absent or broken handrails on stairs and ramps
• Ice and Snow: Uncleared walkways and parking lots
• Obstacles: Debris, cords, and other objects in walkways
• Elevation Changes: Unexpected steps, curbs, and level changes
• Defective Stairs: Broken, loose, or improperly maintained stairs
• Inadequate Warning Signs: Missing or insufficient warning of hazards

Types of Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents can result in serious, life-altering injuries:

• Broken Bones: Fractures of the hip, wrist, ankle, and other bones
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
• Spinal Injuries: Back and neck injuries that can cause chronic pain
• Soft Tissue Injuries: Sprains, strains, and muscle damage
• Internal Injuries: Organ damage and internal bleeding
• Dislocations: Joint dislocations requiring medical treatment
• Lacerations: Cuts and wounds requiring stitches
• Chronic Pain: Long-term pain and mobility issues

Where Slip and Fall Accidents Occur

Our Denver slip and fall attorneys handle cases in various locations:

• Retail Stores: Grocery stores, department stores, and shopping centers
• Restaurants: Dining establishments and food service areas
• Hotels and Motels: Lobbies, hallways, and guest areas
• Office Buildings: Lobbies, elevators, and common areas
• Parking Lots: Shopping centers, office buildings, and residential complexes
• Sidewalks: Public and private walkways
• Stairs and Elevators: Residential and commercial buildings
• Swimming Pools: Pool decks and surrounding areas
• Construction Sites: Work areas and temporary walkways
• Residential Properties: Private homes and apartment complexes

Colorado Premises Liability Law (C.R.S. § 13-21-115)

Understanding Colorado's premises liability laws is crucial for your case. Colorado law classifies visitors into different categories, each with different protections:

• Invitees (Highest Duty): Customers, clients, and business visitors. Property owners must inspect for hazards and warn or repair dangerous conditions. This includes shoppers at grocery stores, diners at restaurants, and guests at hotels.
• Licensees (Moderate Duty): Social guests and others with permission to enter. Owners must warn of known hazards but don't have to inspect.
• Trespassers (Limited Duty): Generally, owners only owe a duty not to intentionally harm trespassers. Children may receive more protection under the "attractive nuisance" doctrine.
• Modified Comparative Fault: Under C.R.S. § 13-21-111, you can recover damages as long as you're less than 50% at fault for the accident. Your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
• Notice Requirements: You must prove the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard. Evidence of how long the hazard existed is critical.
• Statute of Limitations: You have 2 years from the date of injury to file a slip and fall lawsuit. Claims against government entities (city sidewalks, public buildings) require notice within 182 days.

Denver's Winter Ice & Snow Liability

Colorado's "Snow Removal Liability" rules create unique considerations:

• Commercial Property Owners: Generally required to maintain safe walkways during business hours
• Residential Owners: Denver municipal code requires sidewalk snow removal within 24 hours of snowfall ending
• Natural Accumulation: Some property owners claim immunity for "natural" ice, but this defense has significant limitations
• Unnatural Accumulation: Melting and refreezing due to poor drainage creates liability even if the original snow was natural

Why Choose Conduit Law for Your Slip and Fall Case?

Our Denver slip and fall attorneys have the experience and knowledge to handle complex premises liability cases:

• Understanding of Premises Liability: We know the laws that protect injury victims
• Thorough Investigation: We gather evidence, witness testimony, and expert opinions
• Access to Experts: We work with accident reconstructionists and safety experts
• Aggressive Representation: We fight for maximum compensation for your injuries
• Proven Results: We've recovered millions for slip and fall victims
• No Upfront Costs: We work on contingency - you pay nothing unless we win
• Compassionate Approach: We understand the challenges you face after an injury

What to Do After a Slip and Fall Accident

If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident, take these important steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Your health is the top priority
2. Report the Accident: Notify the property owner or manager
3. Document Everything: Take photos, get witness information, and keep records
4. Don't Sign Anything: Avoid signing releases or statements without legal advice
5. Contact an Attorney: Slip and fall cases are complex and time-sensitive
6. Preserve Evidence: Keep your shoes, clothing, and any other evidence
7. Keep Medical Records: Document all treatment and expenses

Types of Damages in Slip and Fall Cases

Slip and fall cases can seek compensation for various types of damages:

• Medical Expenses: Past and future medical treatment costs
• Lost Wages: Past and future lost earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering: Physical and emotional distress
• Loss of Enjoyment of Life: Inability to participate in activities
• Disability and Impairment: Permanent limitations and restrictions
• Rehabilitation Costs: Physical therapy and other treatments
• Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, walkers, and other equipment
• Home Modifications: Accessibility improvements and accommodations

Proving a Slip and Fall Case

Successful slip and fall cases require strong evidence:

• Photographic Evidence: Photos of the hazard and accident scene
• Witness Testimony: Statements from people who saw the accident
• Medical Records: Documentation of injuries and treatment
• Expert Testimony: Safety experts and accident reconstructionists
• Maintenance Records: Property maintenance and inspection records
• Incident Reports: Reports filed with the property owner
• Weather Records: Weather conditions at the time of the accident

Common Defenses in Slip and Fall Cases

Property owners often try to avoid liability by claiming:

• Open and Obvious: The hazard was visible and avoidable
• Contributory Negligence: The victim was partially at fault
• Lack of Notice: The owner didn't know about the hazard
• Reasonable Care: The owner took reasonable steps to prevent accidents
• Assumption of Risk: The victim knew about the risk and proceeded anyway

If you've been injured in a slip and fall accident in Denver or anywhere in Colorado, don't wait to get the help you deserve. Contact Conduit Law today for a free consultation. Our experienced slip and fall attorneys will review your case, explain your rights, and help you understand your options for seeking maximum compensation. We understand the challenges you face and are committed to fighting for the justice and compensation you deserve.