Slip and trip accidents can cause serious injuries, unexpected medical bills, and weeks or months away from work. Navigating your recovery while sorting through insurance issues and property owner excuses can be overwhelming on your own. That’s where an experienced slip and fall attorney in Denver can step in. We know how to calculate the true cost of your injuries and recover the monetary compensation you’re entitled to. Let us help you if you’re facing this troubling situation. Call a Denver personal injury attorney to schedule a free case evaluation today at 720-812-1047.
What Is a Slip and Fall Accident in Denver?
When someone gets hurt after slipping, tripping, or losing their balance on someone else’s property, that’s called a slip and fall accident. According to premises liability law, a property owner or tenant may be held responsible if their negligence creates a dangerous situation that causes an injury.
What makes these accidents especially troubling is how suddenly they can disrupt a person’s life; one unexpected fall can cause fractures, head injuries, or back pain that lead to long-term issues. That’s why understanding your rights after a slip and fall is so important.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Accidents in Denver
Slip and fall accidents in Denver can happen almost anywhere, from grocery stores to neighbors’ homes. Both businesses and private property owners have a responsibility to keep their premises safe, but dangerous conditions are still common. Common causes include: Wet floors
- Ice or snow
- Poor lighting
- Broken steps
- Uneven walkways
- Unsecured railings
- Torn carpets
Unsafe property conditions No matter where the accident occurred, our legal team can help determine what your rights and options are.
Denver Locations and Conditions Most Likely for Slip and Fall Injuries (new)
Certain places and situations in Denver are more prone to slip and fall accidents, leading to serious injuries. Below are some of the most common locations and conditions where slip and fall injuries tend to occur.
Icy Sidewalks and Parking Lots
Denver winters often leave sidewalks and parking lots slick with ice or packed snow. When property owners don’t shovel or treat these areas, hidden hazards like black ice can form. Building entrances are another common spot for falls, especially when melting snow gets tracked indoors and refreezes overnight.
Busy Grocery Stores and Malls
Places with a lot of shoppers are especially hazardous when spills from groceries or drinks aren’t cleaned quickly. Sometimes, floors are still wet from cleaning, which can also cause falls.
Apartment Complexes
In apartment buildings, accidents can happen in dim stairwells where lights are out or on stairways with broken steps or loose handrails. Outside, uneven pavement or cracked sidewalks can make the area difficult to navigate.
Construction Sites
Busy construction areas may have temporary walkways created with unsecured boards or poorly marked hazards.
No matter what the situation is, you could be able to seek legal recourse if you’re injured during a slip and fall that was caused by someone else’s negligence.
Injuries from Denver Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can cause serious injuries, some of which may heal quickly while others can affect your health forever. Some common injuries victims endure include:
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Head injuries and concussions
- Soft tissue damage (sprains, strains, or torn ligaments)
- Back or neck pain
- Cuts and bruises
- Hip fractures
- Shoulder or wrist injuries
Some people recover quickly, while others face surgeries or long-term limitations as a result of their injuries. Because even minor injuries can get worse over time, it’s important to take every slip and fall seriously and consider your rights to compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Denver for a Slip and Fall Case?
After a slip and fall, several different parties may be legally responsible, depending on who owned or controlled the property where your injury occurred. Identifying the correct liable party ensures your claim is directed appropriately.
Property Owners
The owner of a residence or commercial property may be liable if unsafe conditions caused your accident.
Businesses
Stores, restaurants, and other commercial entities can be held responsible for neglecting to keep their premises safe for visitors and customers.
Landlords
If you fell in a rented space or common area, a landlord may owe compensation for failing to address known hazards.
Government Entities
Slips and falls on public sidewalks, parks, or government buildings might involve claims against city or state entities. These claims have shorter deadlines (often just 180 days) and more paperwork that must be handled.
Each situation is different, but holding negligent parties accountable is necessary for compensation. Reach out to a lawyer as soon as possible so they can help you begin your recovery.
What Compensation Can You Recover After a Slip and Fall Accident in Denver?
If you slip and fall in Denver due to someone else’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation for your losses. The amount you can recover depends on your injuries, the costs you’ve faced, and how the accident has changed your life. Understanding the different forms of compensation can help you know what to expect and what to request.
Economic Damages
Economic damages are all about the direct financial costs that result from your fall. These could include things like:
- Medical bills for emergency visits, hospital stays, surgery, prescriptions, and rehab
- Future medical treatments if you need ongoing care
- Lost wages for any missed work
- Reduced future earning ability if you can’t return to your job
- Out-of-pocket expenses, such as crutches or in-home help while you recover
Non-Economic Damages
Some losses aren’t quite so easy to put a number on, but they are just as real. Non-economic damages focus on how the accident has affected your life in personal ways, such as:
- Pain and suffering caused by your injuries
- Emotional distress or anxiety after the accident
- Loss of enjoyment, if you can’t take part in hobbies or daily activities you once enjoyed
- Scarring, disfigurement, or permanent disability
- Damage to your relationships with loved ones
Punitive Damages
In rare cases, a court may award punitive damages if the property owner’s conduct was especially reckless or outrageous. Rather than replacing your losses, these are meant as a punishment to the other party.
Together, these damages help you recover after a serious slip and fall.
Preventing Slip and Fall Accidents in Denver
Both property owners and visitors play a role in stopping slip and fall accidents in Denver. By taking a few practical steps, many serious injuries can be avoided.
- Regularly shovel and salt icy sidewalks and entryways during winter weather
- Quickly mop up spills and mark wet areas with warning signs indoors
- Repair broken stairs, handrails, and flooring as soon as damage is noticed
- Keep hallways, stairs, and entryways well-lit to avoid tripping hazards at night
- Place sturdy, non-slip mats at pedestrian entrances
- Remove clutter and debris, especially in high-traffic or public walkways
- Wear sturdy shoes and stay alert to hazardous areas
- Avoid texting or looking at their phones while walking
- Don’t rush, especially on uneven or unfamiliar surfaces
- Make use of available handrails when using stairs
- Report unsafe conditions right away to building staff or property managers
When everyone is paying attention the likelihood of a fall goes down.
What Compensation Can Victims Recover in Denver?
In slip and fall cases, victims may be eligible for a range of damages designed to cover their losses and the injuries they’ve suffered.
- Medical bills
- Lost wages or employment opportunities
- Pain and suffering
- Costs for extended or long-term care
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means if you are found partially at fault, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. However, as long as you are less than 50% to blame, you can still recover damages.
Why Hire a Denver Slip and Fall Lawyer?
Getting hurt in a slip and fall accident can leave you dealing with pain and piles of paperwork. Understanding your rights and building a strong claim can be overwhelming, especially while you’re trying to recover. A slip and fall lawyer in Denver offers valuable support in several important ways.
Investigating and Proving Negligence
Handling Insurance Companies
Free Consultation and Contingency Fee
When you work with an experienced slip and fall injury attorney, you put your recovery in the hands of someone who truly knows what they’re doing.
Contact Our Denver Slip and Fall Attorneys Today
If you’ve been hurt in a slip and fall accident, don’t face it or the insurance company alone. We offer a free, no-risk case review where you speak directly with an attorney about your case and potential options. Contact us now at 720-812-1047 or fill out our simple online form to get started. The sooner we look at your case, the sooner we can start helping you get what you truly deserve. Reach out to our Denver slip and fall lawyers today.