Slip and fall accidents are one of the leading causes of injuries in the state of Colorado. It’s common for people to be unaware of their legal rights after a slip and fall accident. This often means they won’t receive the compensation they deserve.
A property owner and the person(s) who controls the condition of the property have a responsibility to keep their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. This includes ensuring walkways and floors are free from hazards that could cause someone to slip and fall such as water, ice, and loose gravel.
Keep in mind that many factors can determine if a victim is able to pursue redress if injured in a fall. In Colorado, whether the victim is a trespasser, licensee, or invitee is critical in determining liability in such cases.
A trespasser is someone that enters land without the right or permission to do so. Property owners only have a duty to refrain from willfully or blatantly injuring trespassers. So the property owner is probably not liable if a trespasser slips and falls on an icy sidewalk.
A licensee has the landowner’s permission when they enter the property but doesn’t have an invitation. The property owner has a duty of reasonable care with regards to known dangerous conditions for licensees. The owner may be liable if they didn’t remove the ice or give warning before the licensee slips and falls on an icy sidewalk.
An invitee enters the area due to an invitation from the landowner. In many cases, invitees are business owners. The person who has control over the property has a duty to inspect and stabilize any dangerous conditions and owe the highest degree of care. So the owner is most likely liable for not inspecting or de-icing the area if an invitee slips and falls on an icy sidewalk.
The most common types of slip and fall injuries are strains and sprains of muscles, ligaments and tendons. These usually occur at the time of fall when a person twists abruptly or lands on an outstretched hand. Ankles, knees, and wrists can be strained or sprained due to sudden impact and turning motions.
Fractures resulting from slip and fall incidents tend to affect the wrists, hips, and shoulder joints. It’s common for wrists to be fractured first to break the impact of a fall. Hips may fracture if a person falls sideways and lands on the hip joint with considerable force. Shoulder fractures can occur when someone attempts to stop a fall by outstretching their arms.
Head and brain injuries are another serious type of slip and fall injury. When a person falls and hits their head on a hard surface, it can result in mild to severe traumatic brain injury. Concussions, skull fractures, internal bleeding, and bruising of the brain are all possible outcomes of impact to the head during a slip and fall incident.
If you have experienced a slip and fall due to the negligence of a property owner, you may be entitled to compensation for your lost wages, medical bills, permanent impairment, and any pain and suffering. It’s important to contact a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after your accident to discuss your legal options. An experienced attorney can investigate the accident, obtain any available security footage, interview witnesses, hire expert witnesses, and build a strong case against responsible parties.
Don’t let time limits expire on making an insurance claim or filing a personal injury lawsuit. These limits are typically two years, depending on the circumstances. Gather as much evidence as you can such as photos of the hazard, witness information, and medical records. A lawyer can help build the strongest case and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.
If you suffered a slip and fall injury, contact a personal injury attorney to discuss your accident and potential compensation options. Law One is one of the top Denver law firms for personal injury cases such as slip and fall incidents. You can contact Law One at (303) 831-8313 for a complimentary consultation today.
