Denver Premises Liability Lawyers

Handling Slip & Fall Accidents, Dog Bites, & Other Premises Liability Cases in Colorado Springs, Denver, & Beyond

Thousands across the Front Range and Colorado’s Eastern Plains have turned to Leventhal Swan Taylor Temming PC for personal injury cases, including premises liability claims, and you can, too. We stand ready to help those hurt by a property owner’s negligence. No matter the circumstances, our goal remains the same: to pursue the maximum compensation possible, providing our clients with security as they focus on recovery. We have secured numerous multi-million-dollar settlements for our clients. 

In Denver, premises liability laws apply to a wide variety of properties, from downtown office buildings to neighborhood apartment complexes and public spaces like Civic Center Park. Property owners and managers must comply with both state and local safety codes. If they fail to correct hazards such as icy walkways or inadequate security lighting, they put visitors at risk. 

Because Denver experiences heavy snow and rain each year, claims relating to slip-and-fall or inadequate maintenance frequently arise in city neighborhoods and commercial districts. If you suffered an injury at a local business, apartment, or public property, you may have a valid case under Colorado's premises liability law. Understanding how local ordinances and state law intersect can help shape the strength of your claim and determine how liability is established in Denver courts. A premises liability attorney in Denver can help clarify your options.

Find out how we can serve you in a consultation. Schedule yours by calling (719) 689-8767 or submitting our firm’s online contact form. We conduct these meetings at our convenient Denver or Colorado Springs office locations.

What to Know About Colorado Premises Liability Law

Like other personal injury claims, premises liability cases rely on the legal concept of negligence. In Colorado, owners or managers of property owe licensees, invitees, and in some circumstances even trespassers, a duty of care. This means they must keep their property free from hazards that could cause harm. If you are injured on someone else’s property because of their negligence, you may have grounds for a premises liability claim.

The Colorado Premises Liability Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-115) outlines an injured person's potential legal rights and the responsibilities of property owners. The law specifies different duties of care depending on whether the injured person was an invitee, licensee, or trespasser. This distinction significantly impacts the compensation available. 

The statute of limitations in Colorado generally gives injured individuals two years from the date of the incident to bring a claim. If you wait longer, the court may bar your right to recover compensation. Working with a premises liability attorney in Denver who knows Colorado’s injury laws ensures you understand all deadlines and nuances that apply to premises liability cases in Denver and throughout the state.

How the Colorado Premises Liability Act Impacts Your Claim

The Colorado Premises Liability Act determines who may recover damages after an injury on someone else’s property, as well as the standards for property owner responsibility. The law classifies people on the premises as trespassers, licensees, or invitees, and assigns a duty of care accordingly. Invitees, such as customers visiting a Denver shop or shoppers in a mall, receive the highest level of protection. Property owners must take reasonable steps to ensure the safety of these visitors, including warning them about known dangers and regularly inspecting the property for hazards.

Licensees, including guests visiting a friend’s apartment in Denver, also receive protection but with a narrower duty of care. Property owners must warn licensees of hazards they actually know about but do not have the broader obligation to inspect the property for hidden dangers. For trespassers, owners only need to avoid intentional or willful harm. Understanding these distinctions helps you and your lawyer determine the viability of your claim and the evidence required. If you experienced an injury while visiting or conducting business on a Denver property, clarity about your legal status is the foundation for the next steps in your case.

The Act also impacts how comparative negligence is viewed. If you are partially responsible for your injury (for example, by ignoring posted warnings or behaving recklessly), Colorado’s modified comparative fault rule could reduce or bar your recovery. A premises liability lawyer in Denver can assess how these laws apply to your situation and help you navigate the complex requirements set by the state legislature and local courts.

The Legal Process for Premises Liability Cases in Denver

A premises liability claim in Denver typically starts with a detailed investigation of the circumstances leading to the injury. The process involves identifying all responsible parties, collecting evidence like photographs, incident reports, and witness testimony, and reviewing property maintenance records. Understanding local Denver safety codes and city ordinances is essential because these rules set the standard for proper property care and can influence how liability is determined in court.

Once you and your attorney have documented the facts, a formal claim is submitted to the liable party’s insurance company or legal representative. Many cases resolve through negotiation, but sometimes litigation becomes necessary. If your case proceeds to court, the matter may be heard in the Denver County Court or District Court, depending on the value and complexity. Throughout the process, adhering to Colorado’s two-year statute of limitations is crucial—missing the deadline may prevent any recovery.

Denver’s court system follows strict procedures regarding evidence, legal arguments, and deadlines. Property owners and their insurers often use common defenses, such as asserting that the hazard was open and obvious or that you bore some responsibility for your injuries. Hiring a premises liability lawyer in Denver familiar with these local nuances and court practices provides a significant advantage when seeking compensation for medical bills, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Common Defenses Used by Property Owners in Denver Premises Liability Cases

Property owners and insurers use several legal defenses to reduce or defeat liability in Denver premises claims. A common argument is the "open and obvious" doctrine, where the defense claims that a hazard—such as a clearly marked wet floor or a conspicuous construction area—should have been easily spotted and avoided by a reasonable person. If the court finds the danger was obvious and you failed to exercise ordinary caution, your compensation could be reduced or denied.

Another defense is comparative fault. If you share any blame for the accident—for example, if you were distracted by a mobile device or ignored posted warnings—Colorado’s modified comparative negligence laws might proportionally decrease your compensation. Property owners may also claim they had no reasonable opportunity to fix an unexpected hazard, especially after sudden weather changes common in Denver. A skilled attorney can anticipate and counter these defenses with timely evidence and solid legal arguments, which often prove pivotal in local courts. Understanding these strategies helps clients prepare their cases more effectively and informs a realistic view of likely outcomes.

 Schedule yours by calling (719) 689-8767 or submitting our firm’s online contact form.