Slip and Fall Injury Attorney in Fort Collins
Falls can cause significant and life-changing injuries. Yet, recovering compensation for slip and fall injuries can be a challenge. Slip and fall claims come under premises liability law, a complicated area of Colorado personal injury law. Under these laws, property owners are responsible for maintaining a reasonably safe environment for guests and customers, free from hazards. However, holding a property owner accountable and proving fault can be difficult.
At The Wilhite Law Firm, our Fort Collins slip and fall lawyers are committed to helping you navigate the premises liability claim process. We can pursue the compensation you need to move forward with your life after a slip and fall accident. We have an extensive track record and impeccable reputation for helping clients recover the money they deserve.
Contact our Fort Collins office today for a free consultation with a slip-and-fall lawyer. We take the time to thoroughly review your situation and outline your legal options for pursuing compensation.
Are Slip and Fall Accidents Common?
Are slip-and-fall accidents common in Fort Collins? Yes. News reports in the Denver Post indicate that slip-and-fall accidents in Colorado are rising, especially those involving snow and ice. The National Floor Safety Institute indicates that falls account for at least eight million emergency room visits annually and are the leading cause of ER visits in the United States. Falls are the leading cause of lost days from work.
Slip and fall accidents are more common than people think and can lead to financial losses due to extensive medical expenses and lost wages.
Where Do Most Slip and Fall Accidents Happen?
A slip and fall accident can happen almost anywhere. However, there are locations where these accidents are more common.
Some of the locations where most slip and fall accidents occur include:
- Grocery stores
- Shopping centers
- Parking lots
- Sidewalks
- Hotels
- Apartments
- Private homes
- Restaurants
- Office buildings
- Workplaces
- Elevators
- Escalators
- Sports arenas
- Theaters
- Amusement parks
- Nursing homes
- Pools
If you are involved in a slip and fall accident on someone else’s property and suffer serious injuries, it is time to discuss your situation with an experienced Fort Collins slip and fall attorney for help. You deserve compensation for your medical bills and fall injuries. Our Fort Collins slip and fall attorney can help.
What Types of Injuries Occur with Slip and Fall Accidents?
Slip-and-fall accidents cause more than sprains and strains. They can lead to significant injuries and medical complications. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicates that falls are the leading cause of traumatic brain injuries in the United States.
Falls can also lead to other serious injuries, such as:
- Broken bones, especially arms, legs, wrists, and hips
- Neck injuries
- Facial injuries
- Dental injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Soft tissue damage
- Dislocations
- Lacerations
- Contusions
- Traumatic brain injuries
Many of these injuries can lead to significant medical bills, time away from work for recovery, and long-term physical and mental health issues. Get in touch with our Fort Collins slip and fall lawyer today.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Slip and Fall Injury?
According to Colorado premises liability law, property owners must maintain and promptly address maintenance issues and hazards to ensure their property remains reasonably safe for guests, patrons, and visitors. Failing to uphold this duty of care means that a property owner may be held liable for injuries that result from a slip and fall accident caused by a hazardous condition on their premises.
Who can be held responsible for a slip-and-fall accident? That depends on the circumstances of the incident.
Typically, these entities may be responsible for a slip and fall incident:
- Property owners
- Property managers
- Landlords
- Tenants
- Government entities or municipalities
The responsible party’s insurer might compensate you for your injuries and financial losses. Before you accept money from anyone, including an insurer, speak with a knowledgeable Fort Collins slip and fall accident lawyer who can review your case and calculate its value.
How Do You Prove That Someone’s Negligence Was Responsible for the Slip and Fall?
Proving liability claims means gathering and preserving evidence. You must use evidence to build a claim with the best chance of recovering the money you need for your financial losses. You and your lawyer will need to prove that there was a hazardous condition on the property, that the owner should have known about and repaired the condition or warned visitors that it existed, and that you were injured because of that hazardous condition. Your lawyer will also need to prove that you suffered material harm from your injuries and demonstrate the extent of your losses.
Can I Receive Compensation for My Injuries?
You can pursue compensation for injuries and other financial losses you suffered in a slip and fall accident from a careless property owner. However, recovering compensation can be challenging. Working with an experienced Fort Collins slip and fall attorney is the best way to pursue compensation following an accident.
You can file a claim with the at-fault party’s insurance company for compensation to cover your accident-related injuries and losses. However, an insurance company saves money and increases its bottom line by quickly moving through claims and offering the least amount of money possible. A lowball initial offer from an insurer may not cover all your financial losses. Your attorney can calculate the fair value of your claim and aggressively negotiate for the money you need.
Although the amount of compensation you’re entitled to depends on the circumstances of the accident and the severity of your injuries, you may pursue money for the following:
- Current and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Disability
- Loss of quality of life
- Pain and suffering
Discuss your situation with a seasoned slip and fall attorney before accepting a property owner’s or insurer’s offer. An attorney can advocate for you and protect your legal rights.
Is There a Time Limit for Filing a Slip and Fall Injury Lawsuit?
Yes. There is a time limit on filing a slip-and-fall injury lawsuit. Colorado law gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. If you fail to file in time, your case can be dismissed. If you file late, you’ll also lose leverage with the insurance company and the potential to recover maximum compensation.
Contact a Fort Collins Slip and Fall Accident Lawyer
You have legal rights. Protect them by speaking with a Fort Collins slip and fall lawyer today. The Fort Collins personal injury lawyers at The Wilhite Law Firm want to advocate for you. Contact our office today and request a free case evaluation with an experienced Fort Collins slip and fall accident attorney.
