Slip and Fall Lawyer in Grand Junction
A slip and fall injury can disrupt your life in seconds. One missed warning sign, an unaddressed spill, or a loose handrail can lead to weeks or months of pain, missed work, and medical appointments. If you suffered injuries due to a property owner’s negligence, you may have a legal right to seek compensation.
At The Wilhite Law Firm, we help people in Grand Junction stand up to careless property owners, managers, and insurance companies. Our experienced slip and fall lawyers will review your case, explain your rights, and fight for the full compensation you deserve. Call 970-579-4588 or visit our contact page to get started.
What Is a Slip and Fall Case?
Slip and fall cases are covered under Colorado’s premises liability laws, which hold property owners accountable when hazardous conditions lead to injuries on their property. To succeed in a claim, you must prove the owner knew – or should have known – about the unsafe condition and did not fix it. These types of incidents commonly happen in places like:
- Grocery stores
- Parking lots
- Apartment complexes
- Hotels and restaurants
- Office buildings
- Government-owned properties
- Public sidewalks and stairwells
If you got hurt in a fall on someone else’s property, you might have grounds for legal action. A Grand Junction slip and fall attorney can review the details and help you understand your options.
Common Causes of Slip and Fall Injuries
Slip and fall accidents can happen for many reasons, but some of the most common include:
- Wet or freshly mopped floors without warning signs
- Icy sidewalks or parking lots
- Uneven floors or loose tiles
- Broken handrails or damaged stairs
- Poor lighting in hallways or walkways
- Debris, clutter, or spilled items in aisles
- Unsecured rugs, mats, or carpeting
These dangerous conditions can lead to serious injuries. Victims may suffer broken bones, back injuries, concussions, and soft tissue damage. Some symptoms may be delayed, so getting medical care immediately after a fall is crucial, even if you feel okay at first. Early documentation also supports any potential injury claim.
What to Do After a Slip and Fall
Taking the proper steps after a slip and fall accident can protect both your health and your legal rights:
- Get medical care. Some injuries don’t show up right away, so it’s essential to get checked out.
- Report the fall. Let the property owner or manager know what happened and request a copy of the incident report.
- Take photos. Capture images of the hazard, the scene, and anything that might support your claim.
- Gather witness info. If anyone saw the fall, get their names and contact details.
- Keep your clothes and shoes. These items could serve as valuable evidence.
- Speak to a slip and fall lawyer. Do not let the insurance company take over the story.
Acting quickly can make all the difference in building a strong claim.
Proving Fault in Slip and Fall Cases
To build a strong premises liability claim, your attorney must prove the property owner acted negligently. This typically means showing:
- A hazardous condition existed
- The owner knew or reasonably should have known about it
- They failed to fix the issue or provide a clear warning
- That failure directly caused your injury
Evidence is critical in these cases. Surveillance footage, maintenance logs, or inspection reports may help determine who is at fault. In other situations, witness accounts or expert testimony can support your claim. An experienced slip and fall injury lawyer will know what to look for and how to present the facts to strengthen your case and push for fair compensation.
Colorado Premises Liability Law
Under Colorado Revised Statutes §13-21-115, a property owner’s legal responsibility depends on the visitor’s status:
- Invitees (such as customers) must be protected from both known hazards and those that the owner should have discovered through the exercise of reasonable care and diligence.
- Licensees (like social guests) must be warned about known dangers that aren’t obvious.
- Trespassers are owed only limited protection from intentional harm.
Most slip and fall claims that occur in stores, restaurants, or other public places involve invitees. A slip and fall attorney can evaluate your situation, explain how the law applies, and help determine your eligibility to pursue a claim.
How Comparative Fault Affects Your Claim
Colorado follows a modified comparative fault rule. This means you can still recover compensation if you were less than 50 percent responsible for the accident, but your share of fault will reduce your award.
For example, if your total damages are $40,000 and you are found 20 percent at fault, you would only receive $32,000. However, if you are 50 percent or more at fault, you cannot recover anything at all.
Because fault is often disputed in slip and fall cases, it is crucial to have an attorney who understands Colorado law and knows how to build a strong case. Legal guidance can make a significant difference in the outcome.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
A premises liability claim may allow you to recover compensation for:
- Medical bills, including future care
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Lost wages and reduced earning ability
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Scarring or disfigurement
Slip and fall lawsuit settlements vary based on the severity of your injuries, how long recovery takes, and how the accident affects your daily life. An experienced fall injury attorney can evaluate your case, calculate potential damages, and fight against low settlement offers from insurance companies aiming to minimize your claim. Having strong legal support can make all the difference.
Why Work with The Wilhite Law Firm?
At The Wilhite Law Firm, we combine legal experience with local knowledge. We understand how slip and fall claims are handled in Mesa County and know what judges and insurers expect when reviewing a case. Our Grand Junction team offers:
- Free consultations
- No fees unless we win
- 24/7 availability
- Skilled trial attorneys prepared to go to court
We do not rush to settle. Instead, we take the time to build strong, evidence-backed cases and fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
Slip and fall accidents often leave people with more questions than answers, especially when injuries, insurance companies, and legal time limits are involved. Knowing your rights and responsibilities early on can make a big difference.
How long do I have to file a claim?
In Colorado, you generally have two years from the date of the fall to file a premises liability claim. Missing this deadline could mean losing your chance to recover any compensation.
What if the property owner denies fault?
That’s not unusual. Property owners and their insurers often deny responsibility. A local slip and fall attorney can gather evidence, speak with witnesses, and counter false or misleading claims.
Can I sue if I fell on government property?
Maybe. Claims against government agencies follow different procedures and typically have shorter deadlines. It is critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible so you don’t miss your opportunity.
Will my case go to court?
Most slip and fall cases settle before trial, but we approach every case like it is headed to court. That level of preparation often leads to stronger settlement offers.
If you still have questions, our Grand Junction personal injury lawyers are here to help.
Talk to a Grand Junction Slip and Fall Attorney
If you suffered an injury due to dangerous property conditions, you do not have to take on the insurance company alone. The Wilhite Law Firm is ready to stand with you. Our slip and fall lawyers will investigate your case, explain your options, and work to achieve a fair outcome.
Call 970-579-4588 or contact us through our online form to schedule a free consultation. These cases require a close examination of the facts, and we know how to build a strong foundation.