Slip and fall injuries can feel like unfortunate accidents, but many of them result from a city or property owner’s failure to maintain safe conditions. If you’ve been hurt on public property in Denver, you might wonder: Can you sue the City of Denver for a slip and fall injury? With the right legal approach, the answer is yes.
These incidents happen quickly—a slick sidewalk, a broken step, an unmarked hazard—yet they can leave you with months or years of pain, mounting medical bills, and disrupted income.
However, you need to know everything from the insurance company requirements to the fall attorneys to hire for a flawless experience.
Thus, we break down everything you need to know to make an informed, empowered decision. From the specifics of the Colorado Premises Liability Act to how an experienced attorney can help you recover compensation, this is your starting point to understanding your rights, obligations, and next steps.
What Is a Slip and Fall Claim?
A slip and fall accident typically occurs when a person trips or slips due to dangerous conditions on someone else’s property. Common causes include wet floors, cracked sidewalks, loose railings, poor lighting, or icy walkways.
When such accidents occur on public property managed by a municipality like the City of Denver, they fall under the scope of Colorado premises liability law.
Injuries like traumatic brain injury, fractured bones, and fall claims become a serious concern. The responsible party should be challenged via a personal injury case.
What It Can Mean
The good part is that pursuing the case with reasonable effort increases the chances of getting the compensation you deserve.
Filing a slip and fall claim allows an injured person to pursue financial compensation for injuries caused by a property owner’s negligence. These claims are especially important when medical treatment, lost wages, and other expenses add up.
Colorado Law and Municipal Liability
Suing a city is not as simple as suing a private individual or business. Municipalities like the City of Denver enjoy some protections under the (2) Can You Sue the City of Denver for a Slip and Fall Injury?
To hold the city liable, the injured party must file a formal notice of claim within 182 days of the incident. This notice must detail the time, place, and circumstances of the fall accident, as well as the nature of the injuries sustained. Missing this deadline can completely bar your claim.
Once this step is completed, you can begin building a slip and fall case. The legal responsibility lies with the city to maintain reasonably safe conditions for pedestrians and other users of public spaces. Failure to do so can be considered negligence.
What Constitutes Negligence?
Under the Colorado Premises Liability Act, a property owner (or the city) must use reasonable care to prevent injuries. A reasonable person in the same situation would take steps to fix a hazard or post clear warning signs. When a landowner’s failure to do so leads to an accident, that owner—in this case, the city—may be held responsible.
Say, for example, you fell in a Denver parking lot due to a snow-covered pothole that had existed for weeks. If there were no warning signs or cleanup efforts despite several prior complaints, this could be strong evidence of negligence.
Common Injuries Caused by Slip and Fall Accidents
Injuries in fall accidents can range from mild to life-threatening. While some people walk away with bruises or sprains, others suffer from broken bones, spinal cord injuries, or even traumatic brain injuries. Emotional distress often accompanies these physical injuries, particularly when mobility or quality of life is affected.
In severe cases, slip and fall injuries can result in wrongful death. Families in these tragic circumstances have the right to file a wrongful death lawsuit to recover compensation for funeral costs, emotional trauma, and lost future income.
Proving Fault in a Slip and Fall Case
To succeed in a slip and fall lawsuit against the City of Denver, you must prove the city was at fault. Victims should know the laws protecting slip and fall accident lawsuits. However, if you want to prove fault, you need to show that:
- A dangerous condition existed on city property.
- The city knew (or should have known) about it.
- The city failed to fix it or warn the public.
- The hazard caused your fall injury and resulting damages.
Your fall attorney will use accident reports, witness testimonies, photos of the scene, and medical records to prove fault. These documents are critical in helping you recover compensation.
The Role of Comparative Negligence
Colorado follows a comparative negligence model. This means that if you are found partially at fault for your accident, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you were 20% responsible, your compensation would be reduced by 20%. However, if you’re more than 50% at fault, you may be barred from recovery altogether.
This concept is particularly important when dealing with city insurance companies, which often try to assign blame to the injured person to reduce settlement payouts. Remember, comparative negligence is one of the 5 crucial things to remember for a slip and fall accident lawsuit compensation.
What Compensation Can You Receive?
In a fall claim against the City of Denver, you may be entitled to recover a range of damages:
- Medical bills and ongoing medical care
- Future medical expenses, such as rehabilitation
- Lost wages from missed work
- Pain and suffering damages
- Emotional distress compensation
- Other expenses related to the fall, like travel or home care
Incorporating all of these elements into your personal injury claim can help ensure you receive a fair settlement.
Challenges in Suing the City of Denver
Fall cases involving municipalities come with their own set of legal challenges. Public entities are often protected by more rigorous standards and procedures. The city may deny the claim outright, argue contributory negligence, or claim they had no prior notice of the hazard.
For these reasons, proving fault and showing a breach of legal duty requires a well-documented, legally sound case. Hiring a personal injury attorney with experience in slip and fall cases is essential to navigate these challenges effectively.
Legal Process and Next Steps
After your free initial consultation with a fall attorney or personal injury attorney, your legal team will begin gathering evidence, investigating the scene, and filing all necessary paperwork.
If the city fails to settle or denies liability, your attorney may proceed with legal action and initiate a formal slip and fall lawsuit.
Your attorney will also help identify the party responsible, which could include property managers, maintenance contractors, or other third parties. In some cases, multiple defendants may be held liable for injuries caused.
Why Experienced Representation Matters
With a skilled legal team on your side, your chances of recovering full financial compensation improve significantly. Fall cases require knowledge of state laws, procedures, and the nuances of municipal liability.
A seasoned slip and fall attorney will ensure your claim is supported with the right documentation, expert testimony, and legal arguments. Professional slip and fall attorneys can also help you understand such cases across private entities.
They’ll also be familiar with how insurance companies operate, giving them an edge in settlement negotiations. And if the case proceeds to trial, they can represent your interests in court, ensuring your voice is heard and your injuries acknowledged.
Bottom Line
If you’ve suffered a slip and fall injury on city property in Denver, act immediately. Every day that passes makes it harder to gather evidence and meet the strict 182-day deadline. Consulting with a fall attorney early with a free consultation gives you the best chance of building a strong case.
Don’t Wait: Time Is Critical, Contact BLG
At Bourassa Law Group, we offer free consultations and have years of experience handling personal injury cases involving fall accidents on public and private property. Our legal team understands Colorado law, the nuances of premises liability, and how to help clients recover maximum compensation.
If you’re ready to hold the City of Denver accountable and secure the compensation you deserve, contact our slip and fall attorneys today for a no-obligation review of your case. Let us advocate for your physical health, financial security, and legal rights.
1-800-870-8910