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What Injuries Can Property Owners Be Liable for in Colorado?

Property owners have a legal responsibility to maintain reasonably safe conditions for visitors. Whether it's a grocery store, apartment complex, restaurant, hotel, office building, or private residence, failing to address dangerous conditions can lead to serious accidents and preventable injuries. When someone is hurt because a property owner failed to take reasonable steps to keep the premises safe, the injured person may have the right to pursue compensation under Colorado's premises liability laws.

At Pribila & Fields, we help injury victims throughout Colorado Springs understand their legal rights after accidents caused by unsafe property conditions. If you've been injured on someone else's property, knowing what injuries may give rise to a premises liability claim is an important first step.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is an area of personal injury law that holds property owners and those responsible for maintaining a property accountable when negligent maintenance or hazardous conditions cause injuries.

Not every accident on another person's property results in legal liability. To establish a claim, it is generally necessary to show that the property owner knew or reasonably should have known about a dangerous condition and failed to correct it or provide adequate warning.

Examples of hazardous conditions may include:

  • Wet or slippery floors
  • Uneven sidewalks
  • Broken stairs
  • Loose flooring or carpeting
  • Poor lighting
  • Snow and ice accumulation
  • Falling merchandise
  • Inadequate security
  • Broken handrails
  • Unmarked hazards

When these conditions lead to injuries, the property owner may be held financially responsible depending on the circumstances.

Slip and Fall Injuries

Slip and fall accidents are among the most common premises liability claims in Colorado Springs. While some falls result in relatively minor injuries, others can have life-changing consequences.

Common slip and fall injuries include:

  • Broken wrists
  • Fractured hips
  • Broken ankles
  • Knee injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Head injuries
  • Concussions

Older adults are especially vulnerable to serious injuries following a fall, but anyone can suffer significant harm when dangerous property conditions are ignored.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

A person does not have to lose consciousness to suffer a traumatic brain injury (TBI). A sudden blow to the head during a fall or another premises-related accident can cause lasting physical and cognitive impairments.

Symptoms may include:

  • Persistent headaches
  • Memory problems
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Dizziness
  • Vision changes
  • Mood changes
  • Sleep disturbances

Because some symptoms do not appear immediately after an accident, seeking prompt medical attention is important even if you initially feel well.

Spinal Cord and Back Injuries

Premises liability accidents can also result in serious injuries to the neck, back, and spinal cord. Falls from elevated surfaces, collapsing structures, or unsafe stairways can place tremendous force on the spine.

These injuries may include:

  • Herniated discs
  • Fractured vertebrae
  • Nerve damage
  • Chronic back pain
  • Partial paralysis
  • Complete paralysis

Spinal cord injuries often require extensive medical treatment, rehabilitation, and long-term care, making them among the most serious injuries associated with unsafe property conditions.

Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries

Broken bones are another common result of premises liability accidents. Depending on the severity of the fracture, treatment may involve surgery, physical therapy, or months of rehabilitation.

Frequently affected areas include:

  • Arms
  • Legs
  • Wrists
  • Ankles
  • Hips
  • Collarbones
  • Ribs

Some fractures heal relatively quickly, while others can lead to permanent mobility limitations or chronic pain.

Injuries Caused by Falling Objects

Premises liability claims are not limited to slip and fall accidents. Property owners may also be responsible when improperly secured objects fall and injure visitors.

Examples include:

  • Merchandise falling from store shelves
  • Construction materials
  • Ceiling tiles
  • Light fixtures
  • Tree limbs
  • Building materials

Depending on the object involved, these accidents may result in head injuries, neck injuries, fractures, or internal injuries.

Injuries Caused by Inadequate Security

In some situations, property owners may be liable when inadequate security contributes to foreseeable criminal activity.

Examples may include:

  • Assaults in poorly lit parking lots
  • Attacks in apartment complexes with broken security systems
  • Crimes occurring because of inadequate security personnel
  • Hotel incidents involving unsecured entrances

These cases can be legally complex because they often require examining whether the property owner took reasonable measures to address known safety risks.

Burns, Electrical Injuries, and Other Hazards

Unsafe property conditions can expose visitors to hazards beyond slips and falls.

Other injuries may result from:

  • Electrical hazards
  • Faulty wiring
  • Gas leaks
  • Fires
  • Chemical exposure
  • Swimming pool accidents
  • Elevator or escalator malfunctions

The circumstances surrounding each accident determine whether a property owner may be legally responsible.

What Compensation May Be Available?

If a property owner's negligence caused your injuries, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the losses you've experienced.

Depending on your case, compensation may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical treatment
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Permanent disability
  • Other damages permitted under Colorado law

Every claim is unique, and the value of a case depends on factors such as the severity of the injuries, the available evidence, and the long-term impact on your life.

How an Attorney Can Help

Premises liability claims often require a thorough investigation to determine exactly how an accident occurred and whether the property owner acted negligently.

An attorney can help by:

  • Investigating the accident scene
  • Gathering surveillance footage
  • Interviewing witnesses
  • Reviewing maintenance and inspection records
  • Consulting with experts when necessary
  • Negotiating with insurance companies
  • Preparing your case for trial if a fair settlement cannot be reached

Property owners and insurance companies frequently dispute liability or argue that an injured person was responsible for their own accident. Having experienced legal representation helps ensure your claim is thoroughly evaluated and supported by the available evidence.

If you were injured because of unsafe property conditions, our Colorado Springs premises liability attorneys can help you understand your legal options and determine whether you may have a claim.

Speak With a Colorado Springs Premises Liability Attorney

An injury caused by unsafe property conditions can affect your health, your finances, and your ability to enjoy everyday life. While property owners are not responsible for every accident, they do have a duty to maintain reasonably safe premises for visitors. When they fail to meet that responsibility, injured individuals may have the right to pursue compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured on someone else's property in Colorado Springs, our attorneys are here to help. Call us today or connect with us online to schedule a consultation and learn how we can help you pursue the compensation you deserve.

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Pribila and Fields, P.C. has successfully handled thousands of personal injury cases and tried scores of cases where an insurance carrier refused to pay fair compensation for injuries, losses or damages.

contact us

18 E. Monument Street
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
reception@pribila.com

Phone: (719) 888-3720
Fax: (719) 473-2542

The information provided on this website is offered purely for informational purposes. It is not intended to create or promote an attorney-client relationship and does not constitute and should not be relied upon as legal advice. It is not intended to seek professional employment in any state where lawyers in the firm are not admitted to practice, or in any state where this website would not comply with applicable requirements concerning advertisements and solicitations.

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