Who Is Responsible for a Slip and Fall on Icy Sidewalks in Colorado Springs?

Winter in Colorado Springs can be beautiful, but it also brings dangerous conditions that increase the risk of slip and fall accidents. When sidewalks, driveways, and parking lots are covered in ice or snow, even a quick walk to your car or mailbox can lead to serious injuries. If you have been hurt in a fall caused by icy conditions, you may be wondering who is legally responsible for your injuries. The answer depends on where the fall happened, who owns or maintains the property, and whether they took reasonable steps to keep it safe.

Understanding Premises Liability in Colorado

In Colorado, property owners and managers have a legal duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. This includes clearing snow and ice within a reasonable time after a storm. When a property owner fails to do this and someone gets hurt, the injured person may have a right to compensation under the state’s premises liability law.

The key question in any slip and fall case is whether the property owner acted as a reasonably careful person would have under the same circumstances. If the owner knew or should have known about the dangerous condition but did nothing to fix it or warn visitors, they can be held liable for resulting injuries. However, not every fall automatically results in liability—courts consider factors such as timing, weather conditions, and whether the owner had a fair opportunity to remove the hazard.

At Pribila & Fields, our attorneys help clients evaluate their cases and determine whether a property owner or business may be responsible for their slip and fall injuries on icy sidewalks or walkways.

Who Is Responsible for Clearing Ice and Snow?

Responsibility for keeping sidewalks safe in Colorado Springs depends on the type and location of the property. Generally, homeowners, landlords, and business owners are required to clear ice and snow within a certain timeframe after a storm. The City of Colorado Springs requires property owners to remove snow and ice from adjacent public sidewalks within 24 hours after snowfall ends.

Here’s how responsibility typically breaks down:

• Homeowners: Property owners are responsible for clearing sidewalks that border their property, even if the sidewalk is technically city-owned. Failing to shovel or treat ice can make a homeowner liable if someone slips and gets hurt.
• Landlords and tenants: Lease agreements often specify who is responsible for snow removal. If a landlord neglects their duty to maintain safe common areas, they may be held accountable for resulting injuries.
• Businesses and commercial properties: Business owners must ensure that parking lots, entryways, and sidewalks accessible to customers are safe. A store that fails to salt an icy walkway could face a premises liability claim if a customer falls.
• Government property: If the fall occurs on government-maintained sidewalks, different rules apply. Claims against government entities must follow specific notice and filing deadlines under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act.

Each situation is different, and liability can depend on who controlled or maintained the property at the time of the fall. Determining responsibility requires a detailed investigation into ownership, maintenance practices, and weather conditions.

Proving Negligence After a Slip and Fall

To recover compensation after a fall, you must prove that someone else’s negligence caused your injuries. In slip and fall cases, this means showing that:

• A dangerous condition existed on the property (for example, ice or packed snow).
• The property owner or manager knew or should have known about the condition.
• They failed to take reasonable steps to remove the hazard or warn visitors.
• You were injured as a result of that failure.

Evidence is key in proving negligence. Photos of the icy area, witness statements, weather reports, and surveillance footage can all help establish that the property owner failed to maintain a safe environment. Medical records and documentation of your injuries also play a crucial role in demonstrating damages.

Because ice and snow conditions change quickly, it is important to gather evidence as soon as possible. An attorney can help secure this information before it disappears, increasing your chances of a successful claim.

What If You Were Partly at Fault?

Colorado follows a comparative negligence rule, which means that even if you were partially responsible for your accident, you can still recover damages as long as you were not more than 50 percent at fault. For example, if you were looking at your phone when you slipped but the property owner failed to treat a known icy patch, the court may assign a percentage of fault to each party. Your compensation would then be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Insurance companies often use comparative negligence to minimize payouts, so it’s important not to admit fault without first consulting an attorney. A skilled lawyer can help demonstrate that the property owner’s negligence played the largest role in causing your injuries.

Why Legal Representation Matters After a Slip and Fall

Slip and fall injuries on icy sidewalks can lead to serious medical complications, including broken bones, concussions, and back injuries. The financial impact can be just as severe, with medical bills, time off work, and long-term pain affecting your recovery. Having a lawyer on your side ensures that your rights are protected and that you receive fair compensation for your losses.

At Pribila & Fields, we have extensive experience handling slip and fall cases throughout Colorado Springs. Our legal team investigates the cause of your accident, identifies who is responsible, and pursues full and fair compensation on your behalf. Whether you were injured outside a private home, a business, or a government property, we can help you navigate the legal process and hold negligent parties accountable.

If you’ve been injured in a slip and fall on an icy sidewalk, contact us today to speak with an experienced Colorado Springs slip and fall attorney. We can review your case, explain your rights, and help you take the next steps toward recovery.