The holidays bring a surge of travel, and Colorado is a top destination for winter vacations. Whether you're visiting Boulder for a family reunion or hitting the slopes nearby, hotels are often a key part of the holiday experience.
But when accidents happen on hotel property—slips on icy sidewalks, falls in stairwells, or injuries from faulty fixtures—you may be left facing medical bills, pain, and confusion about your legal options.
Colorado Premises Liability Law: The Basics
Hotels are legally obligated to maintain a safe environment for guests. Under Colorado’s premises liability law (C.R.S. § 13-21-115), property owners—including hotel operators—can be held liable for injuries caused by hazardous conditions they knew about (or should have known about) but failed to address.
This includes:
- Slippery floors without warning signs
- Poor lighting in hallways or parking garages
- Broken furniture or loose carpeting
- Inadequate snow and ice removal
- Unsecured pools or gym equipment
The Dos: What to Do After a Hotel Injury
Do: Report the Incident Immediately
Notify hotel staff immediately and request that they document the incident in an official report. If possible, ask for a copy.
Do: Take Photos
Capture the scene, including what caused the injury. If it were a wet floor, take a photo before it’s cleaned up. If ice wasn’t salted, document that too.
Do: Get Medical Care
Even if your injuries seem minor, seek care. Some injuries—like concussions or internal strains—don’t show symptoms right away.
Do: Get Witness Information
If anyone saw the accident, ask for their name and contact information. Their statement could support your claim later.
Do: Contact a Personal Injury Attorney
The hotel’s insurance company will likely try to downplay your injuries or blame you for the accident. Don’t go it alone.
The Don’ts: What to Avoid
Don’t: Downplay the Incident
Many people feel embarrassed after a fall and try to brush it off. This can hurt your claim later. Be honest about what happened.
Don’t: Sign Anything Without Legal Advice
You might be offered a small settlement or asked to sign a release. Don’t do it until you’ve spoken to an attorney.
Don’t: Assume the Hotel Will "Do the Right Thing"
Hotels are businesses. Their insurance providers are focused on minimizing liability, not protecting your well-being.
Don’t: Post About the Injury on Social Media
These posts can be used against you, even if your privacy settings are strict.
Proving Fault in Hotel Injury Cases
To build a successful case, we need to prove:
- The hotel owed you a duty of care
- That duty was breached (via negligence or failure to fix a known hazard)
- The breach directly caused your injury
This often involves gathering maintenance records, security footage, and employee testimony—something an experienced attorney is equipped to do.
Damages You Can Recover
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Future medical care
Why Local Legal Help Matters
We understand the standards that Colorado courts apply to hotel injury cases. Whether the property is locally owned or part of a national chain, we can pursue full and fair compensation for your injuries.
Boulder Premises Liability Lawyers
For more information on how to protect your rights and obtain the compensation you deserve following a hotel-related accident, contact Tenge Law Firm LLC. Our team, based in Fort Collins, CO, is ready to provide expert guidance and support to ensure your interests are fully protected. Reach out today at (303) 219-7377 to discuss your case and take the first step toward justice and recovery.
