Fort Collins Premises Liability Lawyers
Fighting For Premises Liability Victims in Colorado
Colorado property owners must make a reasonable effort to maintain the safety of their property for visitors. When an accident occurs on the property and results in injury to a visitor, the property owner may be liable for the visitor’s injuries. By inviting and allowing others onto their property, owners are frequently liable for any harm visitors experience due to unsafe conditions.
If you experience an injury due to an unsafe condition while visiting a public place or someone’s private property, you need to contact our premises liability attorney in Fort Collins as soon as possible.
Understanding Colorado Premises Liability Law
Anyone who owns, leases, or manages a property where people are allowed or invited to enter is required by law in Colorado to do the following:
- Maintain the premises in a safe condition.
- Promptly correct any potential hazard.
- Provide clear warnings and barriers to keep people from harm.
To establish premises liability, the plaintiff must prove the property owner owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and the plaintiff suffered damages as a direct result.
Common Premises Liability Scenarios
There are many different situations for a potential premises liability lawsuit. Here are just a few examples of common situations that often make property owners liable:
- Slip and fall accident
- Animal and dog bites
- Inadequate security
- Exposed wires
- Fire hazards
- Swimming pool injuries
- Defects in elevators or escalators
- Potholes
- Retail store, restaurant, or hotel liability
- Inadequate maintenance and lighting
Slip and fall accidents happen on wet floors, by tripping over torn carpet, or by falling on steps without handrails. In each of these examples, the slip and fall was preventable; it’s often negligence on behalf of the property owner not to dry the floor, repair the carpet, or install a handrail. Their failure to take proactive steps in order for visitors to avoid injury makes them liable for the visitor’s injuries.
Over $75 Million Recovered
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$3,250,000 Rollover auto accident involving defective roof and serious injuries
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$1,500,000 Tire blowout on I-70 causing serious injuries
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$1,475,000 Auto accident with head, neck and back injuries
Hundreds of 5-star Reviews. Exceptional Results
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"Everyone is extremely nice & very efficient"
I highly recommend this law firm! They take care of everything in a timely manner & alleviate any harassment while you recover from injuries. Everyone is extremely nice & very efficient...if you need an attorney, Tenge Law is the place to go!
- Betty C. -
"Would highly recommend to anyone!!"
Tenge Law Firm helped me out when I was in a accident that involved my whole family. They were great and fast with the entire process, and were awesome at keeping me updated throughout the entire process. Would highly recommend to anyone!!
- Zack K. -
"They were extremely responsive and answered my questions very well."
Paige and Nina were a delight to work with. They were extremely responsive and answered my questions very well. They made me feel like I was in good hands and could trust them!
- Rachel V. -
"They treated me like family"
Todd, Liz and Nina were amazing. They handled my case very professionally. I recommend this law firm to anyone looking for a great firm. They treated me like family
- Jenn K. -
"Definitely made it a stress-free experience"
Brenda was my attorney. She was amazing, helped me through the whole process. Definitely made it a stress-free experience, especially after going through something so traumatic! Was extremely attentive and always kept me updated on how my case was going! I would 1000% recommend them to everyone and anyone!! THANK YOU SO MUCH!
- Zitlaly O. -
"Thank you for all you did for me!"
Thank you for your dedication to justice, communication, and serving others. I am so grateful to have Nina and the entire Tenge Law Firm on my team. Thank you for all you did for me! Everyone was so kind, caring and just a joy to work with.- Autumn F.
Defining a Visitor
When it comes to premises liability law, it is important to understand the difference between a licensee, an invitee, and a trespasser. The status of the person injured on the property may affect the level of the duty of care and the corresponding premises liability.
Licensee
A licensee means “a person who enters or remains on the land of another for the licensee’s own convenience or to advance his own interests, pursuant to the landowner’s permission or consent.” This term includes a social guest.
Invitee
An invitee means a person who enters or remains on the land of another to transact business in which the parties are mutually interested—for example, a visitor to a retail store or restaurant.
In either event, both licensees and invitees are protected under the law for injuries due to unsafe conditions on the premises; property owners owe a duty of care to visitors, customers, and guests to ensure the property is free of hazards.
Trespasser
Property owners are rarely liable for injuries sustained by trespassers. Those with no permission or invitation to be on private property usually have no claim when injured. This rule is a bit more flexible when it comes to a child trespasser, however; a child trespasser requires an extra duty of care in regard to “attractive nuisances” such as swimming pools, trampolines, or similar conditions.
According to the American Red Cross, children ages 1-4 most often drown in home swimming pools. Other property water hazards include garden ponds and wells. Property owners who are aware of or who should be aware of the potential for a child trespasser must make reasonable accommodations to prevent harm to the trespasser.
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Reviews
When our clients are happy, they say so. Whether we’re being described for how well we communicate, our responsiveness, or the quality of our service, we’re consistently rated 5.0 out of 5.0 by those we represent.
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Ratings
As an industry leader in the field of personal injury, we're proud to maintain a superb 10.0 out of 10.0 rating on AVVO.com, have a preeminent AV rating from Martindale-Hubbell, and have recently been awarded Client Champion Platinum status from Lawyers.com.
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Results
In the last ten years, we've recovered $75 million on behalf of our clients. Our motto is simple - our clients focus on recovering, while we handle the rest.
At the Tenge Law Firm LLC, we feel a profound responsibility to ensure our client’s physical and emotional well being during one of the worst times of their life. We've put together a page of resources to help you gain legal expertise and education about the law.
Experienced Premises Liability Investigators
Premises liability law is complex, and insurance companies rigorously fight claims. The experienced legal team of Tenge Law Firm LLC knows how to investigate an accident, prepare a case, and most importantly, represent a client’s interests before insurers, defendants, or the court. When you hire the firm to represent you, our associates typically begin by determining the circumstances of your accident, including:
- If your accident was caused by a hazard on the property
- The party responsible for the condition of the premises
- If the owner or operator of the property knew or should have known of the hazard
- How long the hazard existed
- If there have been similar other incidents or complaints in the past
- Whether there were witnesses to the accident and what they observed
If you’ve been injured due to an unsafe condition on someone else’s property, you may be entitled to compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering. It’s important to speak to an attorney as soon as possible.
Contact Our Fort Collins Premises Liability Attorney Today
The Tenge Law Firm, LLC is a client-centered practice with a thirty-plus year history of obtaining results for victims of premises injuries in the Fort Collins area. Founded in 1992 by attorney J. Todd Tenge, the firm has a proven track record of success with personal injury lawsuits.
If you’ve experienced an injury or lost a loved one due to a property owner’s negligence, call (970) 510-8077 or online to schedule a free consultation now.
Choosing the right law firm is crucial for navigating the complexities of premises liability law. Our deep understanding of Fort Collins and its legal landscape allows us to offer uniquely informed legal services to our clients. When dealing with premises liability issues, our essential goal is to ensure our clients receive just compensation while also holding negligent parties accountable to prevent future incidents.
Located conveniently for Fort Collins residents, our office encourages community members to utilize our free consultation service to better grasp their legal standing. Whether you are just beginning to explore your legal options or are seeking confirmation that your case is in capable hands, our team is here to assist. With each step, we aim to alleviate the stress of legal proceedings and provide clarity through what can often be a complex process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Immediately After a Premises Liability Accident in Fort Collins?
Immediately following an accident on someone else's property, it's essential to prioritize your safety and well-being. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if injuries seem minor at first. Medical documentation will be critical in building your case later.
After addressing any immediate medical needs, reporting the incident to the property owner or manager is crucial. Make sure to obtain a written report of the incident if possible. Gathering evidence is also vital; take photographs of the accident scene and any hazardous conditions that contributed to your accident. If there are witnesses, collect their contact information and statements to support your claim.
Contacting a premises liability attorney quickly can help you understand your rights and begin the process of exploring legal action. At Tenge Law Firm LLC, we are dedicated to offering guidance and a free consultation to help you navigate the following steps effectively.
How Can a Premises Liability Lawyer Help Me?
A premises liability lawyer plays a crucial role in advocating for your rights and ensuring you receive fair compensation. They assist by investigating the accident, gathering evidence, and building a comprehensive case to support your claim. This process often involves assessing medical records, consulting experts, and calculating the financial impact of your injuries to determine appropriate compensation.
In Fort Collins, a local attorney familiar with regional legal nuances can offer strategic advantages, such as knowledge of local statutes and procedures. A premises liability lawyer also negotiates with insurance companies, aiming to secure a favorable settlement without the need for prolonged litigation. However, if a fair agreement cannot be reached, your lawyer will be prepared to represent your interests in court.
Our firm is committed to personalized service, ensuring you’re informed and involved in every step of the legal process. With a focus on communication and responsiveness, we aim to make this challenging time as manageable as possible for you.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Premises Liability Case?
In a premises liability case, you may be entitled to claim various types of damages, addressing both economic and non-economic losses. Economic damages can include medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages due to missed work. Calculating future costs related to ongoing medical care or diminished earning potential is also critical to ensure comprehensive compensation.
Non-economic damages cover areas such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. These damages often require detailed documentation and expert testimony to quantify them effectively.
Choosing Tenge Law Firm LLC to represent you means partnering with a team that’s focused on your complete recovery. We strive to maximize your compensation package by understanding all facets of your losses and vigorously advocating for your rights. Our approach combines legal knowledge with a personalized understanding of your unique situation, helping you move forward with confidence.
Call the Tenge Law Firm, LLC in Fort Collins at (970) 510-8077 for a free consultation today.
