Fort Collins Premises Liability Lawyers
Fighting For Premises Liability Victims in Colorado
Premises liability refers to a property owner's legal obligation to ensure their premises are safe for visitors and free of hazards. In Fort Collins, this means adhering to local safety regulations and promptly addressing any potential dangers on their property. When property owners fail to uphold this duty, they may be held liable for accidents and injuries that occur as a result.
At Tenge Law Firm LLC, we focus on representing clients who have experienced injuries due to unsafe property conditions. Our premises liability lawyers aim to provide personalized legal support, leveraging our understanding of both state and local regulations to build strong cases for our clients. By accepting a limited number of cases, we prioritize personalized attention and thorough preparation, ensuring each client's needs are addressed comprehensively.
If you suffered an injury due to an unsafe condition on public or private property, our Fort Collins premises liability attorney is ready to help. Call (970) 510-8077 or contact Tenge Law Firm LLC today.
When Property Owners Fail to Provide a Safe Environment
Colorado requires property owners to make a reasonable effort to maintain safe premises for visitors. When they don’t, and someone is injured as a result, liability can follow. The consequences for the injured person often extend well beyond the initial injury: medical costs accumulate, income stops, and the physical and emotional toll can persist for months or years.
We understand the urgency of acting quickly after a premises injury. Our team responds promptly to calls, texts, and emails, and we treat every client as a person navigating a serious situation, not a file to be processed. The sooner we can begin investigating, the stronger your claim may be.
Understanding Colorado Premises Liability Law
Anyone who owns, leases, or manages a property where people are allowed or invited to enter is required by Colorado law 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 liability, a plaintiff must prove the property owner owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and the plaintiff suffered damages as a direct result.
Colorado’s comparative negligence standard is also relevant to these cases. If a plaintiff is found partially at fault for their injury, their recovery is reduced proportionally. A plaintiff found 50 percent or more at fault may be barred from recovering damages entirely. This is one reason the framing of evidence and the facts surrounding the hazard matter so much in building a claim.
There is also a filing deadline to keep in mind. Most premises liability claims in Colorado must be filed within two years from the date of injury. Claims against government entities and cases involving minors may have different deadlines. Waiting too long may forfeit the right to pursue compensation.
Common Premises Liability Scenarios in Fort Collins
Premises liability incidents occur across a wide range of settings in Fort Collins, from retail stores and restaurants to rental housing, parks, and private residences. Colorado State University’s large student population means Larimer County has a significant concentration of rental properties, and poorly maintained stairwells, balconies, handrails, and fire exits are recognized hazard contexts in those settings. Common situations that give rise to liability include:
- Slip and fall accident
- Animal and dog bites
- Negligent security
- Exposed wires
- Fire hazards
- Swimming pool injuries
- Defects in elevators or escalators
- Potholes
- Retail store, restaurant, or hotel liability
- Inadequate maintenance and lighting
Over $75 Million Recovered
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Confidential-Multiple Millions Electric scooter crash resulting in quadriplegia
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Resolved for a confidential amount Product Liability
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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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"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. -
"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 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. -
"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. -
"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. -
"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.
Who Is Considered a Visitor Under Premises Liability Law?
Colorado premises liability law distinguishes between three categories of visitors: invitees, licensees, and trespassers. A person’s status at the time of injury affects what duty of care the property owner owed them and, in turn, the strength of any resulting claim.
Invitee
An invitee is a person who enters or remains on the land of another to transact business in which both parties share a mutual interest, or who enters in response to the landowner’s express or implied representation that the public is welcome. A customer at a retail store or a guest at a restaurant are common examples. Invitees receive the highest duty of care: the property owner must actively maintain safe conditions and address known hazards.
Licensee
A licensee is a person who enters or remains on the land of another for their own convenience or to advance their own interests, with the landowner’s permission or consent. This includes social guests. Property owners must warn licensees of known hazards that aren’t readily apparent, even when the visitor isn’t there for a commercial purpose.
Trespasser
Property owners are rarely liable for injuries sustained by trespassers. Those with no permission or invitation to be on private property generally may have limited grounds for a claim when injured. An important exception applies to child trespassers: property owners owe a heightened duty of care with respect to “attractive nuisances” such as swimming pools, trampolines, or similar conditions that may draw children onto the property.
According to the American Red Cross, children ages 1–4 most often drown in home swimming pools. Other water hazards include garden ponds and wells. Property owners who know or should know that child trespassers are likely must take reasonable steps to prevent harm.
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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.
How We Investigate a Premises Liability Case
Premises liability claims are vigorously contested by insurance companies, and the outcome often turns on how thoroughly the case is prepared. When you hire us, our team begins by investigating the circumstances of your accident, including:
- Whether a property hazard caused the accident
- Who was responsible for the condition of the premises
- Whether the owner or operator knew or should have known about the hazard
- How long the hazard existed before the accident
- Whether similar incidents or complaints had occurred previously
- Whether witnesses observed the accident and what they saw
We gather photographic evidence of hazardous conditions, obtain medical records to substantiate injury claims, and consult with knowledgeable professionals to establish fault and liability. Insurance companies move quickly to protect their interests after an incident. We understand the tactics they use to minimize payouts, and we build arguments specifically designed to counter them.
Proven Results in Premises Liability Cases
Our track record in premises liability cases reflects a deliberate approach: a boutique caseload that lets J. Todd Tenge and our team prepare each case with care rather than moving volume. Clients are informed at every stage and involved in decisions that affect their claim.
$675,000 Trip & Fall Injury at Retail Store
Tenge Law Firm LLC represented an older woman who sustained a fractured hip in a trip and fall at a retail store. She underwent surgery and was confined to an inpatient facility for several weeks. The retailer originally denied liability, but we ultimately resolved the claim for $675,000 on her behalf.
Other Successes
- Multiple settlements at the insurance policy limits of $200,000 for clients with accident-related injuries.
- More than $5 million recovered in each of the last three years.
- Nearly $30 million recovered in the last seven years alone.
- Over $75 million recovered for clients across the firm’s history.
Every case is unique and it isn’t possible to guarantee an outcome, but our track record reflects more than three decades of committed, prepared representation. When a case requires going to court, we’re prepared to do it. Honors from Super Lawyers, Martindale-Hubbell, and Attorney and Practice Magazine, alongside hundreds of 5-star client reviews, speak to the consistency of that approach.
Speak with Our Fort Collins Premises Liability Lawyer
Tenge Law Firm LLC was founded in 1992 by J. Todd Tenge, and for more than thirty years we have obtained results for injury victims in the Fort Collins area. Mr. Tenge is an active member of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association and personally manages every case the firm accepts. We deliberately keep our caseload small so each client has direct access to our attorneys and staff, with calls, texts, and emails answered promptly. That structure isn’t a marketing claim; it’s how we’ve maintained hundreds of 5-star reviews across a practice built on referrals and repeat trust.
For a Fort Collins resident navigating a premises liability claim, working with a firm where the managing attorney knows your file is a practical advantage. We offer a free consultation so you can assess your situation and decide on next steps without any commitment.
If you’ve been injured or lost a loved one due to a property owner’s negligence, call (970) 510-8077 or reach us online to schedule a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Should I Do Immediately After a Premises Liability Accident in Fort Collins?
Seek medical attention right away, even if your injuries seem minor. Medical documentation will be important to your claim. Once your immediate needs are addressed, report the incident to the property owner or manager and request a written record. Photograph the accident scene and any hazardous conditions, and collect contact information from any witnesses. Then contact a premises liability attorney as soon as possible. Evidence disappears quickly, and Colorado’s two-year statute of limitations begins running from the date of injury.
How Can a Premises Liability Lawyer Help Me?
A premises liability attorney investigates the accident, gathers evidence, and builds a case to support your claim, including reviewing medical records and assessing the financial impact of your injuries. They negotiate with insurance companies and, when a fair settlement can’t be reached, represent your interests in court. At Tenge Law Firm LLC, every client is kept informed at each stage of the process. We respond promptly and communicate directly, so you’re never left wondering where your case stands.
What Damages Can I Claim in a Premises Liability Case?
In a Colorado premises liability case, you may be able to claim economic damages such as medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, lost wages, and diminished earning potential. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Where an injury produces lasting physical limitations, permanent impairment damages may also apply. The right combination depends on your specific injuries and the facts of your accident.
