What is Considered Premises Liability in Colorado Springs?

Imagine you’re shopping in a grocery store, walking through an office lobby, or visiting a friend’s apartment building in Colorado Springs. Suddenly, you slip on a wet floor with no warning sign, or trip over a broken stair that should have been repaired. These types of incidents aren’t just bad luck; they often fall under an area of law called premises liability.

What is considered premises liability in Colorado Springs, and how do you know if you may have a valid claim? This post breaks down the essentials: what premises liability covers, the types of accidents it includes, the responsibilities property owners have, and when it makes sense to seek help from a premises liability lawyer in Colorado Springs. If you or someone you love has been injured on another person’s property, understanding these basics can help you take the right next steps.

Understanding Premises Liability in Colorado Springs

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability refers to a property owner’s legal responsibility for accidents and injuries that occur on their property due to unsafe or hazardous conditions. In Colorado Springs, this area of law applies to commercial spaces, residential properties, and public areas. The underlying principle is simple: if you invite people onto your property, whether customers, tenants, or guests, you must take reasonable steps to keep that property safe. A Colorado Springs premises liability attorney can explain how these duties apply in your situation.

Colorado’s Premises Liability Act

Colorado has a specific law known as the Colorado Premises Liability Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-115). It outlines the responsibilities of property owners and managers depending on the status of the injured person:

• Invitees: Customers or clients who enter a property for business purposes are considered invitees. Property owners owe them the highest duty of care, which includes actively inspecting for hazards and fixing or warning about dangerous conditions.
• Licensees: Social guests or others who enter a property with the owner’s permission are categorized as licensees. While owners are not required to constantly inspect for dangers, they must warn licensees about any hazards they know of that could cause harm.
• Trespassers: Individuals who enter a property without permission are considered trespassers under Colorado law. Property owners generally owe trespassers very little duty of care, except that they cannot intentionally create conditions that would cause them harm. 

This framework means the strength of your premises liability claim depends not only on the hazardous condition but also on your status as a visitor. In other words, the law evaluates both the danger that caused your injury and whether you were an invitee, licensee, or trespasser at the time of the accident. An experienced premises liability lawyer in Colorado Springs can help you understand how this classification affects your case.

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases

Premises liability covers a wide range of accidents that can occur when property owners fail to maintain safe conditions. These cases arise in everyday places like stores, apartment complexes, office buildings, or recreational areas, and often involve hazards that could have been prevented with proper care.

• Slip and fall accidents: These occur when hazards like wet floors, icy sidewalks, or loose rugs create dangerous walking conditions. Victims may suffer serious injuries like broken bones, sprains, or head trauma as a result of the fall.
• Trip and fall incidents: Broken stairs, cracked pavement, or poorly lit walkways can easily cause someone to trip and get hurt. Property owners have a responsibility to fix these issues or provide adequate warnings to prevent accidents.
• Negligent security:  Inadequate lighting, missing security cameras, or the absence of security personnel can create unsafe environments. When these failures lead to assaults, robberies, or other injuries, the property owner may be held responsible.
• Dog bites and animal attacks: Property owners must take reasonable steps to control their pets and prevent them from harming visitors. If a dog or other animal attacks someone, the owner can face liability for the resulting injuries.
• Falling objects: Items that are improperly secured on shelves or in storage areas pose a serious risk. If these objects fall and injure someone, the property owner or business may be accountable for failing to keep the area safe.
• Swimming pool accidents: Pools that lack fencing, have slippery surfaces, or are inadequately supervised can be extremely hazardous. These conditions often lead to accidents like drowning, slips, or other preventable injuries.

Each case is unique, but the common thread is that the property owner failed to address a hazard they knew, or reasonably should have known, existed. When an owner ignores or overlooks these dangers, they may be held legally responsible for the injuries that result, and that’s when consulting a Colorado Springs premises liability attorney can make a real difference.

Why Premises Liability Cases Can Be Complicated

While the law seems clear, proving negligence isn’t always straightforward. Property owners often argue they had no knowledge of the hazard, or that the injured person was careless. Insurance companies may attempt to minimize payouts by shifting blame. This is why having a Colorado Springs premises liability attorney can be critical, someone who understands the law, gathers evidence, and builds a strong case.

Premises liability cases require proving knowledge of a hazard and showing how it caused your injury. Having the support of a Colorado Springs premises liability attorney ensures no important detail is overlooked. From reviewing maintenance records to working with accident reconstruction experts, your lawyer builds the foundation needed to hold property owners accountable.

The Role of Genco Injury Attorneys in Premises Liability Cases

At Genco Injury Attorneys, we understand how disruptive a premises liability accident can be. Our team is focused on helping injured people in Colorado Springs hold negligent property owners accountable. From slip and falls to negligent security claims, we have handled a wide range of premises liability cases.

When you work with us, you can expect clear communication, thorough investigation, and dedicated advocacy. Our premises liability lawyers guide you through the legal process step by step, ensuring your rights are protected. Many clients appreciate that we take the time to explain their options and keep them informed throughout their case.

Legal Support When You Need It Most

Premises liability law in Colorado Springs exists to hold property owners accountable and protect the safety of the community. If you or someone you care about has been hurt due to unsafe property conditions, don’t navigate the legal process alone. A premises liability lawyer in Colorado Springs can provide the guidance, resources, and advocacy needed to pursue fair compensation.

Call Genco Injury Attorneys at 719-826-6217 to connect with an experienced Colorado Springs premises liability attorney for your free case evaluation today.

At Genco Injury Attorneys, we are dedicated to helping clients in Colorado Springs recover the compensation they need to move forward after an accident. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation with a Colorado Springs premises liability lawyer. The sooner you reach out, the sooner we can begin building a strong case on your behalf.