Olson Law Firm Attorney

When you visit someone else’s home or business, you should expect to be safe. Unfortunately, many property owners in Golden and throughout Colorado fail to take necessary steps to prevent harm to lawful visitors on their premises. Hazards like broken sidewalks, cluttered floors, busted handrails, and faulty electrical wiring can – and often do – lead to severe injuries. 

If you suffered injuries while on the property of another person or business, contact the Olson Law Firm, LLC, immediately to speak with an experienced Golden, CO, premises liability lawyer. We can protect your rights and help you to pursue the compensation you deserve. We are a full-service premises liability law firm. We will handle every aspect of your case, giving you the time and space to focus on your well-being.

What Is Premises Liability?

Premises liability is a legal concept that holds property owners and managers responsible for keeping their premises safe for visitors and guests. If a property owner, management company, or other party fails to uphold their duty, and a person suffers injury as a result, that person has a right to seek just compensation for their losses and expenses.

Golden, CO, Premises Liability Laws

Colorado premises liability law puts visitors in three categories. The level of care a property owner owes to a visitor depends on how they are categorized. The three categories are:

  • Invitees – An invitee is anyone on another person’s property with permission and for the owner’s financial gain. For example, an invitee is someone who patronizes a restaurant or a business. Invitees are owed the highest duty of care under Colorado premises liability law. Property owners must warn invitees of known hazards and regularly check for potential dangers. Invitees may hold property owners liable for their injuries if they knew about or reasonably should have known about a hazard.
  • Licensees – A licensee is anyone on another person’s property with permission but not there for the owner’s financial gain. Social guests at someone’s home are licensees. Property owners cannot be held liable for dangers on the premises they did not know about, but they must warn licensees of known hazards.
  • Trespassers – A trespasser is anyone on another person’s property without permission. Property owners owe a minimal duty of care to trespassers and can be held liable only for injuries they willfully or deliberately cause. For example, a property owner could be responsible if they deliberately set a trap that injures a trespasser.

What Do You Have to Prove in a Premises Liability Claim?

If an invitee or licensee on someone’s property suffers an injury in Golden or elsewhere in Colorado, they must prove the following elements to pursue compensation: 

  • A condition on the premises posed an unreasonable risk of harm.
  • The property owner or manager knew or should have known the hazard existed.
  • The property owner or manager was negligent in creating the dangerous condition, failing to fix it, or failing to warn visitors about it.
  • The dangerous condition caused the injury.

A trespasser injured on someone’s property cannot seek compensation unless they can prove that the property owner or manager deliberately caused them harm.

Common types of evidence that may be used in a premises liability case include: 

  • Photos from the accident scene
  • Eyewitness accounts
  • Surveillance footage
  • Expert testimony
  • Medical records

Common Types of Premises Liability Cases We Handle

Accidents can happen anywhere and can be caused by various hazards. Some common causes of injuries in Golden, CO premises liability cases include:

  • Wet or slippery floors
  • Loose carpeting or floor tiles
  • Debris in walkways
  • Falling objects
  • Swimming pools
  • Faulty electrical wiring
  • Broken sidewalks
  • Sloped pathways without handrails
  • Broken stairways and handrails
  • Inadequately maintained parking lots and garages
  • Broken escalators or elevators
  • Paths covered in rain, snow, or ice

Some of the most common places where premises liability accidents occur include:

  • Private residences
  • Workplaces and offices
  • Restaurants
  • Grocery stores
  • Retail stores
  • “Big box” stores
  • Amusement parks
  • Sports stadiums
  • Parking lots and garages
  • Swimming pools
  • Construction sites
  • Rental properties

Colorado Statute of Limitations on Premises Liability Claims

Under Colorado law, you have two years from the date of an accident to file a lawsuit against an at-fault party. If you miss this deadline, your case will be dismissed, and you could lose your chance to pursue compensation in civil court. Two years may seem like a long time. However, building a solid premises liability case can take weeks or months. Don’t wait to connect with our team at Olson Law Firm, LLC.

What to Do If You’ve Been Hurt on Someone Else’s Property

Here are a few things you can do to protect your rights after being injured on someone’s property in Colorado:

  • Report the accident to the property owner or a manager, preferably in writing, and keep a copy for your records.
  • Take pictures of your injuries, the scene of the accident, and any hazards in the area.
  • Talk to eyewitnesses and get their contact information.
  • Seek medical attention immediately to have your injuries treated and added to your medical records.
  • Save bills, receipts, and invoices related to your injuries.
  • Do not speak to any insurance companies or sign any legal documents before talking to a Golden personal injury lawyer.
  • Hire a premises liability attorney as soon as possible.

Demanding Full Compensation for Your Injuries

If you were injured on someone’s property, you might face significant financial and personal losses. It’s essential to have a premises liability lawyer on your side who can help you pursue the compensation you deserve. You could be entitled to financial relief for the following losses:

  • Medical bills
  • Lost wages
  • Lost earning capacity 
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Diminished quality of life

How Can a Golden Premises Liability Attorney Help?

Hiring an experienced premises liability lawyer greatly increases your chances of seeking maximum compensation after an accident. Our premises liability attorneys can help you by: 

  • Investigating the accident that caused your injuries to determine who is liable. 
  • Identifying all potential sources of compensation.
  • Gathering helpful evidence to support your case.
  • Filing insurance claims and necessary paperwork on your behalf. 
  • Negotiating for a fair settlement amount. 
  • Taking your case to court if necessary to advocate for your rights.

If you were injured on someone’s property in Colorado, you could be entitled to compensation. Contact the Olson Law Firm, LLC, today to learn more about your legal options during a free consultation.

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