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Why Choose Matlin Injury Law
Choosing the right legal representation is a critical step in your recovery process, and Matlin Injury Law provides focused advocacy for personal injury victims in Denver through a combination of local insight, direct access, and proven legal experience. Our team understands the specific legal landscape of Denver and Colorado, including the nuances of the Colorado Premises Liability Act, and if we move forward with your case, you will have direct access to your attorney, not a case manager or office assistant. With a strong history of handling complex premises liability claims, we are prepared to protect your rights at every stage, and because we operate on a contingency-fee basis, you pay no attorney fees unless we successfully recover compensation for you.
Understanding Slip and Fall Claims in Denver
A slip and fall claim falls under the legal category of premises liability. This area of law holds property owners and managers accountable when they fail to maintain a safe environment for visitors. In Denver, these cases are common in retail stores, apartment complexes, and public spaces.
You may need a slip and fall lawyer if you were injured because a property owner knew—or should have known—about a dangerous condition and failed to fix it or provide an adequate warning. These situations matter because the resulting injuries, such as broken bones or head trauma, can have long-term financial and physical consequences. Legal action ensures that the responsible party, rather than the victim, bears the burden of these costs.
Common Causes and Locations of Slip and Fall Accidents
Slip and fall accidents can happen anywhere, but certain conditions and locations are more prone to hazards. In Denver, weather plays a significant role, as ice and snow accumulation on sidewalks and in parking lots frequently lead to injuries. Denver municipal codes (PW RR-002.2) require property owners to clear snow and ice from adjacent sidewalks—businesses must clear immediately after snow stops, while residences have until the next day.
Other common causes include:
- Spilled liquids or food in grocery stores and restaurants
- Uneven flooring, torn carpeting, or loose floor mats
- Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
- Missing or broken handrails
- Hidden hazards, such as potholes or debris in walkways
Handling these cases involves more than just identifying the fall; it requires proving that the property owner breached their duty of care. For instance, if a grocery store spill was left uncleaned for an unreasonable amount of time, the store may be liable. We investigate the timeline of the hazard and the owner’s maintenance records to build a strong case. This is where experienced premises liability representation makes a significant difference.
How We Evaluate Your Slip and Fall Claim
When you contact Matlin Injury Law, we perform a comprehensive evaluation of your claim to determine its strength. We look for specific evidence that demonstrates the property owner’s negligence, such as:
- Surveillance footage of the incident
- Internal maintenance logs and cleaning schedules
- Prior complaints or reports of similar hazards on the property
- Expert testimony regarding building codes or safety standards
Our team supports clients by managing all communication with insurance companies, which often try to shift blame onto the victim. We focus on the legal details so you can focus on your physical recovery. This is why hiring a personal injury lawyer early in the process is so important.
Contact Matlin Injury Law Today
you or a loved one has been injured in a slip and fall accident, do not wait to seek legal advice. The sooner we begin investigating your claim, the better we can preserve evidence and build a strong case for compensation. Matlin Injury Law is dedicated to helping Denver residents hold negligent property owners accountable.
Contact us today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with our Denver slip and fall lawyers.
Call Matlin Injury Law at (303) 487-8911
FAQs
Who is legally responsible for my slip and fall?
Under Colorado law, the party responsible for the maintenance and control of the property is typically the one held liable. This could be a business owner, a landlord, a homeowner, or even a government entity. Responsibility is determined by whether the party exercised reasonable care to protect visitors from foreseeable hazards. Understanding liability in premises accidents is essential to building a strong case.
What if I was partially at fault for my accident?
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule under C.R.S. § 13-21-111. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault for the incident. However, your total compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 20% responsible, your award will be reduced by 20%. If you are 50% or more at fault, you are barred from recovery. This is why having a Denver personal injury attorney evaluate your case is critical.
Does the Colorado Premises Liability Act apply to my case?
Yes, the Colorado Premises Liability Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-115) is the exclusive remedy for these claims. It categorizes visitors into three groups:
- Invitees (e.g., customers): Owed the highest duty; landowners must use reasonable care to protect against dangers they knew or should have known about.
- Licensees (e.g., social guests): Landowners must exercise reasonable care regarding dangers they created and actually knew about, or warn of non-ordinary dangers they actually knew about.
- Trespassers: Owed the lowest duty; landowners are only liable for damages willfully or deliberately caused.
Understanding these categories helps determine whether you have a viable slip and fall claim in Denver.
How much compensation can I recover for a slip and fall?
The value of a claim depends on the severity of your injuries and the impact on your life. Compensation typically covers economic damages (medical bills, rehabilitation, and lost income) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress). Under HB24-1472, the cap for non-economic damages in general personal injury cases is $1,500,000 for 2026. Understanding types of damages in personal injury claims can help you evaluate your case’s potential value.
How long do I have to file a claim in Colorado?
In Colorado, the statute of limitations for most personal injury claims, including slip and falls, is two years from the date of the accident under C.R.S. § 13-80-102. If the accident involved a government-owned property, you must file a formal notice of claim within 182 days under the Colorado Governmental Immunity Act (C.R.S. § 24-10-109). Time is critical, so contact a Denver slip and fall attorney immediately.
What steps should I take immediately after a fall?
First, seek medical attention. Next, report the accident to the property owner or manager and request a copy of the incident report. If possible, take photos of the hazard that caused your fall and collect contact information from any witnesses. Finally, contact a lawyer before speaking with insurance adjusters. Our team at Matlin Injury Law can guide you through these critical first steps.
Do I really need a lawyer for a slip and fall?
While you can file a claim on your own, insurance companies often deny slip and fall claims or offer low settlements. A lawyer understands how to apply the Colorado Premises Liability Act to your specific situation and can negotiate for a settlement that reflects the true cost of your injuries. Our Denver premises liability lawyers have the experience to fight for fair compensation.
Will my case go to trial or settle out of court?
Most slip and fall cases are settled through negotiations before reaching a courtroom. However, if the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we are prepared to take your case to trial to protect your rights. Whether your case settles or goes to court, Matlin Injury Law is ready to advocate for you.
How do I know if I have a valid case?
A valid case generally requires three elements: a dangerous condition existed on the property, the owner knew or should have known about it, and the condition directly caused your injury. During a free consultation, we can review the facts of your accident to determine if these elements are met. Contact our Denver personal injury team today for a no-obligation case review.
