Slip-and-Fall Injuries in Fort Collins, Colorado
Slip-and-fall accidents can happen any time of year, but they are much more common during the colder months. Snow and ice that accumulate in the winter can make walking from the parking lot to the entrance of a store a hazardous activity. When businesses and property owners fail to take the necessary steps to keep walkways and steps clear, it can lead to danger for visitors.
If you were injured by a fall on someone else’s property in Fort Collins, the Tenge Law Firm, LLC, may be able to help you. Call (970) 212-4777 to schedule a free consultation today.
Where Do Most Winter Slip-and-Falls Occur?
Winter slip-and-fall accidents can occur in various locations, whether snow and ice has accumulated outdoors or gets tracked inside buildings. These areas include:
- Sidewalks
- Driveways
- Porches
- Parking lots
- Stairways
- Steps
- Lobbies
- Entrances
What Are the Risks of Multiple Injuries in a Winter Slip-and-Fall?
Walking on ice is dangerous, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). When property owners fail to clear and salt walkways, serious injuries can occur. Common winter slip-and-fall injuries include:
- Bone fractures
- Traumatic brain injury
- Spinal injury
- Back injuries
- Shoulder, wrist, knee, and ankle injuries
- Sprains and strains
What Can You Do to Help Prevent a Winter Slip-and-Fall?
To avoid an icy fall, take extra precautions during the winter months. Make sure you have the right footwear, with soles that improve traction on slippery surfaces. Choose less hazardous routes, and pay attention to the area where you are walking. Do not rush on snow and ice – allow plenty of time, take smaller steps, and walk more slowly than you would if walkways were dry.
Who Is Responsible for Clearing Snow and Ice – the City or the Property Owner?
In Fort Collins, residential property owners are required to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks adjacent to their property within 24 hours of snowfall, as mandated by the City. This ordinance is enforced by Code Compliance Inspectors, who will hire contractors to remove the snow, if necessary, at the property owner’s expense. The City is responsible for removing snow from the downtown area, and from city streets and bike lanes. The City will shovel sidewalks and driveways covered by snowplowing after residents have cleared them, at the property owner’s request.
In Colorado, property owners are responsible for maintaining their property in a reasonably safe condition for visitors. When a slip-and-fall accident occurs on a snowy or icy walkway that should have been cleared, the property owner may be held liable.
Do You Need a Lawyer for a Winter Slip-and-Fall Accident?
If you have been seriously injured in a fall, it is in your best interests to speak with a Fort Collins premises liability attorney as soon as possible. Your damages may be significant, including past and future medical expenses, lost earnings, and pain and suffering. Insurance companies are in business for profit, and they will try to minimize the value of your settlement. Your best chance of recovering full compensation is to have an experienced lawyer represent you.
Why Choose the Tenge Law Firm, LLC?
Our Fort Collins personal injury attorneys have recovered tens of millions of dollars in settlements, arbitration awards, and verdicts for our clients. Our firm is often retained by medical providers and other lawyers when they or their family members are injured. We offer experienced representation and personalized attention, and we work on a contingency-fee basis.
Call us at (970) 212-4777 to schedule a free consultation if you have been hurt in a winter slip-and-fall on someone else’s property. We can explain your options under the law.