Negligent Ice/Snow Removal Attorneys in Denver, Colorado

During the winter months, Denver weather often causes snow and ice to build up on roads, parking lots, sidewalks and stairs, or even in the entrances to buildings. These conditions can be very dangerous and cause individuals to slip and fall, which can result in serious injuries.

Negligent Ice/Snow Removal Attorneys in Denver

Although these accidents do occur, if they happened because of another parties negligence, you may be eligible to be compensated for losses. This can be in the form of repayment of medical bills or lost wages from being out of work. It is your right as a citizen to sue for damages, and if your argument explicitly implicates an offending party, then they should be held accountable and responsible for paying back to you what was lost, in some form or another.

If you have sustained injuries as a result of negligent ice or snow removal, it is important to contact a knowledgeable attorney in Denver as soon as possible.

Denver Negligent Ice Removal Lawyer

Contact the Donaldson Law, LLC today at (303) 458-5000 for a consultation about your negligent ice or snow removal claim throughout Denver and the surrounding areas of Boulder, Longmont, Lakewood, Arvada, Aurora, Thornton, Westminster, Centennial and Littleton. Colorado personal injury attorney Jennifer L. Donaldson will make every effort to help you receive just compensation for the injuries you suffered as a result of negligent ice or snow removal.

Call Donaldson Law, LLC for a consultation today about your claim for injuries sustained as a result of negligent ice or snow removal.

Negligent Ice Removal Claims in Denver

The owners of buildings, stores and any other public places are responsible for removing snow and ice to allow safe access on their property.  They have an obligation to ensure areas accessible to the public is safe and free and clear of any dangerous accumulation of snow and ice. Claims for negligent ice and snow removal in Denver can arise in any of the following locations:

  • Stores;
  • Shopping malls;
  • Retail locations;
  • Restaurants;
  • Bars;
  • Clubs;
  • Parking lots;
  • Apartment complexes;
  • Public parks;
  • Sidewalks;
  • Grocery stores;
  • Public venues; and/or
  • Any other public location.

Common Injuries Due to Negligent Snow and/or Ice Removal

An unexpected encounter with snow or ice can result in serious and sometimes life-threatening injuries including:

  • Herniated or ruptured disc
  • Fractures
  • Nerve damage
  • Concussion
  • Torn muscles, tendons, or ligaments
  • Sprains and strains

How to Protect Yourself From a Wintertime Slip and Fall

When you are out and about in Denver this winter, you can take a number of precautions to avoid slip and falls, including:

  • Check the weather before you leave home: It is good to know whether you should expect rain, snow, or freezing rain.
  • Wear proper footwear: Wear boots or shoes that have tread and can grip the ground.
  • Salt and clear your own walkways: Make sure to shovel your sidewalks, remove ice, and put down salt.
  • Be extra cautious at entrances and exits: When you are going into or leaving a building, pay particular attention to the walkways to avoid obviously slick conditions.
  • Avoid your phone or MP3 player while you walk: To be on the lookout during a winter walk, avoid common distractions like talking on the phone or listening to music while you walk.
  • Use extra support: If you use a cane or a walker because you have trouble maintaining your balance, do not be afraid to use extra support. If you typically use a cane, you may wish to use a walker in the winter. Or, for a cane, you may wish to buy an ice-gripping tip.
  • Carry kitty litter with you: If you approach a possibly dangerous area that you cannot go around, you can use the kitty litter to soak up some water and provide traction.
  • Keep your eyewear up to date: If you rely on contacts or glasses to see, make sure your prescription is up to date this winter.

Denver Lawsuits for Negligent Snow Removal

If you have suffered injuries from negligent snow or ice removal in Denver, it is essential to immediately contact an experienced Denver accident attorney after your accident.

Colorado Revised Statute 13-80-102

According to the Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-80-102, you may only have two years after your negligent ice or snow removal accident to file a lawsuit for the injuries you sustained against the negligent party. This time period, known as a statute of limitations or SOL prevents an injured party from filing a lawsuit for damages arising out of a tort claim after a certain period of time has passed. Therefore, it is important to contact a Denver personal injury attorney as soon as possible to ensure your lawsuit for damages is not barred and to ensue you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries.

Government Entity Negligence Laws

However, if the property involved in the incident was owned by a governmental entity, such as a city, county or state building or a school, different rules may apply.  Under Colorado’s governmental immunity laws (CRS § 24-10-109), an injured party must give formal written notice of the claim to the governmental entity within 180 days of the date of the accident. If you fail to give proper notice under Colorado law, you will be barred from seeking compensation for your injuries and damages. Since the SOL is only two years and other deadlines can be as short as 180 days from the date of your slip and fall on ice or snow, it is very important to hire a Denver personal injury attorney as soon as you have been involved in such an incident

In order to recover damages for a lawsuit for your injuries from negligent ice or snow removal in Denver, your attorney must first prove a negligence claim by a preponderance of the evidence. This is a burden of proof at trial that your attorney must establish, which is satisfied if the evidence slightly weighs more in your favor than it does not, or by 51%. Additionally, your attorney must prove the negligent party owed you a duty, they breach that duty, and as a result, they actually and proximately caused your injuries.

Contact Our Denver, Colorado Negligent Snow Removal Lawyer at Donaldson Law, LLC For Your Free Consultation Today

An accident that involves negligent snow removal can be a confusing process because of the scenario itself. Even though it may not be as straightforward as an auto accident, if negligence by another was involved, you could be eligible for compensation for any catastrophic injuries. Do not wait to act in a situation such as this, and work with legal counsel who has the experience and knowledge of these cases to give you the greatest chance at making up for what was lost.

Jennifer Donaldson is a knowledgeable Denver personal injury lawyer who will work diligently to help you receive full and fair compensation for the injuries you sustained as a result of negligent ice or snow removal. Contact Donaldson Law, LLC at (303) 458-5000 or submit an online form for a consultation about your negligent ice and snow removal claim in Denver County, Boulder County, Jefferson County, Adams County or Arapahoe County.