Colorado winters bring breathtaking scenery, but they also create some of the most hazardous conditions for pedestrians. When temperatures drop and snow accumulates, sidewalks, parking lots, and building entrances become slippery danger zones where one misstep can result in serious injuries.

If you’ve been injured in a winter slip-and-fall accident, Mintz Law Firm is here to help. With over 300 years of combined legal experience and a track record of recovering more than $20 million annually for clients since 2016, our team of 12 attorneys understands the complexities of Colorado premises liability law. We work on a contingency fee basis, so you won’t pay any fees unless we win your case.

Common Causes of Winter Slip-and-Fall Accidents

Winter weather creates numerous hazards that property owners must address to keep visitors safe. Ice and snow accumulation on walkways, stairs, and parking lots represent the most obvious dangers. Black ice, which forms when temperatures fluctuate, can be particularly treacherous because it’s nearly invisible to pedestrians.

Inadequate snow removal also contributes to many winter falls. When property owners fail to clear pathways promptly after a storm, compacted snow turns into slick ice that persists for weeks. Similarly, poor drainage systems can cause water to pool and freeze, creating unexpected skating rinks in high-traffic areas.

Property Owner Responsibilities

Colorado law requires property owners to maintain safe premises for visitors. During winter months, this duty includes regular snow and ice removal, application of salt or sand to prevent ice formation, and prompt repairs to damaged walkways that become more dangerous when covered with snow. Property owners must also ensure adequate lighting so pedestrians can see hazards before it’s too late.

The legal standard for property owner liability depends on the visitor’s status. Business invitees, such as customers and clients, receive the highest level of protection. Property owners must regularly inspect their premises for hazards and take reasonable steps to eliminate dangers or provide adequate warnings. This obligation extends to parking lots, sidewalks, and all areas where visitors are expected to walk.

Injuries From Winter Falls

The injuries sustained in wintertime slip-and-fall accidents can be severe and life-altering. Broken bones, particularly hip fractures and wrist injuries, occur frequently when people instinctively try to break their falls. Head injuries and concussions pose another serious risk, especially when victims fall backward onto icy pavement.

Spinal injuries from winter falls can lead to chronic pain and limited mobility. Soft tissue damage, including torn ligaments and muscle strains, may not seem severe initially but can result in long-term complications. According to the National Safety Council, falls cause over 8 million emergency room visits annually, with winter months showing a notable spike in slip-and-fall incidents on icy surfaces. Older adults face particular vulnerability, as winter falls frequently result in catastrophic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Building Your Slip-and-Fall Case

Establishing liability in winter slip-and-fall cases requires demonstrating that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it. Documentation becomes critical. Photograph the accident scene from multiple angles, capturing the exact location where you fell, the condition of the surface, and any warning signs (or lack thereof). Take pictures of your injuries and save all medical records and receipts.

Weather records for the day of your accident can support your claim by showing precipitation levels and temperature patterns. Witness statements from people who saw the fall or observed the dangerous conditions strengthen your case significantly. If the property owner received prior complaints about the hazard, this information can prove they had actual knowledge of the danger.

Time limits matter in slip-and-fall cases. Colorado’s statute of limitations gives you a specific window to file your claim, so prompt action protects your rights. Insurance companies often try to minimize payouts by arguing that you were partially at fault or that the weather condition was “natural” and unavoidable. Having an attorney who understands these tactics helps level the playing field.

Contact Mintz Law Firm for Help With Your Winter Slip-and-Fall Claim

Winter slip-and-fall accidents can leave you with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and pain that affects every aspect of your life. You don’t have to navigate the legal process alone. The team at Mintz Law Firm has the knowledge and resources to build a strong case and fight for the compensation you deserve.

Our attorneys have successfully recovered millions for injured clients and will provide the personalized attention your case deserves. Contact our office today for a free consultation to discuss your winter slip-and-fall accident claim.