Larimer County · Child injuries on someone else's property
Fort Collins Child Premises Injury Lawyers
A Fort Collins child injured on someone else's property deserves careful legal review. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How Child Injury Claims Work on Private Property
When a child is hurt on someone else's property in Fort Collins, people often assume the law treats kids differently in every respect. It does not work that way automatically. A child's legal status on the property still depends on why the child was there and what the property owner knew or should have known, just as it would for an adult. We look closely at the facts before assuming any particular status applies.
Pools, trampolines, and play equipment are common features on residential and commercial properties around Fort Collins, from backyards near Mulberry Street to rental properties near College Avenue. The mere presence of one of these features is not, by itself, proof that the owner is liable if a child gets hurt. We examine how the condition was maintained, whether warnings or barriers were in place, and whether the owner had reason to expect children might encounter it.
Because the injured person is a minor, a parent or guardian typically needs to manage the claim on the child's behalf. We help families understand what that involves and guide them through the practical steps without getting ahead of the actual procedure that applies to their situation.
Building the Record Early
Evidence in a child injury case can change quickly. Pool areas get cleaned, trampolines get repaired or removed, and play equipment can be altered or taken down entirely once someone realizes a child was hurt on it. Photos of the condition as it existed at the time, along with contact information for anyone who saw what happened, can matter a great deal later.
If your child was treated at UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital or another provider in the area, those records become an important part of documenting the injury and its aftermath. We also gather information about the property itself, including who owns it and whether prior incidents or complaints exist, to understand the full picture before deciding how to proceed.
- Get your child medical attention and follow up on any recommended care
- Take photos of the pool, equipment, or condition involved as soon as possible
- Write down what your child and any witnesses remember about what happened
- Get the names and contact information of other people who were present
- Avoid discussing fault with the property owner or their insurer before speaking with us
Serving Fort Collins Families
We work with families throughout Fort Collins and the surrounding area, including Harmony Road, Loveland, and Wellington, where backyard pools and play structures are common on residential lots. Larimer County's mix of established neighborhoods and newer developments means property conditions vary widely, and we take the time to understand the specific setting where your child was injured.
If a claim requires court involvement, matters connected to Fort Collins are typically handled through the Larimer County Justice Center. We are based in Denver and regularly assist clients across Larimer County, meeting families where it is convenient for them.
What a Child Injury Claim May Address
- Medical expenses for treatment and any ongoing care
- Costs of future treatment tied to the injury
- Pain and suffering experienced by the child
- Impact on the child's daily activities or development
- Related expenses parents incur because of the injury
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Fort Collins — and read client testimonials.
After I was hit by a drunk driver with no insurance, my own insurer refused UM benefits. McCormick & Murphy sued for uninsured motorist benefits and bad faith. A jury awarded me over $900,000.
C. O., Denver · UM / bad-faith verdict
Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Every case depends on its facts, coverage, venue, and evidence.
Fort Collins Child injuries on someone else's property FAQ
Is a property owner automatically liable if my child got hurt on a trampoline or pool?
No. The presence of a pool, trampoline, or play equipment is just a fact about the property. Liability depends on how the owner maintained the condition and whether they took reasonable steps given the chance that children might be there.
Does my child automatically count as an invitee because they're a minor?
Not automatically. A child's status on the property still depends on the reason they were there, similar to how it works for adults. We review the specific circumstances rather than assuming a particular status applies.
Can I file the claim myself since my child is a minor?
A parent or guardian generally needs to manage a minor's claim, but the exact procedure depends on the situation. We walk families through what is involved once we understand the specifics of the case.
My child suffered a head injury in the fall. Does that change the claim?
It can. A head injury from a fall may overlap with a brain injury claim, which involves its own considerations. We would point you to our brain injury page for that discussion and evaluate your child's situation accordingly.
What should I do first after my child is hurt on someone else's property in Fort Collins?
Get your child medical care first, then document the scene with photos and note who was present. Reach out to us for a free consultation before discussing fault with the property owner or an insurance company.
Discuss a Fort Collins premises injury
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.