Larimer County · Snow and ice falls
Fort Collins Snow and Ice Fall Lawyers
If you slipped on snow or ice in Fort Collins, we can help. Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.
How Colorado Law Treats Snow and Ice Claims
Snow and ice falls are property condition cases in Colorado, and they are analyzed under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑115. That statute looks at the condition of the property and, importantly, the injured person's legal status when they were on it.
Your status matters. A customer walking into a store off College Avenue or Harmony Road is often treated as an invitee, which generally means the landowner owes a higher duty of care. Someone crossing private property for their own purposes may be treated differently. We do not assign a status until we have the facts of your situation.
The landowner's knowledge of the condition is also central to these claims. Whether the property owner knew or should have known ice had formed, and what they did or didn't do about it, shapes whether a claim can move forward.
What Helps Prove a Snow or Ice Claim
Photos of the ice or snow, taken as close to the time of the fall as possible, are some of the most useful evidence we can have. Weather records for that day in Fort Collins can help show what conditions were present and when precipitation or freezing occurred.
We also look at whether the area was plowed, shoveled, or treated with salt or sand, and whether that upkeep matched what a reasonable property owner would do. How long the condition had been there before the fall is a factual question we look into case by case. We do not assume or state a specific number of hours or days the ice needed to exist before it counts against the property owner.
- Photograph the ice or snow and the surrounding area before it melts or gets cleared
- Note the exact location, such as an entrance, sidewalk, or parking area
- Write down the approximate time and current weather conditions
- Get contact information for anyone who saw you fall
- Seek medical evaluation if you are hurt, even if symptoms seem minor at first
Handling Snow and Ice Claims Around Fort Collins
Fort Collins gets real winter weather, and falls happen on sidewalks and entrances along College Avenue, Mulberry Street, and Harmony Road, as well as in Loveland and Wellington. These claims often involve figuring out who was responsible for clearing a given walkway, whether that's a business, a landlord, or a municipal entity, and what their maintenance practices actually were.
If you were treated for injuries after a fall, records from providers like UCHealth Poudre Valley Hospital can support your claim. Larimer County cases we file typically proceed through the Larimer County Justice Center. Our office is based in Denver, and we work with clients throughout the Fort Collins area.
Damages We Pursue
- Medical bills related to the fall
- Future medical care if injuries require ongoing treatment
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering
- Reduced ability to work or perform daily activities
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 Snow and ice falls FAQ
Do I have to prove exactly how long the ice was there?
The length of time a condition existed is one factor that can support a claim, but we do not commit to a specific number of hours or days. What matters is whether the property owner knew or reasonably should have known about the hazard. We build that picture from weather data, maintenance records, and witness accounts.
Does it matter if I was a customer versus just walking across a parking lot?
Yes, your legal status on the property can affect the duty the owner owed you. A customer entering a business is commonly treated as an invitee. We review the specific facts of your visit before saying how the law applies to you.
What if the property was plowed but ice still formed?
Partial or incomplete snow removal doesn't automatically clear a property owner of responsibility. We look at whether the plowing or treatment was reasonable given the conditions and whether known problem spots were addressed.
I fell on a sidewalk near a business in Fort Collins. Who is responsible?
It depends on who was responsible for maintaining that sidewalk under local practice and any agreements between the business and property owner. We investigate ownership and maintenance responsibility as part of building your claim.
What should I do right after a snow or ice fall?
Take photos of the area, get names of any witnesses, and seek medical attention if you're hurt. The sooner you document conditions, the stronger your evidence will be, since snow and ice change quickly.
Discuss a Fort Collins premises injury
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