Jefferson County · Snow and ice falls
Lakewood Snow and Ice Fall Lawyers
Lakewood snow and ice falls at store entrances and sidewalks. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
How We Evaluate a Lakewood Snow and Ice Fall
Colorado treats snow and ice as a property condition claim under C.R.S. § 13‑21‑115. That statute asks what the injured person's status was on the property and what the landowner knew or should have known about the icy condition. We start there before we talk about anything else.
Status matters. A customer walking into a Lakewood grocery store or restaurant is usually an invitee, and the landowner owes a higher duty to that person. Someone crossing a neighbor's yard or cutting across private property without permission may fall into a different category. We do not guess at status until we have the facts of where the fall happened and why the person was there.
Knowledge matters just as much. Did the property owner or manager know ice had formed, or should they have known given the weather and how long the area had been left untreated? We look at whether the walkway was plowed, salted, or ignored, and we build the claim around what a reasonable landowner should have done with that knowledge.
Evidence We Look For
Photos of the ice, the surrounding area, and any melting or refreezing patterns are some of the most useful evidence in these cases. We also look at weather records for Lakewood on the day of the fall, and we compare that to whether the property was plowed, shoveled, or treated with salt or ice melt. Store or building maintenance logs can show whether anyone checked the area before the fall.
We also want to know how long the condition existed before someone got hurt. That does not mean we can tell you a fixed number of hours or days the ice needs to have been there. It means we gather the facts, timing of snowfall, timing of any treatment, witness accounts, to show whether the landowner had a fair chance to address the hazard and failed to do so.
- Photos of the ice, snow, and surrounding walkway or entrance
- The date, time, and location of the fall
- Names of any witnesses or store employees nearby
- Any incident report filed with the property or business
- Records of medical care received after the fall
Snow and Ice Falls Around Lakewood
Lakewood sees heavy foot traffic along West Colfax Avenue, Wadsworth Boulevard, and Kipling Street, where retail entrances, parking lots, and sidewalks all become slick after snow. We also handle falls near Golden and Wheat Ridge, where similar mixed commercial and residential properties create the same hazards after a storm.
If you needed care after a fall, providers like CommonSpirit St. Anthony Hospital are common starting points for treatment in this area. If a claim moves toward litigation, these cases are generally handled in Jefferson County Courts in Golden, and we prepare our filings and evidence with that venue in mind.
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 from the injury
- Reduced ability to work or function if the injury is lasting
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Lakewood — 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.
Lakewood Snow and ice falls FAQ
Do I have to prove the ice was there for a certain number of hours?
No. Colorado law does not require you to prove a specific number of hours or days. Instead, we look at whether the landowner knew or should have known about the condition and had a fair opportunity to address it.
Does it matter why I was on the property?
Yes. Your status, such as a customer, guest, or someone passing through, affects the duty the landowner owed you. We review the facts of your visit before assigning any status to your claim.
What if the property owner says they plowed earlier that day?
That is relevant but not the end of the inquiry. We look at when the plowing happened, what the weather did afterward, and whether the owner should have checked again before someone got hurt.
Where do these cases usually get handled if they go to court?
Falls in Lakewood are generally filed in Jefferson County Courts in Golden. We prepare evidence and documentation with that court in mind from the start.
What should I do right after a fall on ice?
Take photos of the area, get names of any witnesses, and report the fall to the property or business if possible. Seek medical care and keep records of your treatment and any related expenses.
Discuss a Lakewood premises injury
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