Adams and Jefferson counties · Apartment and common-area injuries
Westminster Apartment Premises Lawyers
If you were hurt in a Westminster apartment complex's stairs or parking lot, we can help. Free consultation, no fee unless we recover.
Landlord Liability for Common Areas in Westminster
Apartment complexes across Westminster, from properties near U.S. Highway 36 to buildings closer to 120th Avenue, are made up of individual units and shared spaces. A landlord can be treated as a landowner for the common areas the landlord actually possesses or is responsible for maintaining. That includes stairwells, entryways, walkways, parking lots, and shared lighting.
This is not a blanket rule that a landlord answers for every hazard on the property. If the dangerous condition existed inside a tenant's own unit, control and responsibility become central questions, and the answer often depends on the lease terms and who had access to fix the problem. We look closely at whether the landlord, a property manager, or the tenant controlled the specific area or condition that caused the injury.
Colorado's premises liability statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑115, still applies in these cases. Your status as an invitee, licensee, or trespasser affects what duty the landlord owed you, even when the injury happened in a common area rather than inside a private unit. We evaluate that status early because it shapes the entire claim.
Building What We Need to Prove Control and Notice
In common-area cases, we want to know who was responsible for maintenance, when the area was last inspected, and whether other tenants had complained about the same stairs, railing, or icy walkway before you were hurt. Maintenance logs, work orders, and communications between the property manager and ownership can show whether the landlord knew about the condition and how long it went unaddressed.
Photos of the specific location, taken as close to the time of the incident as possible, are valuable because conditions like ice, poor lighting, or a broken railing can be repaired or change quickly. If you sought care after your fall, records from a provider such as CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital can help connect the incident to your injuries. We also look for security camera footage from the property, since many complexes near Federal Boulevard and other busy corridors have cameras covering entries and parking areas.
- Report the incident to the property manager or landlord in writing
- Photograph the stairs, railing, lighting, or walkway involved
- Get the names of any witnesses, including other tenants
- Keep copies of your lease and any prior complaints about the condition
- Seek medical care and keep records of your treatment
Handling Claims from Westminster Apartment Communities
Westminster has a large rental population spread across complexes near I-25, along Federal Boulevard, and toward the Broomfield border. These properties vary widely in size and management structure, from small owner-managed buildings to large complexes run by outside property management companies. We work to identify who actually controlled the area where you were hurt, since that determination often points to different insurance coverage or a different responsible party.
Depending on where the property sits, a claim may involve Adams County or Jefferson County, and litigation could proceed through the Adams County Justice Center or Jefferson County Courts. We handle that jurisdictional groundwork so you can focus on recovering.
What You May Recover
- Medical expenses related to the fall or injury
- Lost income if you missed work during recovery
- Pain and suffering
- Future medical care if injuries are ongoing
- Property damage, such as a damaged phone or mobility device
What clients say about McCormick & Murphy
Real outcomes and reviews. Check Google reviews for the office that serves Westminster — 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.
Westminster Apartment and common-area injuries FAQ
Is my landlord automatically responsible if I fell on the stairs?
Not automatically. The landlord can be liable for common areas like stairs when the landlord possesses or is responsible for that space, but we still have to show the landlord knew or should have known about the hazard and failed to address it.
What if I fell inside my own apartment, not a common area?
Liability inside a private unit depends heavily on who controlled the condition that caused your fall. We review your lease and the circumstances to determine whether the landlord had responsibility for that particular issue.
Does it matter whether I was a resident or a visitor?
Yes. Colorado's premises liability statute assigns different duties depending on whether the injured person was an invitee, licensee, or trespasser, and that status matters in common areas just as it does elsewhere on the property.
What if the property management company denies responsibility?
Denials are common, especially when multiple parties share responsibility for maintenance. We gather maintenance records, prior complaints, and other evidence to identify who was actually responsible for the condition that hurt you.
Which court would handle my Westminster apartment injury claim?
Depending on where the property is located, your case may fall under Adams County or Jefferson County jurisdiction, with proceedings potentially handled through the Adams County Justice Center or Jefferson County Courts.
Discuss a Westminster premises injury
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.