Adams and Jefferson counties · Stairs and poor lighting
Westminster Stair and Lighting Injury Lawyers
If a broken step or a dark stairwell hurt you in Westminster, free consultation, and no attorney fee unless we recover for you.
Stairway and Lighting Claims Under Colorado's Premises Law
Broken steps, missing or loose handrails, and stairwells with burned-out or inadequate lighting are property conditions covered by Colorado's premises liability statute, C.R.S. § 13‑21‑115. That statute governs claims against landowners and property managers when a condition on the property causes injury.
Your legal status on the property when you fell, and what the landowner knew or, if you were an invitee, should have known about the hazard, still control the outcome. A property manager who knew a stair tread was cracked or that a stairwell light had been out for some time faces different exposure than one who had no reasonable way to know. We look closely at inspection and maintenance history to answer that question.
We do not rely on a specific building-code citation to make this case. Instead, we build the claim around the statute's knowledge and status requirements, backed by evidence of the actual condition of the stairs and lighting at the time you were hurt.
Why Photos Before Repairs Matter
Photos of the broken step, the missing or damaged handrail, and the lighting condition, taken before the property owner fixes anything, are core proof in these cases. Once a landlord repairs a step or replaces a bulb, the original hazard is gone, and it becomes your word against theirs about what the stairs looked like when you fell.
We also gather maintenance records, prior complaint history, and witness statements about how long the condition existed. Combined with your own photos and a written account of the fall while it's fresh, this evidence helps establish both the hazard and the landowner's knowledge of it.
- Photograph the step, handrail, and lighting immediately, before repairs are made
- Note the time of day and how dark or well-lit the stairwell was
- Get names and contact information for any witnesses
- Report the fall to the property owner or manager in writing
- Seek medical care and keep records connecting your injury to the fall
Handling Stair Injury Claims Near Westminster
We represent people injured on stairs and in poorly lit stairwells throughout Westminster, including areas near U.S. Highway 36, I-25, Federal Boulevard, 120th Avenue, and neighboring Broomfield. Westminster straddles Adams and Jefferson counties, so we evaluate early on whether a claim belongs in Adams County Justice Center or Jefferson County Courts based on where the property is located.
If you received treatment at CommonSpirit St. Anthony North Hospital or another local provider after a stairway fall, those medical records become an important part of documenting your injury and connecting it to the property condition.
Damages We Pursue in Stair and Lighting Cases
- Medical expenses for treatment of fractures, sprains, and head injuries
- Future medical care if the injury requires ongoing treatment
- Lost wages from time away from work
- Pain and suffering from the fall and recovery
- Reduced earning capacity if the injury limits your work long-term
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 Stairs and poor lighting FAQ
Do I need to prove a building code was violated?
No. We do not build these claims around a specific code section. Instead, we focus on the condition of the stairs and lighting and what the property owner knew or should have known about the hazard.
What if the property owner fixed the step before I could take pictures?
It's still possible to build a claim using witness statements, maintenance records, and your own account of the condition, but photos taken before repairs are the strongest evidence. If you haven't taken photos yet and the hazard still exists, do so as soon as possible.
Does it matter whether I was a guest, customer, or tenant?
Yes. Your legal status on the property affects what the landowner owed you and what they needed to know about the hazard. We evaluate your status early to understand the strength of your claim.
Where would my case be filed if I fell in Westminster?
Because Westminster sits in both Adams and Jefferson counties, your case could be filed in Adams County Justice Center or Jefferson County Courts depending on where the property is located. We determine the correct venue as part of preparing your claim.
What if the stairwell light had been out for a while before my fall?
Evidence that a light was out for some time, such as prior complaints or maintenance records, can help show the landowner knew or should have known about the hazard. We gather that kind of history when it's available.
Discuss a Westminster premises injury
Free consultation. No attorney fee unless we recover for you.