Inadequate maintenance is a type of premises liability claim. It applies when a property owner or manager fails to keep the property in good condition or neglects to address hazards, resulting in injuries to lawful visitors. Colorado law requires that property owners exercise a duty of care, which includes maintaining the property and warning visitors of potential dangers. When they don’t meet this duty, they can be held legally responsible for any resulting injuries.

Some common examples of inadequate maintenance include:

• Broken locks and fixtures
• Poor lighting in hallways, stairwells, or parking lots
• Rotting stairs or floorboards
• Exposed electrical wiring
• Unsecured shelving or displays
• Cracked sidewalks or pavement

If you’ve been hurt due to any of these conditions or others like them, you may be eligible to file a premises liability claim for compensation.

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To successfully pursue an inadequate maintenance claim, you will need to show:

1. A Hazard Existed on the Property: There was a dangerous condition or maintenance issue on the property that could cause injury.
2. The Owner Knew or Should Have Known About the Hazard: The property owner or manager was aware, or should have reasonably been aware, of the hazard.
3. Failure to Address or Warn of the Hazard: The property owner did not fix the dangerous condition or warn visitors about it.
4. Injury as a Direct Result of the Hazard: You must demonstrate that the hazardous condition directly caused your injury.

As experienced inadequate maintenance attorneys in Colorado Springs, Bradford Pelton P.C. can assist in gathering evidence to establish each element of your claim. This may include medical records, accident reports, maintenance logs, photos, and witness statements.

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Inadequate maintenance cases can be complex, and several factors may impact your claim:

• Your Legal Status on the Property: Colorado law grants a duty of care to lawful visitors, such as customers or guests. Trespassers generally do not have the same protections unless certain exceptions apply.
• The Hazard’s Visibility: If the hazard is obvious, the property owner may be considered negligent if they failed to identify and fix it. For hidden hazards, the owner may still be liable if they should have discovered the issue through regular inspections.
• Adequate Warnings: Property owners are expected to warn visitors of known hazards. A failure to do so can strengthen your claim.

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Victims of inadequate maintenance accidents may be eligible for various types of compensation, including:

• Medical Expenses: Coverage for hospital bills, surgeries, medications, and ongoing treatment.
• Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to time missed from work.
• Pain and Suffering: Damages for the physical and emotional pain caused by the accident.
• Long-Term Disability: For injuries that result in lasting disabilities or impairments.

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At Bradford Pelton P.C., our team has extensive experience handling inadequate maintenance claims in Colorado Springs. We are committed to providing compassionate and effective legal support, handling each detail of your case so you can focus on your recovery. Our services include:

• Claim Investigation: We gather evidence, review maintenance records, and assess the circumstances of your accident to build a strong case.
• Witness Interviews: Eyewitnesses can provide valuable testimony about the condition of the property and the events leading to your accident.
• Identifying Liable Parties: Liability may extend beyond the property owner to include property managers, tenants, or other responsible parties.
• Claim Valuation: We ensure that your claim includes all applicable damages, from medical expenses to pain and suffering.
• Negotiation and Litigation: Our team will negotiate with insurers on your behalf, and if needed, we are prepared to take your case to court.

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