Colorado Springs Tort Claims Lawyers — Civil Liability Representation in El Paso County
Tort law is the body of civil law that addresses wrongs — negligent, intentional, or fraudulent — that cause harm to another person or their property. When those wrongs occur in Colorado Springs, the injured party has the right to pursue compensation through El Paso County District Court. Whether you’re seeking damages for harm caused by another party’s conduct or defending a business or individual against a tort claim, Burnham Law’s Colorado Springs civil attorneys bring the preparation and courtroom experience that these cases require.
Meet our Colorado Springs civil team below — attorneys experienced in tort litigation across negligence, fraud, defamation, and civil liability claims in El Paso County and throughout Colorado.
Andrew is a seasoned attorney with over a decade of experience in navigating complex legal challenges. He has successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases, including consumer protection matters, breach of warranty claims against major automotive manufacturers, mass tort litigation, and disputes with oil and gas companies. Andrew's approach is to combine meticulous preparation with practical problem-solving, a strategy that has consistently led to favorable outcomes for his clients. Throughout his career, Andrew has resolved hundreds of cases in state and federal courts, as well as in binding arbitration. His dedicated work has resulted in millions of dollars in recoveries for his clients. He is committed to achieving the best possible results, drawing on his extensive experience to provide comprehensive and effective legal counsel.
Brandon has partnered with business owners across every stage of the business lifecycle. His experience spans pre-litigation, third-party disputes, shareholder derivative actions, and business formation, as well as day-to-day advisory services. He is also a seasoned guide in complex transactions, including sales, mergers, and acquisitions. Throughout his career, Brandon has counseled clients through transactions ranging from several hundred thousand to mid-eight figures. Regardless of the deal’s scale, his objective remains steadfast: to provide a positive, measurable impact on his clients and their long-term business health. Brandon assists clients through all phases of litigation, from initial dispute resolution to mediation and arbitration. His background in transactional law provides him with a unique edge; having drafted the very contracts that often become the subject of legal disputes, he utilizes that intimate knowledge to navigate litigation effectively and help clients avoid future risks. When he is away from his practice, Brandon stays active by golfing and going to the gym. A self-proclaimed bourbon...
Brian Teed is a civil litigation attorney. He specializes in complex motions practice and appeals. Brian earned his Juris Doctor from Arizona State University, where he distinguished himself by interning for federal district judges and working for the United States Department of Justice in Washington, DC. He also served on the executive board of the Arizona State Law Journal and published two articles on constitutional issues. After graduating, Brian clerked on the Arizona Court of Appeals and the United States District Court for the District of Arizona. At Burnham, he has served clients with litigation and transactional needs, whether negotiating, litigating, or advising on the best path forward. Some of his successes include the defense of two six-figure judgments on appeal. From this broad experience, Brian is uniquely positioned to help clients navigate the complexities and stress of civil litigation, including appeals.
Bryon has more than a decade of experience in probate, trust administration, and estate planning. His probate experience includes contesting fraudulent wills and litigating terms of estate plan documents. In preparing estate plans, Bryon emphasizes helping clients pass on as much of their estates to their loved ones as possible through careful and regular review by clients. Bryon also has experience in representing landlords in evictions, contracts, commercial sales transactions, public bidding, and special taxing districts. When not serving clients, Bryon enjoys camping, off-roading, and traveling with his family.
Before law school, Chris was a Television Broadcast News Reporter for NBC KOMU TV-8 and a Radio Broadcast News Reporter for NPR KBIA 91.3. During law school, Chris clerked for the General Counsel of a Major International Airline, he clerked for the Chief Judge of the Missouri Court of Appeals-Southern District, he clerked for a small civil litigation and real estate law firm in Columbia, and he was a summer intern at McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan, P.C. in Kansas City. After law school, Chris became an Associate Attorney at McDowell Rice Smith & Buchanan, P.C.’s Country Club Plaza office eventually earning an Equity Shareholder Position. Since moving to Colorado in 2011, Chris has been a Business Operations Manager at a Denver-based multi-million dollar company, he has been a Contract Attorney for a medical device publicly-traded company, he has been a Staff Attorney at a boutique law firm providing bankruptcy legal services to consumers, and he has been the Bankruptcy...
Prior to joining Burnham, Cody began his career at a general practice law firm focusing primarily on commercial litigation, real estate litigation, real estate transactions, trusts and estates, probate, and oil and gas. Since then, he has honed his skills as an advocate with a focus on assisting his clients in navigating all stages of litigation and arbitration. Specifically, Cody has done multiple trials, arbitrations, mediations, and depositions, obtaining efficient and favorable results for his clients. As a result of this experience, Cody is keenly aware of the litigation process, and the strategic nuances that lead to success before and during trial. Cody is also an experienced corporate attorney who assists clients in business/shareholder disputes, transactions, and corporate structuring in a wide variety of industries, including construction, real estate acquisition and development, lifestyle brands, and many more. In his off time, Cody enjoys hiking, skiing, trying some of Denver’s best places to eat, and spending time with his Labrador Ollie.
David is a highly experienced litigator and trial attorney focusing on commercial disputes, litigation, and arbitrations. He has been representing individuals and businesses for over three decades and is a relentless advocate and seasoned trial attorney. David has honed his skills practicing with both international firms (Shook, Hardy & Bacon, Dorsey & Whitney, and Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani), and respected local firms. He possesses extensive first-chair experience in civil trials, arbitrations, and appeals, offering clients dedicated and intense focus in a wide range of complex commercial matters. David grew up in Loveland, Colorado and attended the University of Denver's Daniels College of Business on a Boettcher Foundation Scholarship, earning a degree in Finance/Real Estate. He later received his J.D. from the University of Minnesota Law School, where he was a member of the prestigious Minnesota Law Review and a director of the International Moot Court. David started his legal career in Kansas City focusing on pharmaceutical products liability litigation, before...
Erin has extensive experience representing clients in all phases of litigation in both state and federal courts, with a focus on employment litigation, business and commercial disputes, and appellate matters. She also has significant experience in estate planning and probate, advising individuals and families on preserving their legacies and guiding them through the probate process with clarity and compassion. In addition to her private practice work, Erin served as a law clerk to the Honorable Judge Jerry N. Jones of the Colorado Court of Appeals. She also previously clerked for the South Dakota Second Judicial Circuit, gaining valuable insight into the judicial process.
Kate strives to have a client-oriented practice where she can assist her clients in all stages of litigation. Prior to joining Burnham, Kate was an associate at an AmLaw Firm where she worked on various types of complex litigation representing large corporations, municipalities, and individuals. Before going into private practice, Kate was an Assistant Public Defender in Miami-Dade County where she tried over twenty cases. Kate has been able to develop a well-rounded practice by working in both the private and public sectors. Kate has honed her skill sets from her prior experience so she can be a zealous advocate for her clients. In her spare time, Kate enjoys spending time with her husband in the outdoors, traveling, and visiting family.
Katlyn Schafer is passionate about helping her clients navigate their legal challenges by providing clear guidance, practical solutions, and strong advocacy at every stage of the process. Her practice spans a wide range of civil matters including personal disputes, consumer protection disputes, regulatory and administrative disputes, environmental disputes, and many others. Prior to joining Burnham Law, Katlyn worked as an Associate Attorney providing representation in worker's compensation disputes. During law school, Katlyn served on the editorial board for the Vermont Journal of Environmental Law. She interned with the Idaho Office of the Attorney General and gained experience working as a student-attorney to provide pro bono legal representation to various nonprofits in the New England area. In her free time, Katlyn can be found frequenting thrift stores, exploring the Colorado wilderness, and watching scary movies with her partner James and their pets, Gracie and Koda
Kayla is known for her effective legal strategies and creative solutions in resolving a wide range of disputes, including contractual issues, landlord/tenant matters, boundary disputes, and HOA conflicts. Kayla believes in understanding her clients' unique goals to secure the most beneficial results for them. Beyond her practice, Kayla is highly engaged in the legal community through volunteer board positions aimed at encouraging growth and supporting diverse voices. Her professional excellence has been consistently recognized, including being named a Top Attorney by Colorado Springs Magazine multiple times and a Super Lawyer Rising Star in 2024 and 2025. In her free time, Kayla enjoys reading, spending time with her daughter, and exploring the outdoors. She is an accomplished runner, having completed challenging races like numerous half marathons and the Pikes Peak Ascent.
Logan completed his Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University at Albany, and recently earned his J.D. from William and Mary Law School. Before entering law school, Logan spent time working in the in-house legal department of a 3rd party commercial lending company. In this role he assisted with business development projects with clients ranging from local coffee shops to large commercial developers in New York City. Prior to joining Burnham, Logan began his legal career at a local Denver law firm primarily practicing civil litigation defense. Since joining Burnham, Logan has represented a diverse range of clientele ranging from individuals engaged in civil disputes to general commercial litigation. Logan has successfully negotiated various settlements in his clients’ favor, both prior to and after commencement of litigation, in case types such as breach of contract, property damage, negligence, partition, fraud, landlord/tenant disputes, and bad faith insurance denial. In his free time, you can find Logan on one of the...
Sam focuses his practice on general litigation, transactional work—aiding small businesses and assisting in acquisitions—business litigation and breakups, and administrative work. Prior to joining the Burnham Law Firm, Sam acted as counsel at a major ski company and then in a firm setting. Sam is keenly aware of the fact that litigation can be stressful and complex. His background complements his ability to provide competent guidance and critical thinking to his clients’ cases and the corollary issues which stem from them. In his free time, Sam loves to backcountry ski, race road and mountain bikes, cook, read, play guitar, and sail.
Zac focuses mainly on civil litigation, and has experience with real estate litigation, real estate transactions and estate matters. He earned his bachelor’s degree and law degree at the University of Tennessee. In law school, he was a member of the Transactions: The Tennessee Journal of Business Law and a student-attorney in the Business Clinic. In his spare time, Zac enjoys spending time with his wife and dog outdoors hiking, going to various restaurants, and being with friends. Zac is a die-hard Minnesota sports fan and Tennessee Volunteer fan.
Tort Law in Colorado Springs, Colorado
Tort law establishes when one party’s conduct creates legal liability to another for the resulting harm. The main categories — negligence, intentional torts, strict liability, and fraud — cover a wide range of circumstances. What they share is that the plaintiff must demonstrate that the defendant’s conduct caused measurable harm and that the law recognizes that conduct as the basis for civil liability.
Colorado applies a modified comparative fault system in negligence cases. A plaintiff who bears some responsibility for their own harm can still recover, but their damages are reduced by their percentage of fault. If they are found 50% or more at fault, they recover nothing. This makes fault allocation a central battleground in Colorado negligence cases — a difference of a few percentage points in fault assignment can have a significant impact on the final damages award.
Colorado Springs generates a consistent volume of tort claims across many categories. The area’s large military population — including active duty personnel from Fort Carson and Peterson Space Force Base, and civilian contractors — its significant residential growth, busy commercial corridors along Powers Boulevard and Academy Boulevard, and active outdoor recreation culture all create circumstances where tort claims arise regularly. Claims against government entities — including the military and local government — carry additional procedural requirements that must be navigated carefully.
What Our Colorado Springs Tort Attorneys Handle
Negligence claims: Negligence requires proof that the defendant owed a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused the plaintiff’s damages. We handle negligence cases in Colorado Springs across a range of contexts — premises liability, professional negligence, motor vehicle accidents, contractor negligence, and product-related injuries.
Intentional torts: When a defendant deliberately causes harm — assault, battery, conversion, intentional infliction of emotional distress, or fraudulent misrepresentation — the resulting claims are intentional torts. These cases frequently support punitive damages in addition to compensatory relief.
Fraud and misrepresentation: Civil fraud claims arise from material false statements made by one party that another relies on to their detriment. These cases arise frequently in business transactions, real estate, and investment contexts. We pursue fraud claims for harmed parties and defend businesses against fraud allegations in El Paso County.
Defamation: Defamation — libel for written false statements, slander for spoken ones — requires proof that a false statement of fact was communicated to a third party and caused harm. These cases involve significant First Amendment analysis and require careful evaluation of whether the subject is a public or private figure under Colorado law.
Professional liability: When professionals — accountants, financial advisors, engineers, architects, or other licensed practitioners — fail to meet their standard of care, the resulting harm can give rise to civil liability. We represent both plaintiffs pursuing professional malpractice claims and defendants defending against them.
Government and military tort claims: Tort claims against federal entities — including military installations — require compliance with the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA), which has its own administrative exhaustion requirements and limitations. Tort claims against Colorado state and local government entities have separate notice requirements under Colorado’s Governmental Immunity Act. We navigate both frameworks for Colorado Springs clients.
How Colorado Springs Tort Cases Work
Tort cases in El Paso County begin with filing a complaint in El Paso County District Court identifying the parties, the alleged wrongful conduct, and the damages sought. After service and the defendant’s response, the case moves into discovery — document exchanges, depositions, and the development of the evidentiary record that drives trial or settlement.
Expert witnesses are frequently essential in Colorado Springs tort cases. Medical experts establish the nature and extent of injuries and future care needs. Engineering and safety experts address causation in premises, construction, and product cases. Economic experts calculate lost income and future damages. Identifying and preparing credible expert witnesses is a major component of effective tort case preparation.
For claims against Colorado state and local government entities, plaintiffs must first file a Notice of Claim with the appropriate government entity within 182 days of the incident as a condition precedent to filing suit. Missing this administrative deadline bars the claim regardless of its merits. Claims against federal entities under the FTCA have a different administrative exhaustion requirement. Timeliness — including these pre-suit notice requirements — is always the first issue to evaluate.
Why Burnham Law for Tort Claims in Colorado Springs
Full-spectrum tort capability. We handle tort cases from initial investigation through trial and appeal, representing both plaintiffs pursuing claims and defendants fighting them. That experience on both sides makes us more effective advocates regardless of which position we’re in.
Government and military claim experience. Colorado Springs’ significant military and government presence means tort claims against federal and state entities arise regularly here. We understand the additional procedural requirements — FTCA exhaustion, Colorado Governmental Immunity Act notice — that apply to these claims.
Expert coordination. Tort cases often turn on expert testimony. We work with credible experts in relevant fields and prepare them effectively for deposition and trial.
Realistic case assessments. Not every tort claim is worth pursuing, and not every defense is straightforwardly winnable. We give clients honest assessments of their legal position — including realistic damages estimates and the cost of litigation — so they can make informed decisions.
How long do I have to file a tort claim in Colorado Springs?
Most tort claims in Colorado have a two-year statute of limitations. Claims against Colorado state or local government entities require a Notice of Claim filed within 182 days of the incident before a lawsuit can be filed. Federal tort claims under the FTCA require an administrative claim filed within two years of the incident, with a lawsuit filed within six months after the agency denies the claim. The specific deadlines that apply depend on who the defendant is.
Can I sue Fort Carson or Peterson Space Force Base for a tort injury?
Tort claims against federal military installations are governed by the Federal Tort Claims Act. You must first file an administrative claim with the appropriate military branch within two years of the incident. If the claim is denied — or not acted on within six months — you may then file suit in federal district court. The FTCA has specific exclusions, including the Feres doctrine that bars most tort claims by active duty military personnel for injuries incident to service. Civilian contractors, family members, and others may have viable FTCA claims.
What damages are available in a Colorado tort case?
Colorado tort plaintiffs can recover economic damages — medical expenses, lost wages, property damage, future costs — and non-economic damages including pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life. Colorado caps non-economic damages in many tort cases. Punitive damages are available for conduct involving fraud, malice, or willful and wanton disregard for the rights of others, subject to statutory caps tied to the compensatory damages award.
What is Colorado’s modified comparative fault rule?
Colorado’s modified comparative fault system reduces a plaintiff’s damages by their percentage of fault and bars recovery entirely if the plaintiff is 50% or more at fault. Fault allocation — determining what percentage each party bears — is a central dispute in most Colorado negligence cases. Even a relatively small shift in fault percentages can have a large impact on the damages award, which is why both sides work aggressively on this issue.
What should I do immediately after suffering a tort injury in Colorado Springs?
Document everything promptly — photographs, incident reports, medical records, and contact information for witnesses. Seek medical attention both for your health and to create a contemporaneous record connecting your injuries to the incident. Avoid giving recorded statements to opposing parties or their insurers before consulting an attorney. If a government entity may be involved, be aware of the short notice of claim deadline and contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Schedule a Consultation with a Colorado Springs Tort Lawyer
Whether you are pursuing a tort claim or defending against a civil liability lawsuit in El Paso County, experienced local counsel changes what’s possible. We represent both sides of tort litigation and give clients direct assessments of their legal position from the first conversation.
Call (303) 990-5308 or schedule a confidential consultation online. Our Colorado Springs tort attorneys handle civil liability cases throughout El Paso County and the Pikes Peak region.
