Colorado Property Damage Attorney

A serious loss can turn a normal week into a paperwork sprint, phone tag with adjusters, and hard choices about repairs. When you speak with a Colorado property damage attorney, you should expect clear guidance on how state law connects to your policy, your timeline, and your options when an insurer or another party pushes back. 

Kuhn Raslavich, P.A. will approach your claim with a practical goal: get you from “stuck” to “moving forward” with a plan you can understand.

Insurance companies often request details in ways that feel endless, and repair costs in Colorado can climb fast after storms, fires, or water problems. A well-built claim puts real numbers and real documentation behind your loss, then holds the carrier or responsible party to the rules that apply.

Common Sources of Property Damage Claims

Colorado losses frequently come from weather, water, fire, and vehicle impacts, but each type brings different pressure points. Hail can destroy roofing systems and siding, even when the interior looks fine. Freeze events can split pipes and damage flooring, drywall, and cabinets. Wildfires and smoke can cause damage beyond flames.

Some claims grow complicated because more than one cause is involved. When wind opens the roof and water follows, the insurer may argue about the main cause. A property damage attorney will sort the loss by cause, tie the timeline to evidence, and push for a fair scope that matches how the damage actually happened.

Commercial claims add another layer because downtime affects revenue, payroll, and contracts. A clean paper trail, tied to dates and business records, helps reduce disputes over what losses are covered and how they should be calculated.

Here are some of the claims we can help with in Colorado

• Delayed, Denied or Underpaid Property Damage Claims
• First Party Insurance Claims
• Snow and Ice Damage
• Roof Damage Claims
• Wind Damage Claims
• Hail Damage Claims
• Storm Damage
• Wild Fire and Smoke Damage
• Commercial Property Damage Claims

Insurance Deadlines and Documentation

Most policies require prompt notice of a loss and cooperation during the investigation. Even when the policy does not give a specific number of days, delays can create problems, especially if conditions change or repairs begin before the carrier documents the damage. A consistent timeline, backed by photos, invoices, and communications, can reduce arguments later.

A strong claim also relies on clear, organized documentation. A property damage lawyer will usually ask for items like these, depending on the type of loss:

• The full policy and declarations page, plus endorsements.

• Photos and videos of the damage and any changes over time.

• Professional estimates with line-item scope and pricing.

• Receipts and invoices for mitigation, temporary protection, and repairs.

• Inventories for damaged personal property, with replacement pricing.

Colorado insurers can ask for reasonable information to evaluate the claim. When requests become repetitive or seem designed to delay, the record of what was provided, when it was provided, and how the insurer responded becomes important.

When Disputes With Insurers Escalate

Many claim disputes come down to delays, denials, or underpayments. Colorado law addresses unreasonable delay or denial of benefits owed to a first-party claimant under an insurance policy. A serious issue can develop when the carrier keeps moving the goalposts, ignores supporting documents, or refuses to explain why it reduced the payment.

Colorado also provides a statutory remedy when benefits are unreasonably delayed or denied. When this happens, a first-party claimant may seek reasonable attorney’s fees, court costs, and twice the covered benefit. A property damage attorney will evaluate whether the facts fit the statute, then build the claim record to show the insurer lacked a reasonable basis for its position.

Not every dispute requires a lawsuit, and many claims resolve through focused negotiation once the carrier sees the evidence and understands you will not accept an unsupported number. Kuhn Raslavich Attorneys at Law will prepare your claim as if it will be challenged, because strong preparation often drives earlier resolution.

When Another Person or Business Caused the Loss

Property damage is not always an insurance-only problem. Another driver can destroy your vehicle. A contractor can cause water intrusion. A neighboring property can create runoff or drainage failures that affect your home. In those situations, the claim may involve a third party and their insurer, which can mean different deadlines, defenses, and strategies.

Strong third-party claims focus on proof of fault and proof of damage. A property damage lawyer will gather repair records, expert reports when needed, photos, witness statements when available, and documentation that links the damage to the responsible party’s conduct. That approach helps prevent the other side from reframing the problem as “wear and tear” or “pre-existing conditions.”

Claims involving multiple parties can also lead to finger-pointing, with each insurer arguing that the other should pay first. Careful demand drafting and a clean evidence package can reduce that back-and-forth and keep the process moving.

Colorado Time Limits That Can Cut Off a Claim

Time limits depend on what type of claim you have, and the right deadline can turn on details that are easy to miss. Colorado statutes set different limitation periods for different civil actions. For example, many general tort claims must be filed within two years, while claims arising from the use or operation of a motor vehicle often have a three-year limitation period. Contract-based claims can follow different timelines, and your insurance policy may also include notice requirements.

Insurers sometimes benefit from delay, because delay can push a claim closer to a deadline or make evidence harder to gather. A property damage attorney will identify the correct legal timeframe, track it, and structure the claim so you are not forced into rushed decisions near the end of the limitations period.

Waiting can also affect leverage. When the claim record is fresh, estimates are current, and the damage is well-documented, it is easier to counter low offers and unsupported denials.

Court Options: Small Claims, County, or District Court

Colorado offers more than one court path depending on the size and type of claim. Small claims can be an option for certain disputes involving $7,500 or less. It is also important to note that you cannot split a larger claim into multiple small claims cases. Filing fees also vary based on the amount claimed.

Court choice affects procedure, evidence rules, and how much time you have to prepare. A property damage lawyer will evaluate whether small claims court fits the facts or whether county or district court is more appropriate. They will also determine how to present the case so it is easy for a judge or jury to follow.

Some cases also involve appraisal, arbitration, or policy conditions that influence strategy before filing. A case strategy built around the policy language and the real value of the loss helps avoid detours that waste time and money.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does a Colorado Property Damage Claim Take?

Timelines vary because the insurer’s investigation, the repair scope, and the quality of documentation can change the pace. Clear evidence and prompt responses usually help move the claim faster. Disputes over scope or pricing can extend the process.

Can an Insurer Deny a Claim Because Repairs Started?

Some policies require notice and an inspection opportunity, so early repairs can trigger disputes if the carrier says it could not evaluate the damage. Emergency mitigation is often necessary, but documentation should remain strong and organized. A clear timeline and receipts reduce conflict.

What if the Insurance Payment Does Not Cover the Full Repair Cost?

Underpayment disputes often involve scope, pricing, depreciation, or policy limits. A thorough estimate and supporting records can highlight gaps in the insurer’s numbers. The next step depends on the policy terms and the facts of the claim.

Choosing a Colorado Property Damage Attorney You Can Rely On

Confidence comes from knowing your claim has a clear story, strong evidence, and a strategy that fits Colorado law. Kuhn Raslavich will review the policy, identify the key deadlines, and organize the proof needed to support the full value of your loss. You should also expect straightforward communication about risks, options, and what comes next at each stage.

If your property claim has stalled, been denied, or been paid far below repair costs, we are ready to help you take the next step with a plan built for Colorado rules and real-world repairs. Speak with a Colorado property damage attorney from our firm to discuss your situation, understand your options, and move toward a result that reflects the true cost of restoring your property. You can use our online form to schedule a consultation or call 970-400-7732.