A Claim Against the Government
C.R.S. 24-10-109 — written notice within one hundred eighty-two days of discovering the injury
A person claiming an injury by a Colorado public entity, or by its employee in the course of employment, files a written notice within one hundred eighty-two days after discovering the injury, even before knowing every element of the claim. It is a jurisdictional prerequisite: without it, the action is forever barred.
Who handles this in Colorado: legal aid programs and the state offices, listed in the Colorado directory.
- The name and address of the claimant, and of any attorney.
- A concise statement of the facts: the date, time, place and circumstances.
- The name and address of any public employee involved, if known.
- The nature and extent of the injury.
- The amount of money damages requested.
A claim against the state goes to the attorney general; one against any other public entity, to its governing body or its attorney. The notice is effective when mailed by registered or certified mail, return receipt requested, or personally served.
Ninety days, or a denial, before suing. No action is started until the public entity denies the claim, or until ninety days have passed after the notice was filed.
Sources for this section (1)
- C.R.S. 24-10-109 — Notice required - contents - to whom given - limitations
Legal information, not legal advice. Verified as of October 2026. Applying it to a particular situation is the work of a licensed Colorado attorney.