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Colorado
BY APPOINTMENT ONLY
1600 Broadway
Suite 1600
Denver, CO 80202

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, it can turn your life upside down. You deserve to get every penny back for your troubles, and a Colorado personal injury lawyer can help you do just that. At Craig Swapp & Associates, we’re here to take the legal stress off your shoulders. Our team in Colorado is all about making sure you get a fair deal, so you can focus on getting back to your normal life.

A Colorado Guide to Accident and Injury Claims

In Colorado, almost any accident that leads to a serious injury could allow you to seek compensation for your losses and damages. This includes car crashes, problems with products you’ve bought, or accidents at work, among others. Starting a claim for your injuries always begins with a detailed investigation to figure out what happened.

Car Accident

In Colorado, when a car accident occurs, the law requires those involved to navigate through a fault-based insurance system. This means that the driver found at fault for causing the accident is responsible for compensating any injured parties. Colorado mandates that all drivers carry liability insurance to cover potential damages.

The state allows for the recovery of both economic damages, such as medical expenses and lost wages, and non-economic damages, like pain and suffering. However, Colorado also enforces a modified comparative negligence rule, which means that if you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages. This legal landscape makes it crucial for victims to accurately document the accident and seek legal advice to navigate the claims process effectively.

Motorcycle Accident

Motorcycle accidents in Colorado can be particularly devastating due to the exposed nature of motorcyclists. Despite helmet laws for riders under 18, all motorcyclists face significant risks on the road. Colorado’s scenic routes are popular with bikers, but they also pose dangers due to weather conditions and challenging terrains.

Like car accidents, fault is a critical component in motorcycle accident claims, and Colorado’s comparative negligence law applies. Motorcyclists may recover damages for their injuries and losses, provided they are not predominantly at fault. Legal challenges often arise in proving fault and negotiating with insurance companies, emphasizing the need for expert legal representation.

Truck Accident

Truck accidents in Colorado involve commercial vehicles such as semi-trucks and can result in severe injuries or fatalities due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. The legal aspects of truck accidents can become complex, involving federal and state regulations governing the trucking industry.

Liability may extend beyond the truck driver to include trucking companies, cargo loaders, and vehicle manufacturers. Colorado law requires thorough investigations to determine fault, including examining logbooks, maintenance records, and driver histories. Victims of truck accidents must navigate a web of regulations and multiple potential defendants to secure compensation for their injuries.

Personal Injury

Personal injury law in Colorado covers a wide range of incidents where individuals suffer harm due to another’s negligence or intentional acts. This includes, but is not limited to, car accidents, slip-and-fall incidents, and medical malpractice. Victims can seek compensation for medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and other damages.

Colorado’s statute of limitations for most personal injury claims is two years, but this can vary depending on the specific circumstances of the case. The state’s modified comparative negligence rule also plays a crucial role in determining compensation, potentially reducing the amount recoverable based on the victim’s degree of fault.

Construction Accident

Construction accidents in Colorado are governed by a combination of workers’ compensation laws and personal injury statutes. Workers injured on the job are generally covered by workers’ compensation, which provides benefits regardless of fault. However, in cases where a third party’s negligence contributed to the injury, the worker might have a separate claim against those parties.

These claims can address damages not covered by workers’ compensation, such as full wage replacement and pain and suffering. Safety regulations under the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and state laws play a critical role in determining liability and compliance in construction accident cases.

Defective Product

Colorado adheres to strict product liability laws that protect consumers from unsafe products. If a product causes injury due to design defects, manufacturing errors, or inadequate warnings, victims can seek compensation from manufacturers, designers, or retailers.

Colorado law does not require the injured party to have purchased the product, only that the product was used as intended or in a foreseeable manner. Claims must be filed within two years of the injury, or within two years of when the injury should have been discovered. Successful claims can cover medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, among other damages.

Dog Bite

Colorado has a “strict liability” law for dog bites, meaning that the dog owner is liable for injuries their dog causes, regardless of the dog’s previous behavior. The law applies if the person bitten was lawfully on the property where the bite occurred and the bite resulted in serious bodily injury or death.

Colorado also allows for negligence claims in less serious cases or when injuries are caused without a bite, such as being knocked over by a dog. Victims have two years from the date of the bite to file a claim, and compensation can include medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.

Medical Malpractice

Medical malpractice in Colorado occurs when a healthcare professional deviates from the standard of care, resulting in harm to a patient. This can include errors in diagnosis, treatment, aftercare, or health management. Colorado requires plaintiffs to prove that the healthcare provider’s negligence caused the injury. There are caps on non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases in Colorado, although exceptions exist for catastrophic injuries.

Victims must file claims within two years of the injury or when the injury was discovered, subject to a three-year maximum from the act or omission causing the injury. The complexity of these cases often necessitates expert testimony and a thorough understanding of both medical and legal standards.

Slip-and-Fall

Slip-and-fall incidents in Colorado fall under premises liability law, holding property owners responsible for injuries that occur due to unsafe conditions on their property. Victims must prove that the property owner knew or should have known about the hazardous condition and failed to address it.

Colorado law considers the status of the injured person (invitee, licensee, or trespasser) when determining liability, with different levels of care owed to each. The statute of limitations for filing a slip-and-fall claim in Colorado is two years. Successfully navigating these claims often requires demonstrating clear evidence of negligence and the extent of the injuries sustained.

Wrongful Death

Wrongful death claims in Colorado seek compensation for the death of a person caused by the wrongful act or negligence of another. These claims can be filed by the deceased’s spouse, children, or, in some cases, the deceased’s parents. The statute of limitations for filing a wrongful death claim in Colorado is two years from the date of death.

Compensation can include funeral and burial expenses, lost income and benefits, pain and suffering, and loss of companionship. Wrongful death claims in Colorado are subject to complex rules regarding who can file and what damages are recoverable, emphasizing the importance of legal guidance in these cases.

Product Liability

Product liability in Colorado involves holding manufacturers, distributors, and retailers accountable for injuries caused by defective or dangerous products. Claims can be based on defects in design, manufacturing, or failure to provide adequate warnings. Colorado law requires that the injured party demonstrate the product was defective and that the defect caused the injury.

The statute of limitations for product liability claims is two years from the date of injury, with a discovery rule extension in certain circumstances. Successful claims can recover costs for medical treatment, lost wages, and compensation for pain and suffering, among other damages.

Damages, Compensation, and Claims in Colorado

When you’re injured in an accident, it’s not just the physical pain that affects you. Financial burdens, emotional distress, and disruptions to your daily life can be overwhelming. In Colorado, the legal system provides a pathway for injured parties to claim compensation for these damages. Understanding the types of damages you can claim, how compensation is calculated, and the steps to file a claim is essential for any victim.

In Colorado, damages from an accident or injury can generally be categorized into three types:

  • Economic Damages: These are tangible losses that have a specific monetary value, such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. They are easier to quantify and prove in court.
  • Non-Economic Damages: These refer to intangible losses without a fixed monetary value, including pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium. Calculating these damages requires careful consideration of the impact on the victim’s life.
  • Punitive Damages: In some cases, if the defendant’s actions were particularly reckless or malicious, the court might award punitive damages. These are not tied to the victim’s actual losses but are intended to punish the offender and deter similar conduct in the future.

To pursue compensation in Colorado, follow these steps:

  • Consult with a Personal Injury Lawyer: An experienced attorney can evaluate your case, advise you on the types of damages you might be eligible for, and navigate the legal process on your behalf.
  • Investigation and Documentation: Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation into the accident, gathering evidence to support your claim for damages. This includes medical records, witness statements, and any other relevant documentation.
  • Filing the Claim: With your attorney’s help, you’ll file a claim against the responsible party or their insurance company. This claim will detail your injuries, the defendant’s negligence, and the compensation you’re seeking.
  • Negotiation: Many personal injury cases are settled out of court. Your lawyer will negotiate with the defendant or their insurer to reach a fair settlement based on the extent of your damages.
  • Trial: If a settlement can’t be reached, your case may go to trial, where a judge or jury will decide the outcome based on the evidence presented.

Dealing with the aftermath of an accident in Colorado can be a daunting experience, but understanding your rights and the legal processes involved in claiming damages and compensation can empower you to seek the justice you deserve. Whether it’s economic losses, emotional distress, or punitive measures against the responsible party, the law provides avenues for redress. Engaging a knowledgeable personal injury lawyer is a critical step in navigating these complex waters, ensuring that you can focus on your recover

Consult with a Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer

Suffering an injury due to an accident can profoundly and permanently transform your life, leaving you with significant damages and losses. You are entitled to comprehensive compensation for the hardships you have endured. With the assistance of a dedicated Colorado personal injury attorney, you can pursue the full reparation you rightfully deserve.

If you’ve suffered an injury in an accident, you can’t afford to take risks with your compensation—your future well-being depends on it. By working with Craig Swapp & Associates, you’ll benefit from experienced legal representation, a proven track record of success, and substantial legal resources, all of which will be employed to bring your case to the most successful conclusion possible.

Your personal injury case starts with a free consultation to go over the details of your accident with a Colorado personal injury lawyer. To arrange a time for yours, simply call 1-866-316-5712 or complete the contact form found at the bottom of this page.