Personal injuries can occur in many ways, and when they do, they can be life-altering. An injury can cause physical, emotional, and financial hardships that can be difficult to overcome. If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be entitled to compensation. However, navigating the legal system can be challenging, especially if you are not familiar with personal injury law. This guide will provide you with the information you need to understand personal injury law and protect your legal rights.
If you sustained injuries in an accident in Colorado, contact the personal injury lawyers at Front Range Injury Attorneys today to schedule your free consultation. Our experienced legal team are knowledgeable and zealous advocates for our clients and their cases. We treat our clients as people, not case files. Learn more about how we can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and damages. Contact our Denver law firm to learn more.
What is Personal Injury Law?
Personal injury law is a branch of civil law that deals with cases involving physical, emotional, or psychological harm caused by the negligence or intentional actions of another party. The goal of personal injury law is to compensate the injured party for their losses and deter others from engaging in similar conduct in the future.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
Personal injury cases can arise from a variety of accidents and incidents, including:
- Car accidents: These are some of the most common types of personal injury cases. They can be caused by a variety of factors, such as driver negligence, speeding, drunk driving, or distracted driving.
- Slip and fall accidents: These types of accidents can occur in a variety of places, such as stores, parking lots, and sidewalks. They can be caused by hazards like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or debris.
- Medical malpractice: Medical malpractice occurs when a healthcare provider fails to provide appropriate treatment, or when they provide substandard care that leads to injury or harm.
- Product liability: If a defective product causes injury or harm to a consumer, the injured party may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against the manufacturer or seller.
- Workplace accidents: Employees who are injured on the job may be able to file a workers’ compensation claim. However, in some cases, they may also be able to file a personal injury lawsuit against a third party who caused or contributed to their injuries.
- Dog bites: If a dog bites or attacks a person, the owner may be held liable for the injuries and damages that result.
The Legal Process for Personal Injury Cases
If you have been injured due to someone else’s negligence, you may be able to file a personal injury lawsuit to recover damages. The legal process for personal injury cases typically involves the following steps:
- Consultation with an attorney: The first step in the legal process is to consult with a personal injury attorney. An attorney can help you understand your legal rights and options, and can advise you on the best course of action.
- Investigation of the accident and gathering of evidence: Your attorney will investigate the accident or incident that caused your injury and gather evidence to support your case. This may include witness statements, police reports, medical records, and other documentation.
- Filing of a complaint or petition: Once your attorney has gathered the necessary evidence, they will file a complaint or petition with the court. This document outlines the details of your case and the damages you are seeking.
- Discovery, including depositions and document requests: During the discovery phase of your case, your attorney will gather additional evidence and information from the other party. This may include depositions, document requests, and interrogatories.
- Negotiations and settlement discussions: In many personal injury cases, the parties will attempt to reach a settlement agreement before trial. This can help save time and money, and can also provide a quicker resolution for the injured party. Your attorney will negotiate with the other party’s attorney and insurance company to try to reach a fair settlement.
- Trial: If a settlement agreement cannot be reached, the case will go to trial. During the trial, both sides will present evidence and arguments to a judge or jury, who will determine the outcome of the case.
- Appeals: If the outcome of the trial is not satisfactory, either party may choose to file an appeal. An appeal asks a higher court to review the decision made in the lower court.
How to Choose the Right Personal Injury Attorney
Choosing the right personal injury attorney can be crucial to the success of your case. Here are some factors to consider when selecting an attorney:
- Experience: Look for an attorney who has experience handling personal injury cases similar to yours.
- Reputation: Check online reviews, ratings, and recommendations from other clients to get an idea of an attorney’s reputation.
- Communication: Choose an attorney who is responsive to your questions and concerns, and who keeps you informed throughout the legal process.
- Fee structure: Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. Make sure you understand the attorney’s fee structure before hiring them.
What Damages Can You Recover in a Personal Injury Case?
If you are successful in your personal injury case, you may be able to recover damages for a variety of losses, including:
- Medical expenses: This includes the cost of medical treatment, hospital stays, and medication.
- Lost wages: If your injury caused you to miss work, you may be able to recover the wages you lost.
- Pain and suffering: You may be able to recover damages for physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident.
- Property damage: If your property was damaged in the accident, you may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacement.
How Long Do You Have to File a Personal Injury Lawsuit?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases varies by state, but in most cases, you have two to three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. It’s important to consult with an attorney as soon as possible to ensure that you do not miss any important deadlines.
In Colorado the statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years. Car accidents extend the legal deadline to three years. Some claims allow victims just one year to file a lawsuit. If your claim involves a state or local government agency, you must take special steps within 182 days to protect your right to pursue compensation. Certain rules can extent some legal deadlines; however, you give yourself the best opportunity to pursue your case by hiring a lawyer immediately and allow an experienced legal professional to take all necessary steps within the statute of limitations.
What Should You Do After an Accident?
If you have been injured in an accident, there are several steps you should take:
- Seek medical attention: Your health and safety should be your top priority. Seek medical attention as soon as possible, even if you don’t think your injuries are severe.
- Document the accident: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, and gather contact information from any witnesses.
- Report the accident: Report the accident to the appropriate authorities, such as the police or your employer.
- Consult with an attorney: Consult with a personal injury attorney as soon as possible to understand your legal rights and options.
How Can You Protect Yourself From Personal Injury Claims?
If you are a business owner or property owner, there are several steps you can take to protect yourself from personal injury claims:
- Maintain a safe environment: Regularly inspect your property and address any hazards or dangerous conditions.
- Train your employees: Provide training to your employees on how to safely operate machinery or equipment, and how to respond to accidents or injuries.
- Purchase liability insurance: Liability insurance can provide financial protection in the event of a personal injury claim.
How Can You Prevent Personal Injuries?
While accidents can happen to anyone, there are several steps you can take to help prevent personal injuries:
- Follow safety guidelines: Whether you are driving a car or operating heavy machinery, make sure you follow all safety guidelines and protocols.
- Wear protective gear: If you are participating in sports or other activities, wear the appropriate protective gear, such as helmets or pads.
- Practice good hygiene: Regularly wash your hands and practice good hygiene to prevent the spread of germs and illnesses.
- Stay alert: Avoid distractions and stay alert to your surroundings to help prevent accidents.
- Stay informed: Stay informed about product recalls and safety alerts, and take appropriate action to address any potential hazards.
Frequently Asked Questions About Personal Injury Cases
Here are some common questions and answers about personal injury cases:
- What types of accidents can result in personal injury claims?
Personal injury claims can result from a wide range of accidents, including car accidents, slip and fall accidents, medical malpractice, and defective products.
- What should I do if I am injured in an accident?
If you are injured in an accident, seek medical attention immediately and document the accident as thoroughly as possible. Contact a personal injury attorney to understand your legal rights and options.
- How much is my personal injury case worth?
The value of a personal injury case depends on a variety of factors, including the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life and livelihood, and the strength of your case.
- How long will it take to resolve my personal injury case?
The length of time it takes to resolve a personal injury case depends on the complexity of the case and whether a settlement agreement can be reached before trial. Some cases can be resolved in a matter of months, while others may take years to resolve.
- Will I have to go to court for my personal injury case?
While most personal injury cases are settled outside of court, some cases may go to trial if a settlement agreement cannot be reached.
- How much does it cost to hire a personal injury attorney?
Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win your case. The percentage of the settlement or award that the attorney receives varies, but is typically around 33%.
- What if I was partially at fault for the accident that caused my injuries?
Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you may still be able to recover damages in a personal injury case. Your attorney can help you understand how your level of fault may impact your case.
- Can I still file a personal injury claim if the accident happened a long time ago?
The statute of limitations for personal injury cases varies by state, but in most cases, you have two to three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you are unsure whether you can still file a claim, consult with an attorney as soon as possible.
- Can I handle my personal injury case on my own?
While it is possible to handle a personal injury case on your own, it is generally not recommended. Personal injury law can be complex, and an experienced attorney can help you navigate the legal system and maximize your chances of success.
- How do I find the right personal injury attorney for my case?
Research attorneys in your area who have experience handling personal injury cases, and read reviews and ratings from other clients. Schedule consultations with several attorneys to find the one who is the best fit for your needs and preferences.
Colorado Personal Injury Lawyers
If you sustained injuries in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you have the right under Colorado law to pursue compensation for your injuries and financial losses caused by the accident. Our experienced Colorado personal injury lawyers at Front Range Injury Attorneys help clients across the state pursue insurance claims and litigation to be made whole. We represent clients in a wide range of accidents including car accidents, truck crashes, motorcycle accidents, slip and fall incidents, pedestrian collisions, workplace accidents and wrongful death. We help clients in all four corners of Colorado, including:
- Denver
- Arvada
- Aurora
- Boulder
- Centennial
- Colorado Springs
- Fort Collins
- Greeley
- Highlands Ranch
- Lakewood
- Littleton
- Longmont
- Parker
- Pueblo
- Thornton
- Westminster
Contact our law firm to schedule your free consultation with our attorneys. You can speak with our personal injury lawyers at no cost and no obligation to learn more about how we can help you get justice for the harm inflicted by another person’s carelessness.