What can I recover in a personal injury lawsuit?
Victims in personal injury cases can recover various types of damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage. In some cases, punitive damages may also be awarded.
Do I need a lawyer for my personal injury case?
While it’s not a legal requirement to hire a lawyer, having an experienced personal injury attorney can significantly improve your chances of a favorable outcome. We can help navigate complex legal procedures, negotiate with insurance companies, and maximize the compensation you receive.
What does ‘negligence’ mean in a personal injury case?
Negligence is a legal term that means someone failed to act with reasonable care, leading to someone else’s injury. Proving negligence is often key in a personal injury case, requiring demonstration that the defendant had a duty of care, breached that duty, and caused your injuries.
How is fault determined in a Colorado personal injury case?
Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means that if you are found to be partially at fault for your injury, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover damages.
What should I do immediately after an injury?
After an injury, it’s important to seek medical attention, document the incident and your injuries, and contact a personal injury attorney, like Stoops Law Firm, to discuss your situation.
How do I start a personal injury claim in Colorado?
To start a personal injury claim in Colorado, you should first seek medical attention for your injuries. Then, consult with Stoops Law Firm to discuss your case. Our attorneys help you gather evidence, such as medical records and witness statements, and file a claim on your behalf.
What evidence is needed for a personal injury claim?
Key evidence in a personal injury claim includes evidence of the other parties responsible for causing your injuries, medical records and bills establishing your injuries, photographs of the injury and accident scene, witness statements, police reports (if applicable), and documentation of lost wages and other expenses related to the injury.
How is the value of my personal injury claim determined?
The value of your claim depends on factors like the severity of your injuries, the impact on your quality of life, your medical expenses, lost income, and whether there are long-term or permanent effects. Stoops Law Firm will help assess these factors to determine the value of your claim.
Will my personal injury case go to trial?
Most personal injury cases in Colorado are settled out of court. However, if a fair settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company or responsible party, Stoops Law Firm will likely advise taking your case to trial against the insurance company.
How long does it take to settle a personal injury claim in Colorado?
The time it takes to settle a personal injury claim in Colorado varies. Simple cases may settle in a few months, while more complex cases, especially those that go to trial, can take a year or more.
What happens if the person responsible for my injury does not have insurance?
If the responsible party is uninsured, you may be able to seek compensation through your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage if the injury is from a vehicle accident. It is important to contact an attorney regarding your options, and Stoops Law Firm exhaustively searches for additional coverage that may apply.
Can I make a claim for emotional distress?
Yes, you can claim compensation for emotional distress in Colorado. This is considered part of the non-economic damages in a personal injury claim, covering aspects like pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life.
What is a contingency fee?
Stoops Law Firm works exclusively on a contingency fee, which is a payment structure where your attorney’s fees are only paid if your case is won. If your case is not won, you will not owe any fees.
