Lakewood Personal Injury Lawyers

Types of Personal Injury Matters We Handle 

A personal injury occurs when someone is injured through the negligence or wrongdoing of another. At our boutique law firm, we focus our practice on personal injury matters and handle a range of accidents, including:

• Motor Vehicle Accidents: Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in Colorado and the U.S., often as a result of negligent drivers and motorists. Our firm has experience handling car accidents, truck accidents, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, and pedestrian accidents.
• Premises Liability: When a dangerous condition existing on a property causes injury to a visitor, a negligent property owner or operator may be liable. Property owners (or others in control of the property) have a duty to maintain their premises in a reasonably safe condition and to warn visitors of potential hazards. When they fail to do so and that failure results in injury, a premises liability claim can arise, even for matters as seemingly simple as a slip and fall.
• Construction Accidents: Construction is one of the most dangerous industries in the U.S. If you have been injured in a construction accident, you should be entitled to workers’ compensation benefits to cover your medical expenses and lost wages. However, if you believe gross negligence contributed to your accident and injuries, or an individual or company other than your employer caused your injuries, you may have a personal injury case for damages, including pain and suffering. Speak with a Lakewood personal injury attorney at our firm to learn about your options under the law.
• Nursing Home Abuse: Tragically, the elderly are often the most at risk for injuries, even when we think they’re safe in a long-term care facility. We believe nursing home facilities that neglect or abuse older residents should be held accountable for the harm they cause. Nursing home residents may suffer abuse in several different ways, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, financial exploitation, and neglect.
• Product Liability: Product manufacturers have a responsibility to ensure their products are safe for use by the general public. When a defective product, including dangerous drugs and medical devices, causes injury to a consumer, the injured party may have a claim for compensation against the designer, manufacturer, distributor, or seller of the product.

What Damages Could Be Recovered in a Personal Injury Claim?

Victims of personal injury incidents could be qualified to various forms of compensation, depending on the nature and severity of the case. Recoverable damages typically fall into two categories: economic and non-economic damages.

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (current and future)
• Lost wages and future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Rehabilitation and therapy costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of consortium
• Loss of enjoyment of life

What Is the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Claims in Colorado?

The statute of limitations sets the legal time frame within which a personal injury lawsuit will need to be filed. In Colorado, the general statute of limitations for personal injury claims usually is two years from the initial date of the injury. However, if the injury arises from a motor vehicle accident, the period extends to three years.

Certain exceptions can alter these deadlines, like cases involving minors or individuals with mental incapacitation. Additionally, if the injury was not instantly discovered, the statute of limitations may begin from the initial date the injury was reasonably identified. Failure to file within the prescribed period could lead to the dismissal of the case and losing the right to seek compensation.

How to Prove Negligence

This requires demonstrating the following four key elements:

• Duty of Care: The defendant was legally bound to act reasonably and prevent harm. For example, drivers need to follow traffic laws to ensure the safety of others on the road.
• Breach of Duty: The defendant breached this responsibility by reckless or careless behavior. Examples include distracted driving, failing to maintain safe premises, or manufacturing a defective product.
• Causation: The breach of duty that directly caused the injury. This involves establishing that the defendant's actions (or inactions) were the proximate cause of the harm suffered.
• Damages: The victim suffered actual losses, like medical bills, lost earnings, or emotional distress, as a result of the injury.