Do I Have a Personal Injury Case?
Not every injury rises to the legal definition of a personal injury, even when it is caused by someone else. Under Colorado law, these four criteria must be met for you to prove you have a viable legal claim and are deserving of compensation:
1. The Party Owed You a Duty of Care
In the context of a personal injury claim, a “duty of care” simply means the legal obligation to act in a reasonable manner that does not place other people in harm. For instance, anyone who operates a motor vehicle on Colorado roads has a duty of care to drive carefully and respect the rights of others on the road. Property owners owe a duty of care to people who visit their premises.
2. They Breached That Duty
People and businesses breach a duty of care when they act in a careless or negligent manner that puts other people at risk. Distracted or drunk driving are clear breaches of duty of care, as is failing to clean up spills, fix broken railings, or allow other hazards to exist in a place of business.
3. The Breach Caused You to Suffer an Injury
To have a valid claim, the other party’s negligence must directly lead to your injury. For example, a driver running a red light or a property owner ignoring a hazard must be the direct cause of your harm. Without this connection, there’s no actionable claim.
4. You Have Suffered Actual Damages
Even if all the above criteria are met, you still don’t have an actionable legal claim unless you have suffered significant and material damages—in other words, harm. If your injury has left you with medical bills, pain, discomfort, emotional anguish, or any degree of disability, you likely have a valid claim.
Your Case May Be Stronger Than You Think
Remember, the full effects of an injury are not always apparent at first. Even if your injury seems minor, it may reveal itself as more serious upon a thorough medical evaluation.
Not sure if you have a valid claim or not? A knowledgeable personal injury lawyer in Grand Junction can review the circumstances of your case and let you know what legal avenues are open to you. If your claim has merit, you may be entitled to significant compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and other hardships.
Compensation in a Colorado Personal Injury Claim
Many people who were injured in a car accident or were injured in a car accident or another kind of negligence have questions about what type of compensation they may be entitled to.
While every case is unique, the following damages are generally available under Colorado personal injury laws:
Economic Damages
These are the tangible and quantifiable monetary losses suffered by victims of negligence, including:
- Medical bills
- Wage loss
- Reduced earning capacity
- Property damage
It is critical that your attorney carefully and accurately accounts for all economic losses to ensure you are fully compensated for your injury’s financial impact.
Non-Economic Damages
These damages are more subjective in nature and are designed to compensate the victim for hardships that are difficult to measure in dollars but have a real impact on daily life and well-being, such as:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional turmoil
- Diminished quality of life
- Scarring and disfigurement
Punitive Damages
These damages are designed to punish parties who engage in egregious conduct that results in the injury or death of another person. Although relatively rare, punitive damages can significantly increase the total amount of compensation in a personal injury claim.
Common Insurance Company Tactics and How We Protect You
Insurance companies are in the business of minimizing payouts, and they often use strategies designed to devalue or deny legitimate personal injury claims.
You may be pressured to provide recorded statements, accept a quick settlement, or sign documents that limit your rights before the full extent of your injuries or damages is known. An insurance company may even argue the accident was your fault, claim the pain you feel is exaggerated, or even say that you are making it up.
At Bowman Law, we know these tactics and how to counter them. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your case, collect and preserve all evidence, and handle all communication with insurers on your behalf.
We make sure your claim reflects the full scope of your economic and non-economic losses. By putting your interests first, we protect you from rushed settlements and ensure the insurance company cannot undervalue the compensation you deserve.
Your Case Is Our Priority
Suffering an injury caused by another person’s negligence is frustrating enough. You don’t want to compound the frustration by working with a law firm that thinks of your claim as a low-priority matter.
At Bowman Law, we give our clients the compassion, respect, and personalized service they deserve. Our attorneys and staff will never treat you as just another case number. To us, you are a human being who has suffered and deserves high-quality legal guidance and representation.
No matter what type of injury you have suffered and in what kind of accident, we are here to guide you to the best possible outcome.
Schedule Your Free Consultation Today
It may feel overwhelming to take on an insurance company or other big business after suffering an injury caused by negligence, but you don’t need to face this challenge alone. Our Grand Junction personal injury lawyers are here to fight for your rights and guide you with compassionate, personalized advocacy every step of the way.
Contact us to discuss your personal injury claim with an experienced member of our legal team. Your initial consultation is free, and you won’t owe us anything unless we obtain a successful result for you.
