Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Denver

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Denver, Colorado?

  To reach the local police station in Denver for a non-emergency situation, dial 720-913-2000.

• Where can I get a copy of police reports for incidents related to my case in Denver, Colorado?

  You can visit the Denver Police Department Records Bureau at 1331 Cherokee Street, Denver, CO 80204, to get a copy of a police report related to your case.

• When should you file a personal injury claim in Denver?

  In Denver, there's a time limit, called a statute of limitations, for filing personal injury claims. Most claims have a two-year limit, except for motor vehicle accidents, which have a three-year limit. Claims against the government have a shorter limit of 180 days. Talking to a lawyer after an accident is crucial to protecting your right to file a claim.

• What are the steps for filing a wrongful death claim in Denver?

  The usual process to file a wrongful death claim in Denver includes notifying the defendant, negotiating to avoid trial, discovery and pre-trial phases, trial, and settlement. If successful, the court will decide how much compensation to give the surviving family. It's best to consult a wrongful death attorney as soon as possible to start the process of gathering evidence and proceeding with legal action if the case is valid.

• Who is liable for a dog bite in a personal injury case in Denver?

  The liability of dog owners in Denver for dog bites depends on the severity of the victim's injury. If the dog bite results in serious injuries, the owner will be liable for damages, whether or not they are guilty of negligence. Non-serious dog bites can fall under premises liability and negligence laws. The dog owner may avoid liability under certain circumstances, such as when the victim illegally trespasses on private property and the owner had posted "Beware of Dog" or similar signs.

• How do you pay your medical expenses while waiting for a settlement in a personal injury case in Denver?

  While a personal injury settlement in Denver is ongoing, you must pay for your medical bills that your insurance doesn't cover. You may be sent to collections if you can't pay your co-pay or deductible. If you can't pay upfront, your lawyer can look into a medical lien to pay for your medical care. The lien company pays your bills, and you pay them back later. This is a good option if you don't have insurance or can't afford co-pays.

• Do you need to hire a lawyer for your personal injury case in Denver?

  No. But a personal injury lawyer in Denver can help to achieve the outcome you want for your claim. Lawyers know consumer-friendly laws, additional categories of damages, and the skills to draft court documents and appear in court. Having a lawyer fight for you means you can focus on your recovery. If your case goes to trial, the lawyers will advocate for you every step of the way.

• How to choose a personal injury attorney?

  It's crucial to find a personal injury attorney who is experienced, but it's also important to feel comfortable. Take advantage of free consultations and ask questions about how long each candidate has been practicing, how their fee structure works, and who will be handling the majority of the casework (some big firms may hand off routine tasks to paralegals). Above all, find someone who listens well and believes they can achieve an optimal outcome. Still uncertain? Ask friends for referrals and check out online reviews.

• What does a personal injury lawyer do?

  Personal injury attorneys help those who have suffered due to the negligence of others get the compensation they deserve. That may include negotiating settlements with other people, insurance companies, or even government agencies or arguing the case in court. Some attorneys specialize in a certain type of injury, such as auto accidents or birth injuries, while others advocate for almost any injured party.

• What does personal injury law cover?

  In the legal world, "personal injury" is any kind of injury, physical or psychological, that results from the negligence of a person, business, or other entity. While visible or acute injuries such as a broken leg or concussion are among the most obvious types of personal injuries, this category also covers less tangible injuries such as emotional distress and issues such as asbestos exposure that may contribute to long-term problems.

• What are the most common types of personal injury claims?

  Personal injury claims encompass a wide variety of situations ranging from accidents on privately owned property to injuries in the line of duty to whiplash sustained during a commute. These claims may include car accidents, dog bites, slip and falls, medical malpractice, defamation, product defect accidents, premises liability, product liability, workplace accidents, food poisoning at a restaurant, and boating or aviation accidents.

• How do personal injury lawyers get paid?

  Many personal injury lawyers advertise that they don't get paid unless their client does. This is called "working on contingency," meaning the attorney is compensated only if they win their case. These payments are typically percentage based, giving attorneys a predetermined portion of the court-ordered award. Other lawyers may command an hourly rate or combine an hourly rate with a smaller contingency fee.

• How much do personal injury lawyers charge?

  Personal injury lawyer fees can differ from state to state and may be subject to local regulations. In general, personal injury attorneys work under contingency agreements entitling them to 33% of any related settlement or award. Sometimes lawyers use a sliding contingency, charging 33% for awards agreed upon during pre-trial negotiations and raising the fee to 40% once the matter goes to trial.

• When do I need to hire a personal injury lawyer?

  Anytime an injury is known or suspected to be the result of negligence, it's a good idea to consult with a personal injury attorney who can offer insight into the validity of a claim and whether or not that claim is worth pursuing legally. A consultation is particularly important if someone has suffered serious injuries that have left them disabled or otherwise impacted their financial future or quality of life.

• Can I file a personal injury claim without a lawyer?

  It's possible to pursue a personal injury claim without an attorney; however, it's best to save self-representation for cases involving minor injuries or are otherwise considered straightforward. Cases that involve serious injuries that are not completely resolved or where liability has yet to be determined are more complex. Those situations can quickly become stressful and time consuming as they require an understanding of tort law, resources for gathering medical records, and time to review photographs and evidence pertaining to the injury and scene of the accident (if applicable). Bringing on an experienced personal injury lawyer could result in a higher reward while giving the injured party more time to concentrate on their physical, mental, and emotional recovery.

• How long does a personal injury lawsuit last?

  The length of time it takes to settle a personal injury lawsuit is highly dependent on a number of factors ranging from the type of case to the length of medical treatment to whether the suit is settled before court or requires a long trial. While most personal injury cases are resolved within two years, more complicated suits could take longer.

• What are the benefits of hiring a personal injury lawyer?

  It's tempting to save on lawyer's fees by pursuing self-representation, but there are many benefits to hiring a personal injury lawyer including their years of experience. A good attorney will know how to properly assess your damages, including not just medical bills but other concerns, such as lost wages and pain and suffering, to craft a demand that fully reflects the compensation to which the injured party is entitled. They also have the resources and knowledge necessary to consult with experts, negotiate effectively with insurance companies, properly navigate the legal system, and otherwise ensure the best possible outcome.