Best Personal Injury Lawyers in Thornton

FAQs

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

  The non-emergency phone number of the Thornton Police Department is 720-977-5150.

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

  You may obtain a copy of a Thornton police report by completing the form at https://forms.thorntonco.gov/CityClerk/RequestForPublicRecords.

• What is the difference between compensatory and punitive damages in Thornton personal injury cases?

  In Thornton, compensatory damages are given to injury victims to help them restore their physical condition and mental health to how they used to be prior to the injury. This category of damages typically covers medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering. Meanwhile, punitive damages are awarded on top of compensatory damages to punish the defendant for their reckless actions that caused the victim’s injuries and to deter others from exhibiting similar behavior.

• How long will your personal injury claim in Thornton take to get resolved?

  The length of time that your Thornton personal injury case will take to settle largely depends on the extent and severity of your injuries since the total amount of damages cannot be calculated until you have sufficiently recovered. Consult with your attorney to better ensure that you manage your recovery alongside them working to pursue the amount of compensation you truly deserve within the statute of limitations.

• What does Thornton’s 50% bar rule mean?

  The 50% bar rule refers to the modified comparative fault doctrine that Thornton and the rest of Colorado follows. Under this rule, an injury victim is still entitled to collect damages even if they are partially at fault for their accident, provided that they are less than 50% at fault. If they are found to be 50% at fault or higher, they are barred from collecting any damages. Additionally, the victim’s total award is reduced by their percentage of blame for the incident.

• What can you do if you can’t afford to hire an attorney to sue someone who caused your injuries in Thornton?

  Regardless of your current financial status, you may be able to hire a personal injury lawyer in Thornton and obtain compensation for your injuries. This is because most injury attorneys in the city accept cases on a contingency fee arrangement, meaning you will only pay them if they successfully secure compensation on your behalf. If they don’t win your case, you do not owe them anything.

• How much time do you have to file a personal injury lawsuit in Thornton?

  If you are looking to pursue a personal injury lawsuit in Thornton, you must do so within two years from the date the injury occurred. This legal deadline is called the statute of limitations and if you fail to miss this two-year time window, it may be more difficult for you to recover any damages.

• 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.