Five Examples Of Personal Injuries In Colorado
“Personal injury” is a term used in the legal field to describe harm caused to a person by another person’s carelessness. This harm can involve both physical pain and emotional distress, and can have far-reaching financial consequences for the victim, and their family.
Consider these five examples of personal injury cases in Colorado, and how you can seek compensation if you find yourself the victim of one.
1. Car Accidents: A Leading Cause Of Personal Injury In Colorado
In 2022 alone, 754 people died in traffic accidents across the state, with many others suffering injuries ranging from whiplash to permanent disability.
Common Causes Of Car Accidents
Car accidents are one of the most frequent types of personal injury cases in Colorado. Common causes include:
- Distracted driving, especially when texting or using a phone
- Drunk or impaired driving
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Poor road conditions or weather
- Failure to obey traffic signals and laws
It’s vital for drivers to keep these causes in mind in order to exercise better caution.
What To Do After A Car Accident
If another driver’s negligence caused the crash, you can recover the following types of damages in personal injury cases:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
However, you only have three years to file your insurance claims in Colorado, so make sure to start the process early, when evidence is still available, and witnesses’ memories are fresh.
2. Slip-And-Fall Accidents: Your Rights After An Injury
Slips and falls happen when someone gets hurt on property owned by others. In Colorado, store owners and landlords have a legal duty to keep their property safe.
Why Do Slip-And-Fall Accidents Happen?
A slip-and-fall accident can happen under the following conditions:
- Wet or slippery floors
- Uneven sidewalks or flooring
- Poor lighting in stairwells or hallways
- Unsecured rugs or carpets
- Lack of handrails or safety features
Depending on the nature and circumstances of your fall, different parties may be liable for your injuries.
What To Do After A Slip-And-Fall Accident
As the injured party, you may have a case if the property owner:
- Knew about a danger but did nothing
- Should have known about the danger
- Created the dangerous condition
Additionally, winter in Colorado comes with snow and ice. Property owners usually have 24 hours to clear walkways after a storm. If they don’t, and you fall, they may be liable.
3. Workplace Injuries: What Colorado Workers Need To Know
Employees in industries, such as construction, manufacturing, and healthcare, can be exposed to different workplace injuries. This is why Colorado law requires employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance.
Common Causes Of Workplace Injuries
Workers may suffer these injuries at work:
- Falls from heights
- Machinery accidents
- Exposure to hazardous materials
- Repetitive motion injuries
- Transportation-related accidents
Most of these accidents can be avoided by following safety protocols, investing in employee training, and ensuring the work equipment is properly maintained.
What To Do When Injured At Work
Most injured workers can file a workers’ compensation claim to receive benefits. Workers’ compensation usually provides:
- Medical treatment costs
- Partial wage replacement
- Disability benefits
- Vocational rehabilitation
However, workers’ compensation benefits don’t include pain and suffering, or full lost wages.
Sometimes, you can get more money through a personal injury claim if:
- A defective product hurt you
- Someone besides your employer caused your injury
- Your employer was extremely careless
Knowing your rights at the workplace helps ensure that you get maximum compensation in the event of a workplace accident. A personal injury lawyer can help you with the process.
4. Bicycle Accidents: Legal Options For Cyclists In Colorado
There were 1,784 bicycle crashes in Colorado in 2021. Of those accidents, 94 resulted in serious injuries, and there were 22 fatalities.
Common Causes of Bicycle Accidents
Colorado is a scenic place for cyclists, but riders should be aware of the following hazards:
- Drivers failing to yield to cyclists
- Parked car doors opening unexpectedly
- Poor road conditions or lack of bike lanes
- Reckless or impaired driving
Both cyclists and drivers should take note of these common scenarios to prevent accidents, and improve road safety for everyone.
What To Do After A Bicycle Accident
Bicycle accident victims face special problems, such as:
- Drivers claim they didn’t see them
- Injuries are often severe
- Insurance companies blame the cyclist
Bikes have the same road rights as cars in Colorado, so injured cyclists can seek money for medical bills, lost wages, and bike repairs. However, if you weren’t wearing a helmet, the other side might claim you share blame.
5. Medical Malpractice: What To Do If You’re A Victim
Doctors, nurses, and other medical practitioners can make harmful mistakes. In such cases, you can pursue a medical malpractice suit.
Common Types Of Medical Malpractice
Medical malpractice cases are among the most complex personal injury claims in Colorado. They involve proving that you were caused harm by:
- Misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis
- Surgical errors
- Medication mistakes
- Birth injuries
- Not getting proper consent
These errors can turn medical care into serious harm.
What Can Medical Malpractice Victims Do In Colorado?
In Colorado, you have two years to file a claim after discovering the injury. To win your case, you must prove:
- You had a doctor-patient relationship
- The doctor was careless
- Their carelessness caused your injury
- You suffered harm as a result
Expert witnesses are important in these cases because they help show how the doctor’s care wasn’t up to standard.
Personal Injury Claims In Colorado
In Colorado, the modified comparative negligence rule applies. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible for your injury.
Get Help From Skilled Personal Injury Attorneys In Colorado
At Bachus & Schanker, we understand personal injury on a deeply personal level. Our founding attorney, Kyle Bachus, lost his mother to a negligent driver, an experience that fuels our commitment to helping injury victims find justice.
If you’ve been injured by someone else’s negligence, our Colorado personal injury law firm can help you secure the compensation you need to move forward.
