Most Common Personal Injury Claims in Denver
- Car accidents and slip and falls are the most common causes of personal injury claims in Denver, affecting people every day on busy streets and in public spaces.
- Other frequent claim types include wrongful death, ski accidents, and dog bites, each governed by distinct Colorado rules and liability standards.
- Acting quickly matters: evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and Colorado statutes set firm deadlines for filing a claim.
Personal injury claims happen in Denver all the time. Accidents are not rare occurrences in big cities, and when an accident happens to you, you may wish to seek compensation from any parties that might be responsible for it. If you file a personal injury claim, you will want a personal injury lawyer to help you through the process and provide you with guidance throughout.
CGH Injury Lawyers has represented injured Coloradans since 2016 from one Denver office at 2701 Lawrence Street. Kevin Cheney is Managing Partner, a member of the American Board of Trial Advocates, and Treasurer of the Colorado Trial Lawyers Association.
The Most Common Personal Injury Claims in Denver
Personal injury claims can be the result of many different types of accidents, and it is important that you recognize and understand what may fall under the umbrella of personal injury before you decide to file a claim. Personal injury cases may include:
- Car Accidents: Car accidents remain one of the most common causes of a personal injury claim. They happen every day, and the busy streets of Denver are no stranger to severe crashes. Car accidents can sometimes be nobody's fault, but when a negligent driver causes a collision that damages your car and injures you, you may want to seek damages from them and hold them responsible for their actions.
- Wrongful Death: If your loved one was killed due to another party's actions, you could file a wrongful death claim. A wrongful death could result from many types of fatal accidents, from car crashes to slip and falls. Plaintiffs typically pursue damages for the costs of a burial and funeral, loss of income, medical bills, and loss of consortium, among others. However, only people with certain relationships to the victim can file this type of claim.
- Slip and Fall: A sudden slip and a bad fall can happen at any time, and more often than not, it can be the direct result of someone else's negligent behavior, especially if it happens in a public setting like a store or an office. A bad fall can cause serious injuries that could be the start of life-altering physical trauma like a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. Photograph the scene and speak to a premises liability attorney.
- Ski Accidents: Skiing can be a dangerous activity that could result in serious physical trauma or even death. A ski accident could be the result of another party's negligence, such as an incompetent resort staff or another skier who wanted to hurt you. Thanks to Colorado's Ski Safety Act, which absolves resorts from most liability regarding ski injuries and death, pursuing damages against the resort may be a tough battle. However, an experienced personal injury lawyer can develop your case and find a way to pursue damages from the liable party, whoever that may be.
- Dog Bites: Colorado state law declares that every pet owner in the state is responsible for their pet's actions towards people regarding injuries and property damage. If a dog bites you, that dog's owner may be held liable for your injury. You could pursue a personal injury claim against them and try to recoup damages for your medical expenses and emotional distress.
In certain cases, the dog's owner could make the case that they were unaware that their dog was dangerous. It is often not the strongest claim, but it could apply in some cases. The most effective strategy for you would be to retain an experienced personal injury lawyer to build the strongest possible case against them under premises liability law.
What to Do After Any Denver Personal Injury Accident
Regardless of the type of accident, the steps you take in the days immediately after an injury can make or break your claim. Evidence disappears fast: surveillance video is often overwritten within days, witnesses move on, and physical conditions at a scene change quickly.
At a minimum, document the scene with photographs, preserve any physical evidence, get medical attention right away, and report the incident to the appropriate authority, whether that is the police, a property manager, or a ski patrol. Then contact a personal injury attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster. Adjusters work for the insurer, not for you.
Colorado's statutes set firm deadlines for filing most personal injury lawsuits. Waiting too long can eliminate your right to recover entirely. The earlier you have a lawyer review your case, the better your chances of preserving every avenue of recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common types of personal injury cases?
There are many different common types of personal injury cases. However, the types of cases that appear to affect the most people are car accidents and slip and falls. These can happen to anybody at any time and for any reason, and they often result in devastating injuries that can change the trajectory of the plaintiff's life. It is vital that you do what you can to seek compensatory damages.
How much can you sue for pain and suffering in Colorado?
Colorado caps non-economic damages such as pain and suffering under C.R.S. 13-21-102.5. For claims accruing on or after January 1, 2025, that cap is $1.5 million, with inflation adjustments starting in 2028. Compensation for physical impairment or disfigurement is not subject to that cap, and economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages are never capped. Medical malpractice cases are governed by a separate, lower schedule under C.R.S. 13-64-302: the non-economic cap is $530,000 for claims accruing in 2026, rising on a statutory schedule through 2029. The cap that applies to your case depends on when the injury occurred and what type of claim is involved, so a lawyer should review your specific facts.
What is the average payout for a personal injury claim in Colorado?
There is no average payout for a personal injury claim in Colorado. It is not possible to determine what the average settlement for a personal injury claim would be. Every case is different and involves unique factors and considerations. The factors that may influence your settlement amount are the severity of your injuries, the evidence you have gathered that proves negligence, your lawyer's negotiation skills, and the amount of property damage.
When should I hire a personal injury attorney?
It is recommended that you start consulting with personal injury attorneys as soon as possible. The statute of limitations for personal injury claims runs out sooner than you may think. It is vital that you retain experienced legal counsel and start building your case as soon as you possibly can. By hiring a lawyer, you can stay on top of deadlines and paperwork while also giving yourself time to recover from your injury. Your lawyer can take charge of your case.
For Personal Injury Claim Assistance, Hire a Skilled Lawyer
Personal injury situations are all too common. Accidents happen, and if someone is responsible for your accident, holding them accountable in a court of law can be a good way to start developing a sense of closure and recoup a significant number of damages.
The legal team at Cheney Galluzzi and Howard can provide you with all the answers you may need for your case. We can help you develop your case, gather evidence on your behalf, and represent your interests. Reach out to schedule a consultation today.
This article is general information for Colorado injury readers. It is not legal advice, does not create an attorney-client relationship, and does not promise that any deadline, cap, or rule applies to your case. Damages caps, statutes of limitations, and liability questions require case-specific legal review.
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