Denver Negligence Lawyer 
Have you recently suffered an injury due to the negligent actions of another party? Are you experiencing financial loss as a result, and you’re unsure of how to overcome such obstacles? Have you been told you should talk with a Denver negligence lawyer, but are not sure if this is a good idea?
If you can relate to this scenario, it is true that speaking with a negligence lawyer in Denver, Colorado may be the right decision. At The Law Offices of Richard J. Banta, P.C., we can listen to what happened and help you to understand what your legal options might be. If you have a case, and we are a good fit for one another, you can feel confident in knowing we have the necessary skills and experience needed to build strong, irrefutable defense strategies that get results. Although we can make no guarantees, we will seek maximum damages on your behalf.
Understanding Negligence Laws in Denver, CO
Any good Denver negligence lawyer will explain to you that negligence is a very broad term that could be included in many different types of cases. In general if someone owes another person a duty, and fails to adhere to that duty; thereby causes injury or death, they are considered to be negligent. The person who was harmed may then have the right to recover monetary compensation for their financial losses, as well as, some non-economic damages.
Most Common Types of Negligence
As a negligence lawyer Denver, CO residents trust, we have handled a broad number of cases involving negligence; however, the factors and circumstances are never exactly alike. In general, they will involve at least one of the following types of negligence:
Gross Negligence – When a person lacked complete concern for the safety and wellbeing of others, it may be considered gross negligence. An example of this might be when a hospital failed to change the bandages of a patient for many days, and they developed a severe infection as a result. While the hospital might not have intended to actually hurt the patient, their gross negligence did, and in this case, compensation would likely be available.
Comparative Negligence – When you were, in some way, responsible for your injuries, but there was also another person who might be partially to blame, it may be considered comparative negligence. For instance, if you were injured in a car accident after a person changed lanes, but you were not wearing a seatbelt, you might be found partially to blame for your injuries. A Denver negligence lawyer can help you to understand how these cases work, and whether or not you will lose some of your compensation through comparative negligence laws. Bear in mind, in Colorado, if a court fines you were more at fault than the other party, you may lose your right to damages.
Vicarious Liability – This is a special type of case in which you hold a party responsible for the action of another person or animal. Vicarious liability cases are most common when a minor or animal caused the harm.
If negligence caused you harm, and you would like to know if compensation is available, please call a Denver negligence lawyer today from The Law Offices of Richard J. Banta, P.C.
Is a Denver Negligence Lawyer Expensive?
Unlike most attorneys, a Denver negligence lawyer does not get paid upfront or by the hour. They instead charge a contingency fee, which is a percentage of a client’s settlement. If a negligence lawyer Denver CO trusts does not win a case, they won’t receive any money.
How a Contingency Fee Agreement Works
In a negligence case, you will only have to pay your attorney if he or she wins you a settlement. He or she will take a fee out of your compensation. In general, personal injury lawyers receive approximately one-third of the settlement amount.
During your first consultation, your lawyer will ask you to sign a fee agreement if you hire him or her. In this agreement, you will learn how and when the lawyer will be paid and what percentage of your settlement he or she will take. Remember to verify the lawyer’s fees before you sign the contract.
There are other fees that a Denver negligence lawyer may charge, including the cost expert testimony, deposition expenses and office fees. Your lawyer will pay for many of these expenses to build the case. The costs to prepare your case will be taken from your settlement later on.
A contingency is beneficial because it means you will not owe any money out of your own pocket during the case. You likely have expensive medical bills and may be out of work, so you do not need the added stress of legal fees.
Average Denver Negligence Lawyer Fees
Typically, a personal injury attorney’s fees are 33.33% of the settlement amount. This fee can go up and down depending on an attorney’s experience and location. If the case goes to trial, many attorneys increase the fee to 40%. However, the majority of personal injury lawsuits get settled before they ever see a courtroom.
To give you a better picture of a contingency fee arrangement, think about receiving a $15,000 settlement for your injuries. Your lawyer charges $500 to prepare the case and takes 33.3% from the settlement. You will be left with $9,667.
The lawyer contingency fee system exists to allow personal injury victims to pursue compensation for their injuries without breaking the bank. If you were hurt in an accident, you should contact a skilled Denver negligence lawyer, Richard Banta Law, as soon as possible; he can discuss contingency fees in further detail.
What are some things that I should not do if I was injured in an accident caused by a negligent act.
Following an accident you might find it difficult to think straight; thereby, causing you to make knee-jerk decisions that could be costly. As a personal injury lawyer we have consulted thousands of clients, and some have made mistakes that have been detrimental to their case. The following is a brief overview of what you should not do after being injured in an accident involving negligence.
Do Not…
Fail to Call the Police or 911
If you were involved in any accident, you should call the police or 911. Ideally 911 will be best, especially if you were injured. You should also ensure that a police report has been filed as this will be needed by the insurance company.
Leave the Scene
Leaving the scene before the police arrive could result in serious repercussions, some of which could be criminally prosecuted (if you are found to be liable for anything). No matter what has happened wait until the ambulance and police have arrived. If you need immediate medical attention, you will be taken to the hospital. Otherwise, the police will ask you some questions and then they will tell you when you can leave.
Admit Any Fault
You might feel scared and overwhelmed about the accident, and this can lead you to be vulnerable or confused. No matter what you think happened, or what someone else is saying, do not take any fault. Even a simple “I’m sorry” could be used against you.
Get Upset or Violent
You may want to scream at the other party after an accident, but you should not do so, and you should never become violent. If this happens, the court, defense team, or insurance company might perceive you as being combative. This might aid in the defense and not suit your interests.
Talk with the Insurance Company Before You Talk with a Denver Negligence Lawyer
The negligent parties’ insurance company may contact you after the accident. It is their goal to get you to say things you don’t mean and/or accept a low-ball offer. You do not have to talk with them, and you should not until you have spoken with a Denver Negligence Lawyer.
Agree to the First Offer Made
It is likely that you will be offered a low settlement soon after the accident. These adjustors, no matter how friendly they might be, are not aligned with your interests. What they offer you might seem like a lot of money, but it is almost certainly not what you need or deserve. A Denver negligence lawyer will likely be able to recover more.
Proceed With Your Claim Until You Have Spoken to a Lawyer
A Denver negligence lawyer helps people who have been involved in an accident. It may be in your best interest to talk with a lawyer about your rights and options before proceeding with your claim.
For an immediate consultation with a Denver negligence lawyer, call The Law Offices of Richard J. Banta, P.C.
