Negligence Lawyer Denver CO
Any negligence lawyer Denver CO can trust will tell you that the term “negligence” covers a wide variety of cases. If someone has a duty and fails to carry it out, he or she is considered negligent. Under Colorado laws, if the negligence of someone else has resulted in harm to you, you’re entitled to compensation for your injuries and losses, and should contact a negligence lawyer Denver CO community members have relied upon for years.
Negligence comes in many forms, so it’s important to know where your case falls because each type must be handled differently. The most common types of negligence proved in a case are:
• Gross Negligence: “Gross negligence” means the person was so careless that he or she displayed a total lack of concern for the safety of other people. This is beyond simply being careless. For example, you were in a hospital after having surgery and they didn’t change your bandages for days. As a result of the gross negligence of the hospital staff, you got a serious infection.
• Comparative negligence: In cases with comparative negligence, you have some sort of responsibility for your injuries, but the other party might still have to pay a part of the damages. Say you’re in a car accident because someone drove through a green light and hit you, but you weren’t wearing a seatbelt at the time and you suffered some serious injuries. The court awards you $10,000 against the driver who ran the red light, but they reduce your award by $3,000 to $7,000, with the $3,000 being what you’re responsible for because you didn’t wear the seatbelt.
• Vicarious Liability: “Vicarious liability” means you’re holding someone else responsible for the actions of a person or animal that caused you harm. This is often used in cases with animal bites or attacks or if the person who injured you is a child. If the court finds that you are mostly responsible for your injury despite the negligence of someone else, you might not receive any court award. This is known as “contributory negligence” and the other party can counter-claim this in your case to prevent you from recovering damages or receiving compensation. These cases can be complex, and you might need the assistance of an experienced negligence lawyer to ensure that your rights are protected. A negligence lawyer Denver CO turns too for representation will tell you that as a victim of another party’s negligence, you may be entitled to the following:
• Recovery of medical expenses and bills
• Compensation for time missed at work and damaged property
• Damages for loss of limb, lower quality of life and physical impairment
• Other losses you suffered because of your injury
What are the most common types of personal and negligence injury cases?
Did the negligent actions of another person cause you harm? Are you the family member of someone who lost their life to wrongdoing? If so, it may be a good idea to consult a personal injury lawyer. In doing so, you can explore your legal options, learn about your rights, and make a sound decision about what to do next.
We at the Law Office of Richard J. Banta, P.C. are personal injury lawyers who care. We have your best interests in mind and will help you to understand the legal procedures so you know what to expect. Regardless of whether or not you know you have a valid case, please call the Law Office of Richard J. Banta, P.C. for a complimentary case review from a personal injury lawyer.
The Most Common Types of Personal Injury Cases
When an injury or death results because of negligence, wrongdoing, or a malicious act, it is almost certain the victim, or their loved one, will be able to pursue a personal injury lawsuit. No two cases are exactly alike, but there are some that are more common than others.
Slip and Fall – Whether you slip and fall on the sidewalk, in a grocery store, or at a restaurant, if an injury results, you may have grounds for a lawsuit. In general, a lawyer will need to prove the property owner or management was aware of an unsafe environment, but failed to address it. This is not always easy which is why you should have a good personal injury lawyer on your side.
Vehicular Accidents – A vehicular accident may involve a car, truck, motorcycle, and/or pedestrian. They happen everyday, and for a number of reasons. In over half of these collisions, negligence is a factor. If this is true, the driver of the vehicle may be held liable.
Medical Malpractice – It is the duty of a doctor, medical practitioner, and facility to treat patients with the utmost care. Failure to abide by the medical standards could result in misdiagnosis, failure to treat, or other harm that could have been prevented.
Workplace Accidents – An employer has a duty to provide their employees with a safe working environment. Although injuries can be the result of an accident, some involve negligence. Employees who are injured while working may be able to file a personal injury claim in addition to seeking workers compensation.
Avoid Accepting a Settlement Offer from the Insurance Company
The insurance company might offer you a fast settlement very soon after the accident. As tempting as this might be, you should know that the amount they offer you is most likely much less than what you need to recover, let alone deserve. Ideally, you should talk with a personal injury lawyer before you accept or sign any offer made to you by the insurance company. This is true even when the adjustor might tell you disheartening statements like “We will only offer you this amount one time.”, or “If you don’t settle now, you won’t receive anything.” Don’t let these people pressure you into accepting their direct offer to settle. Call a personal injury lawyer to protect your rights and interests.
As with any claim, make sure to document your negligence case as much as possible. Keep any paperwork and evidence you have related to the event, and keep copies of all medical bills and any losses you suffered. Make sure you have the names and contact information of any people who witnessed what happened to you.
Don’t talk to people about your case other than trusted friends and family, and make sure they understand it’s important to keep the details to themselves. Avoid talking about the case on social media because posts there can and have been used as evidence in court. Refer any questions from the other party’s legal team or insurance company to your own negligence lawyer, and never sign any papers you don’t completely understand.
The Law Office of Richard J. Banta, P.C., is here to help you recovery physically and financially. As a negligence lawyer Denver CO residents turn to, Richard Banta will examine your case from the short-term and long-term angles so you get what you need to help you now and down the line. Your recovery is important to us, so we will handle the other party’s legal team, insurer and the red tape so you can focus on getting better without any extra stress. Throughout your case, we will be available to answer your questions and handle your concerns, and you will always be kept up-to-date as your claim moves forward.
In most cases, the time limit for filing a Colorado negligence claim is only two years, so waiting too long may rob you of the compensation you’re entitled to. Speak to a negligence lawyer Denver CO can trust about your negligence case today by calling 303-331-3415, and get yourself started on the path to recovery.