An unexpected injury can do more than hurt you physically – it can also be a major drain on your wallet. However, if the injury was due to someone else’s carelessness, you shouldn’t have to bear the burden of medical bills on your own. Considering the following information to determine if it’s time to make a personal injury claim.
The Injury
The first question you’ll need to consider is if the event qualifies as a personal injury. When most people think of a bodily injury they imagine broken bones, torn ligaments, or even a concussion. These are all common examples, but an injury doesn’t necessarily have to be so physically apparent. Psychological troubles such as posttraumatic stress disorder resulting from an incident can also be a personal injury.
The Responsibility
Of course, you can’t file a claim of this nature if the incident was self-inflicted. You’ll have to prove that your injury was caused by someone else’s negligence – which means that that person was unreasonably careless. In some cases, this may be easy to prove. For example, security footage might show that another driver clearly ran a red light, thus causing a car crash that left you injured. But not all cases are so cut and dry, and you might need to rely on legal professionals like Lampert & Walsh to help build your case. Even when a case seems fairly straightforward, the defendant’s refusal to cooperate might complicate the situation. You’ll want an attorney on your side to ensure you’re ready for anything.
The Damages
Determine if it’s possible to receive compensation for what occurred. A successful injury claim will result in you receiving money for your injuries. What factors can you seek compensation for? Here are just a few possibilities:
- Medical bills
- The cost of disability accommodations
- Pain, both physical and emotional
- Lost wages due to time away from work
- Reduced quality of life
While some of these factors, such as loss wages, are easy to determine, others, such as emotional suffering and reduced quality of life, are a little harder to express monetarily. Again, this is when you’ll want to consult with an experienced personal injury lawyer.
The Clock
In Colorado, time is of the essence when it comes to filing a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations is two years following the incident. There are some exceptions, however. For example, if the case involves a car accident, the statute is extended to three years. An expert can help you determine if there’s still time to proceed with your claim and seek compensation for damages.
