How To Find Legal Representation After A Recreational Activity Injury In Lakewood, Co

Coloradans are nothing if not active. From skiing the slopes to hiking the hills, the great outdoors is even more spectacular in the Centennial State. But with all our recreational hobbies come risks, leading to surgeries, long-term complications, lost income, and more. Knowing how to find legal representation after a recreational activity injury in Lakewood, CO, can help you go from overwhelmed to overcoming.

Most Common Settings for Recreational Injuries

Recreational injuries aren’t limited to daredevils or adrenaline junkies. Slips, trips, falls, broken bones, TBIs, and torn ligaments can happen to anyone. Of course, the changing seasons play a role, as well.

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) reports as many as 55 skiers and snowboarders visit emergency rooms daily during the winter months. In summer, traumatic recreational injuries are linked to water-related incidents, falls, and bicycle accidents. With more people out enjoying the sunshine, injuries skyrocket.

Some of the most common injury settings include the following:

• Jogging trails and nature paths
• Ski runs
• Ice skating rinks (indoor and outdoor)
• Trampoline and obstacle course parks
• Gyms and fitness centers
• Pools, lakes, and reservoirs
• Basketball courts and soccer/football fields
• Rock climbing gyms
• ATV and snowmobiling trails
• Bike parks

Colorado Recreational Claims Laws: What You Need to Know

Recreational businesses often use waivers to sidestep legal liability and protect themselves from repercussions when someone is injured. Even so, waivers don’t shield businesses entirely, no matter how much fine print their clauses contain. Typically, recreational businesses can be held accountable for claims involving the following:

• Gross negligence
• Lack of safety standards
• Failure to properly maintain equipment, products, grounds, or procedures
• Reckless behavior
• Failure to warn about known dangers
• Failure to address hazards
• Malicious acts

Why Hire a Recreational Claims Lawyer?

Most civil litigation is settled out of court. According to the Bureau of Justice Statistics, only 3% of tort cases have historically gone to trial. This alone is a good reason to hire a recreational claims lawyer. They serve as a guide toward a fast, sufficient case resolution.

Still, the specifics of the case matter, especially under certain circumstances. In general, hiring representation is highly recommended when an injury does one of the following:

• Lands you in the emergency room or an urgent care facility
• Requires imaging and other tests
• Leads to surgery, a hospital stay, or ongoing care
• Compromises your ability to work and/or enjoy life
• Causes emotional or psychological strain
• Impacts your finances through medical bills or other costs

Legal representation is also recommended when businesses engage in dismissive behaviors, including the following:

• Denying responsibility
• Threatening or harassing you
• Using their own lawyers to bully you into submission
• Offering a lowball settlement
• Claiming immunity despite obvious negligence or safety violations

Another reason to hire a recreational claim attorney is the variations in the legal process. Recreational law differs from other types of personal injury law and requires an attorney with experience in areas like equipment and product failure claims, insurance policies, premise liability statutes, liability waivers, and industry-specific safety requirements.

What to Look for in a Recreational Claim Attorney

When hiring a recreational claim attorney, look for someone who possesses the following assets:

• Extensive knowledge of Colorado personal injury and recreation laws
• A strong grasp of Colorado’s liability system, which may differ from other states
• Experience working on cases similar to yours
• A track record of successful settlements or verdicts
• Attention to detail and a willingness to look at your case thoroughly
• Accessibility and a communication style that focuses on clear language rather than legal jargon

Why Choose Pearson & Paris, P.C.?

Our team of professional and compassionate lawyers at Pearson & Paris, P.C. can solve a wide range of legal issues, including those involving injuries due to recreational activities. We pride ourselves on our responsive and efficient representation, as well as our involvement in the community with organizations like the River Reach Youth Society.

Our attorneys boast decades of combined legal experience, offering each of our clients personalized service to fit their case circumstances. Although it is unlikely, if your case needs to be litigated, we can advocate for you at the Jefferson County Court or the Jefferson County District Court.

FAQs

Can You File a Claim in Colorado for Loss of Enjoyment of Life?

Yes, you can file a claim in Colorado for loss of enjoyment of life as part of personal injury cases. This loss falls under non-economic damages, specifically when it impacts your ability to enjoy hobbies, interests, work, sports, social events, family time, or anything else you found pleasurable prior to your injury.

What Four Elements Are Typically Needed to Prove Negligence in Colorado?

The four elements typically needed to prove negligence in Colorado include a duty of care on the part of the defendant, a breach of duty by the defendant, causation between the defendant’s breach and your injuries and losses, and the fact that you suffered quantifiable damages. A lawyer can help you prove these elements to solidify your case.

How Much Compensation Can You Pursue for Emotional Distress in Colorado?

In Colorado, there is a financial cap on non-economic damages, including emotional distress, limiting settlements to $1.5 million when personal injuries occur, so you cannot pursue more than that currently. True compensation depends on case specifics, including the severity of your injury and whether it was acute or chronic, how your injury impacts your life, the costs of treatment, and the defendants’ conduct, particularly egregious behavior.

How Long After an Accident Can You File a Claim in Colorado?

Colorado’s statute of limitations for most personal injury cases is two years. If the case involves a motor vehicle, the statute can be extended. For recreation injury cases, filing a claim as soon as possible is ideal, when documentation, witness accounts, medical bills, and other evidence are fresh.

Pearson & Paris, P.C.: Your Recreation Injury Lawyers

A recreation injury can impact your life in ways not realized, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, confused, and defeated. Obtaining solid legal representation after a recreational injury in Lakewood, CO, is an important first step in a successful claim; it can mean the difference between compensation and case dismissal. If you’ve been injured in a recreational incident, contact us today to get started.