What Is the Average Personal Injury Settlement in Colorado?

There is no average personal injury settlement in Colorado. A personal injury settlement varies widely depending on the specifics of each case, including the severity of injuries, the clarity of liability, and the extent of economic and non-economic damages incurred. One way to determine the value of your case is to partner with a personal injury attorney who can calculate the cost of your damages. 

Your settlement may cover medical bills, property damage, pain and suffering, and more depending on the type of accident you were involved in. Accident victims do not need to attempt to determine the value of their cases alone. Instead, hire a Colorado personal injury lawyer for legal guidance. 

Your Settlement Depends on Your Case Details, So There Is No Average Amount 

The average personal injury settlement in Colorado can vary significantly based on a number of factors. Each case is different, so the amount of compensation you might receive can look different from another accident victim’s settlement, even if you were hurt in the same type of accident. 

Here are a few key factors that typically influence settlement amounts:

• Severity of injuries: More severe injuries tend to result in higher medical expenses, longer recovery periods, and more substantial compensation for pain and suffering, which can greatly increase the settlement amount.
• Impact on quality of life: If the injury leads to long-term disability, chronic pain, or a significant change in lifestyle, the compensation for loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress also increases.
• Medical expenses: Total current and anticipated future medical costs are a major component of any settlement calculation. This includes all treatments, surgeries, medications, and any long-term care needs.
• Lost wages and earning capacity: Compensation for lost wages during recovery and potential loss of future earnings if the injury affects your ability to work. 
• Liability: Clear liability on the part of another party can lead to a higher settlement, whereas disputed liability might reduce the amount or complicate the negotiation process.
• Insurance policy limits: Your settlement amount may also be influenced by the at-fault party’s insurance policy limits. Higher limits allow for greater compensation, while lower limits could cap the amount recoverable, regardless of the damages sustained.

Because personal injury cases are so diverse, you may want to consult with a personal injury law firm that can assess the specifics. Your lawyers can also navigate the complexities of Colorado’s laws and insurance policies to advocate effectively on your behalf.

What Will Your Personal Injury Settlement Cover? 

In a personal injury settlement, the damages you can recover are typically categorized into compensatory damages, which are intended to compensate the injured party for losses related to the injury. These damages are further divided into economic and non-economic damage. Here’s a breakdown of the common types of recoverable damages:

Economic Damages

These are tangible losses that have a specific monetary value attached to them, including:

• Medical expenses: Costs for medical care associated with the injury, both past and future, such as hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and physical therapy.
• Lost wages: Income lost due to time away from work during recovery.
• Loss of earning capacity: If the injury impacts your ability to earn money in the future.
• Property damage: If personal property was damaged as a result of the incident.

Non-Economic Damages

These are more subjective and compensate for non-monetary aspects of your loss:

• Pain and suffering: Compensation for physical pain and discomfort endured due to the injuries.
• Emotional distress: For psychological impacts such as stress, anxiety, and depression.
• Loss of enjoyment of life: Damages for inability to enjoy hobbies and other life pleasures.
• Loss of consortium: Compensation for the impact on the plaintiff’s relationship with their spouse or family.

Types of Personal Injury Accidents that Could Entitle You to a Settlement 

Several types of personal injury accidents can entitle you to a settlement if another party’s negligence or intentional actions caused you harm. Here’s a list of common incidents that often lead to personal injury claims:

• Car accidents: Including collisions involving cars, trucks, motorcycles, pedestrians, and cyclists.
• Slip and fall accidents: Occurring on another’s property due to unsafe conditions like wet floors, uneven surfaces, or poor lighting.
• Medical malpractice: Injuries resulting from a healthcare provider’s negligence, such as surgical errors, misdiagnoses, or improper treatment.
• Workplace accidents: Injuries at work, particularly in industries like construction, manufacturing, or transportation.
• Product liability: Harm caused by defective or dangerous products.
• Dog bites: Injuries inflicted by someone else’s pet, often requiring legal action for compensation.

If you’ve suffered an injury in any of these scenarios, you may be entitled to compensation for damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Consulting with a personal injury lawyer can help you navigate the claims process effectively.

You Have a Limited Amount of Time to Pursue Your Personal Injury Settlement 

When filing a personal injury claim in Colorado, it’s critical to adhere to the statute of limitations outlined in CO. Rev. Stat. § 13-80-102. In Colorado, you typically have two years from the date of the injury to file a lawsuit against the liable party. This time limit is crucial because failing to file within this period can result in the loss of your right to seek compensation.

The statute of limitations ensures that claims are made while evidence is still fresh and available. To avoid missing this deadline, it’s best to get started on your case as soon as possible. 

Call Matlin Injury Law Today to Discuss Your Case 

If you suffered a car accident, pedestrian injury, construction accident, or another type of personal injury incident, you can seek compensation with the help of our law firm. We know how to calculate the value of your damages to help you get the settlement you need. 

Call us now to get started. We provide free initial consultations.