Recreational Accident
Colorado is one of the leading states in outdoor recreational activities due to its mountains, lakes and beautiful weather. Although the Rocky Mountains draw many outdoor enthusiasts to Colorado each year, many people are injured in accidents that involve skiing, snowboarding, outdoor sports participation and white water rafting activities.
If you have been injured while participating in an outdoor recreational activity due to the negligence or carelessness of another person, business or entity, it is important to consult with an experienced Denver personal injury attorney immediately. According to the Colorado Revised Statutes § 13-80-102, many personal injury causes of action sustained in a recreational activity have a two-year statute of limitations period. A statute of limitations, or SOL, prevents an individual who was injured from another person’s negligence from filing a claim after a certain time period has passed. Since this period is two years in Colorado, it is important to contact an experienced personal injury lawyer in Denver as soon as you have suffered any injury from your recreational accident.
Denver Recreational Accident Lawyer
Contact the Law Office of Jennifer L. Donaldson today if you have been injured in a recreational accident throughout Denver and the surrounding areas of Boulder, Longmont, Lakewood, Arvada, Aurora, Thornton, Westminster, Centennial and Littleton. Attorney Jennifer L. Donaldson is knowledgeable in all areas of Colorado’s personal injury laws and will make every effort to help you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries. Call the Law Office of Jennifer L. Donaldson at (303) 458-5000 for a free consultation about your injuries sustained as a result of a recreational accident.
Denver Recreational Accident Information Center
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Recreational Accident Claims in Denver
Most people engage in recreational activities for enjoyment or as an exciting way to spend their free time. Unfortunately, occasionally these activities result in serious injuries due to another person’s negligence. Some of the most common claims for personal injury arising from recreational accidents in Colorado occur in the following situations:
If you have been hurt in a recreational accident in Denver, some of the most common injuries can include:
- Quadriplegia,
- Paraplegia,
- Internal organ injuries,
- Disfigurement,
- Contusions,
- Broken or fractured bones,
- Brain or head injuries and/or
- Back or spinal cord injuries.
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Causes of Denver Recreational Accident Injuries
Accidents sustained as a result of recreational activities can be caused by the negligence of a person who was responsible for the safety of the activity, because a product was designed inaccurately, because the workers at the scene of the accident were careless or negligent or because another participant was simply negligent in their participation in the activity.
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Recreational Accident Negligence Lawsuit in Denver
When bringing a lawsuit for injuries sustained in a recreational accident, you will probably have a claim for negligence, although in some cases you may have claims under alternate theories of liability including manufacturer’s liability or products liability.
Since Colorado follows a theory of comparative negligence, if you are 49% or less at fault for the injuries you sustained as a result of your accident, you will likely be able to recover compensation for your injuries. However, your award will be reduced depending on the percentage of responsibility you have for your injuries.
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Denver Damages for Recreational Accidents
If you are injured in a recreation accident in Colorado which was caused by the negligence of another, you may be allowed to seek monetary damages to compensate you for the injuries and losses you suffered as a result of the negligent party’s conduct.
You will be required to pay for your own medical treatment up front, but will eventually be reimbursed for this element of damages. You should instruct all healthcare providers to submit your bills to your health insurance. Your health insurer may or may not be entitled to seek reimbursement for the payments it makes when you settle your claim. If you do not have health insurance, the Law Office of Jennifer L. Donaldson has experience contacting physicians of your choice to determine whether they will provide care on a lien basis. A lien means that the medical bills will be held by the physician and will be paid out of the settlement proceeds you receive.
Pursuant to Colorado law, various types of damages are recoverable for injuries related to a recreational accident:
- Economic damages - These damages are intended to compensate the injured party for all financial losses they have incurred or will incur in the future as a result of a recreational accident, which may include, medical and rehabilitation expenses, loss of income, diminished earning capacity or other out-of-pocket expenses.
- Noneconomic damages - These damages are intended to compensate the injured party for damages and losses they have suffered as a result of the accident, including physical pain and suffering; mental anguish and emotional stress; loss of enjoyment of life; impairment of normal lifestyle; and/or inconvenience. The amount of noneconomic damages allowed in Colorado is currently limited to a maximum of $500,000.
- Physical impairment and disfigurement - This element of damages is intended to compensate individuals for permanent physical disability, scars or disfigurement they may have sustained as a result of the recreational accident. This element of damages is not limited by the caps on noneconomic damages outlined above.
- Exemplary Damages - In some specific cases, exemplary or punitive damages may be awarded if the jury finds that the injuries were caused by the negligent party’s actions which were attended by circumstance of fraud, malice, or willful and wanton conduct. These damages are intended to punish the at-fault party for actions which go well beyond negligent conduct and are only available in limited situations.
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Law Office of Jennifer L. Donaldson | Denver Attorney for Recreational Accidents
Contact the Law Office of Jennifer L. Donaldson today for a consultation about your recreational accident claim in Denver County and the surrounding areas of Boulder County, Jefferson County, Adams County and Arapahoe County. Jennifer Donaldson is an experienced lawyer for personal injury in Denver who will make every effort to help you receive full and fair compensation for your injuries sustained in a recreational accident. Contact the Law Office of Jennifer L. Donaldson today at (303) 458-5000 for a consultation about your recreational accident claim in Denver.