Midland, CO, Personal Injury Lawyer

How Is Negligence Determined in a Personal Injury Case?

Negligence is the legal concept that someone failed to take reasonable care and, as a result, caused harm to another person. Establishing negligence is key in any personal injury case, and it boils down to showing that the other party didn’t act as a reasonably prudent person would have under similar circumstances.

Here are a few real-life examples that often come up in personal injury claims:

1. Car accidents. A driver speeding on a winding Midland back road or driving under the influence can easily crash into another vehicle, showing a clear breach of their duty to drive safely.
2. Slip-and-fall incidents. If a local grocery store fails to clean up spills or properly mark wet floors, a shopper who slips and gets injured might have a valid negligence claim.
3. Dog bites. In Colorado, dog owners can be held liable if their dog bites someone because it is their responsibility to restrain their dogs and keep others safe.

In each of these scenarios, the injured party must prove that the offender’s actions (or lack of action) directly led to the injury.

If you have any doubts about whether negligence caused your accident, speaking with a Midland personal injury attorney is a smart next step. We can help you gather evidence, like witness statements, medical records, and accident reports, to build a strong case so you can pursue the compensation you deserve.

How Much Is Your Personal Injury Case Worth?

Every personal injury case is unique, which makes it tough to pin down a universal dollar amount. Factors like medical bills, the severity of your injuries, and the impact on your day-to-day life all play a role in determining value.

Below are some types of damages you and your attorney may discuss when estimating what your claim could be worth:

Economic Damages

Economic damages are those that directly impact your financial well-being. Here are some common types:

• Medical bills. Costs for hospital visits, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
• Medical devices. Expenses for crutches, wheelchairs, or prosthetics, among other devices.
• Lost wages. Income you lost during your recovery.
• Reduced earning potential. Lowered future income if injuries prevent you from returning to the same job.
• Home alterations. Necessary modifications like wheelchair ramps or widened doorways.
• Long-term care. Ongoing support for permanent or chronic conditions.

Non-Economic Damages

Non-economic damages are not directly tied to your wallet, but they affect your life nonetheless. Your lawyer can help you assign a dollar value to intangible damages like the following:

• Pain and suffering. Physical discomfort and emotional distress.
• Reduced quality of life: Changes to your ability to enjoy hobbies, family time, and daily activities.

Types of Personal Injury Cases We Handle

Accidents can happen in a heartbeat, but their consequences can last a lifetime. At The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we represent injury victims in Midland in a wide range of personal injury cases, including:

• Car accidents. From fender-benders to high-speed collisions, we help injured drivers and passengers.
• Truck accidents. Commercial trucks cause some of the most severe crashes on Colorado’s highways.
• Dog attacks: A dog owner’s negligence can lead to painful bites and life-altering injuries.
• Motorcycle accidents. Riders face serious hazards when other drivers fail to watch for motorcycles.
• Slip-and-falls. Property owners must fix hazards or warn visitors before someone gets hurt.
• Bicycle accidents. Drivers who don’t share the road put cyclists at significant risk.
• Wrongful death. We help surviving family members seek justice and financial support.
• Brain injuries. Traumatic brain injuries can lead to ongoing physical, cognitive, and emotional challenges.
• Premises liability. Unsafe property conditions can cause falls, electrocutions, and other serious accidents.
• Product liability. Defective or dangerous products can injure consumers through no fault of their own.

Common Types of Injuries in Personal Injury Claims

Injuries come in all shapes and sizes, but some tend to occur more frequently in personal injury cases. Below are common injuries our Midland personal injury law firm sees and how they might affect you:

• Traumatic brain injuries can result in memory loss, cognitive changes, and long-term disabilities.
• Severe burns often require extensive treatments and can lead to permanent scarring.
• Spinal cord injuries and back injuries may cause chronic pain, limited mobility, or paralysis.
• Nerve damage and paralysis can impact muscle control and sensation throughout the body.
• Broken bones vary from hairline fractures to compound breaks with lengthy recovery times.
• Internal injuries are damage to the organs that often require emergency care and long hospital stays.
• Soft tissue injuries, such as sprains, strains, and contusions, can be debilitating.
• Whiplash is common in car accidents and can lead to chronic neck pain and headaches.
• Crush injuries are serious trauma that can require surgeries or lead to permanent disability.
• Amputation is a life-altering injury that requires extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Wrongful death happens when someone else’s negligence results in the loss of a loved one. In Colorado, the spouse or children of the deceased (and, in some cases, other close relatives) can file a claim.

How Our Personal Injury Attorney Can Help

When you’re recovering from an accident, juggling medical bills, and dealing with persistent pain, having a Midland, CO, personal injury lawyer in your corner can make all the difference.

An experienced Midland personal injury attorney knows the ins and outs of Colorado personal injury law and can shoulder the legal complexities while you focus on healing.

Here are some of the key ways an lawyer can help:

• Offer guidance and support. From day one, your attorney can answer questions, clarify your legal options, and keep you informed at every stage of your claim.
• Conduct investigations. Gathering evidence is key to building a strong case.
• Identify and inform liable parties. Your lawyer can figure out who is truly responsible for your accident, whether it’s a negligent driver, a property owner, or another third party.
• Negotiate on your behalf. Insurance companies often try to pay as little as possible. A knowledgeable attorney can negotiate for a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your losses.
• Handle all communications. If you have an advocate who communicates with insurers, opposing counsel, and other involved parties, this can better protect you from saying something that could damage your claim.
• Go to trial if necessary. If a fair settlement isn’t possible, your lawyer can represent you in court and fight for a favorable verdict.

Tips for Protecting Your Personal Injury Claim

If you’ve been injured in Midland, here are some immediate steps you can take to protect your personal injury claim and strengthen your chances of a full and fair recovery:

1. Document the scene. If you’re able, take pictures or have a trusted friend or family member capture images of the accident site, your injuries, and any property damage.
2. Keep up with medical care. Attend all medical appointments and follow your healthcare provider’s advice to the letter. This not only supports your well-being but also creates a solid paper trail.
3. Stay off social media. Posting about your accident or injuries online can be used against you by insurance adjusters looking to minimize your claim.
4. Avoid direct talks with insurance. You can let your Midland, CO, personal injury lawyer handle communication to prevent misstatements or lowball settlement offers.
5. Get legal help ASAP. Reaching out to a Midland personal injury law firm early helps ensure that important evidence is preserved and can give you a stronger position when negotiating or going to trial.

What Is the Statute of Limitations for a Personal Injury Case in Colorado?

Colorado imposes a strict deadline, known as the statute of limitations, for filing personal injury lawsuits. In most cases, you have two years from the date of your injury to start legal proceedings.

If you miss this window, your claim may be barred entirely. That means you could lose the right to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other damages.

It’s easy to underestimate how quickly time can slip by, especially when you’re dealing with hospital visits, physical therapy, and the emotional stress that follows an accident. The sooner you consult a Midland personal injury attorney, the better your odds of collecting strong evidence before it goes missing and capturing witness statements while their memories are fresh.

Consult our Midland personal injury lawyer at (719) 475-2555 for help with collecting strong evidence today.

Our Personal Injury Process

Your Free Consultation

When you contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we’ll start with a complimentary case review. This is your chance to share your story, learn about your legal options, and ask questions about how a Midland, CO, personal injury lawyer can help.

The Investigation Stage

Your Midland personal injury attorney will look into every aspect of your accident, from collecting witness statements to reviewing medical records. This thorough investigation helps us build a clear picture of who is at fault and how seriously they harmed you.

Gathering Evidence

Strong evidence is the backbone of any personal injury claim, and a reputable Midland personal injury lawyer will gather the necessities to prove liability and damages.

We understand the importance of comprehensive evidence to establish the severity of your injuries and the negligence involved. Here are a few key types of proof your personal injury law firm may collect to build your case:

• Your relevant medical records. These document the scope of your injuries and treatments, showing the true cost of your recovery.
• Testimony from professionals. Professional witnesses like accident reconstructionists or medical specialists can clarify complex aspects of your claim.
• Physical evidence from the scene. Debris, damaged personal belongings, or skid marks can all illustrate how the accident occurred.
• Statements from friends and family. Loved ones can describe how the injury impacted your everyday life, from your ability to work to your emotional well-being.
• Official accident or police reports. These reports can offer an impartial account of what happened and who might be at fault.
• Photos, videos, and security footage. Images from smartphones, security cameras, or dashcams can provide a real-time look at the moments leading up to and following the accident.

Identifying and Informing Liable Parties

Next, we’ll notify any person or organization potentially responsible for your injuries. Whether it’s a negligent driver or a property owner, we’ll ensure they’re aware of their potential liability.

Settlement Negotiations

Our Midland personal injury law firm will handle all discussions with insurance companies, presenting evidence of your damages and pushing for a fair settlement. We use strong negotiation tactics to help you secure the compensation you deserve.

Preparing for Trial (if Necessary)

If the other side refuses to offer a fair settlement, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court. Our goal is always to fight for the best possible outcome, whether that’s an agreed-upon settlement or a favorable jury verdict.

Some of Our Personal Injury Case Results

Wrongful Death – $375,000

Our client was struck and killed while riding a bicycle. His family sought compensation for his loss. We looked for every source of recovery, but the at-fault driver only had minimum limits of $25,000 in auto insurance. Despite this challenge, The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., worked the case and was able to recover the full policy limit plus the policy limit from our insured’s under-insured policy. We were also able to convince the at-fault driver’s homeowner’s insurance company to pay its policy limits.

Car Accident Caused Wrist Injury – $50,000 + $30,000

Our client was struck by another motorist and injured their wrist. Our client was unsure as to whether they should even hire an attorney. However, with the help of the personal injury lawyers at The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., we were able to obtain a maximum policy return from the at-fault driver of $50,000. Further, we obtained an additional $30,000 from the client’s underinsured policy for a total of $80,000 for the wrist injury.

What Our Clients Have to Say About Us

“The Outcome Was Better Than I Could Have Hoped” – Glenn Alvey (5-Star Google Review)

The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., helped me in a way that went above and beyond my expectations. I can confidently state my experience with Tim confirms why he is rated as the top defense attorney in Colorado Springs. From the very first consultation, he made my family feel heard and understood, taking the time to explain every step of the process in detail. […] he handled my case with a level of professionalism and dedication that gave me peace of mind during a very stressful time. The outcome was better than I could have hoped for, resolved in a better-than-expected time frame, and I am incredibly grateful for his hard work and commitment. If you are looking for an attorney who will fight for you with passion & integrity, Tim is the best choice in Colorado Springs. Thank you again for everything!

“Strong Legal Representation […] Great Communication ” – Kiera Symmone (5-Star Google Review)

Huge shoutout to Mr. Tim and Mr. Chris for handling my case. They made sure I understood everything every step of the way. I was involved in a car accident case, and despite the other party’s attempts to twist the situation, they got it completely dismissed. I couldn’t have asked for a better team—highly recommend them to anyone in need of strong legal representation! Staff was great; had great communication with me and was very helpful and professional! 10/10 will recommend to anyone and will be returning if ever need legal assistance again!

Contact The Bussey Law Firm, P.C., for Legal Help Today

Call (719) 475-2555 to speak with one of our experienced personal injury attorneys in Midland, CO—we’ll help you start your path toward fair compensation.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I speak with a Midland, CO, personal injury attorney if I’m partially at fault?

Yes. Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, which means you can still recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident. Even if you think you share responsibility, speaking with an attorney can help you understand your rights and potentially reduce your portion of liability.

How much does it cost to hire a personal injury lawyer in Midland?

Most personal injury attorneys work on a contingency-fee basis, meaning you pay no upfront legal fees. Instead, the lawyer receives a percentage of any settlement or verdict they secure on your behalf. This arrangement allows injured victims to access legal representation without worrying about out-of-pocket costs.

What types of damages can I recover if my case is successful?

Depending on the specifics of your case, you might recover economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages, property repairs) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, emotional distress, reduced quality of life). Your attorney will evaluate the full scope of your losses to ensure you pursue a fair settlement.

What if the insurance company denies my personal injury claim in Colorado?

Even if your claim is denied at first, you still have legal options. Insurance companies often reject valid claims for a variety of reasons, including incomplete paperwork or disputing liability. A personal injury lawyer can review the denial, gather additional evidence, and negotiate on your behalf. If negotiations fail, filing a lawsuit may be the next step.

How long does a personal injury case typically take to resolve?

The timeline varies widely based on factors like the complexity of the case, the severity of your injuries, and whether the at-fault party disputes liability. Some claims settle within a few months, while others can take a year or more, particularly if they go to trial. Patience and persistence often yield better outcomes.