This is the first in our two-part series explaining severe personal injury cases in Colorado and why it's important to hire an attorney who specializes in handling the most serious of injury cases. Here, we detail what qualifies as a "severe injury" case and what makes them uniquely different from other cases. 

What is a Severe Injury Case? 

While there is no legal definition of a severe injury case in the Colorado civil rules, criminal statutes provide a definition for "Serious Bodily Injury" for use in charging decisions by law enforcement. The legislature defines "Serious Bodily Injury" as an injury that involves a substantial risk of death, serious permanent disfigurement, or protracted loss or impairment of the function of a body part or organ. It also includes breaks, fractures, and second or third-degree burns as well as penetrating knife and gunshot wounds.

While illustrative, severe injury cases in Colorado are much more complex and typically don't fit into a black-and-white definition. In our experience, a severe injury case includes some or all of the following factors:

• Medical bills exceeding $100,000 
• Injuries that require one or more surgeries
• Hospitalization
• Extensive rehabilitation
• Permanent physical impairment (the loss or impairment of function compared to pre-injury status)
• The inability to work for an extended period of time

What Makes Severe Injury Cases Unique?

First, someone who has suffered a severe personal injury will have their entire life disrupted. The recovery time from the acute injuries can take months and up to a year or more. Importantly, it's key to follow all medical provider instructions to ensure the best possible recovery. We've had many clients who need to get back to work and sacrifice their recovery as a result. To the extent possible, focusing solely on treatment and rehabilitation is not only the best course of action for an injured victim's health but also counters insurance company arguments minimizing the extent of the injuries.

The sheer number of medical providers, records, medical bills and other correspondence can be enormous. Maintaining an accurate list of every doctor or therapist the injured person treats with is important. Coordination with your lawyer is crucial to ensure an accurate list of all relevant evidence for the case. 

Severe injury cases typically include a large number of experts, including: medical doctors; forensic experts; functional capacity examination experts; loss of earning capacity experts; and economists.   

Finally, the totality of the injured victim's damages are very high. Depending on the injuries, the total damages (economic, non-economic, physical impairment) can exceed 7-figures.  

Suffering a severe personal injury through no fault of your own can disrupt every aspect of your life. As such, it's important to have a lawyer with the experience and resources to maximize your potential recovery. If you or a loved one have sustained a severe injury and need help, please contact Kane Trial Law in Castle Rock at 303-919-7777. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to hire an experienced severe injury lawyer in Colorado?
Severe injury cases often involve complex medical evidence, high financial stakes, and strict legal rules. An experienced attorney understands how to build strong cases, work with medical experts, and pursue full compensation for long-term damages.

What types of cases are considered severe or catastrophic injuries?
Catastrophic injuries often include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, paralysis, severe burns, major fractures requiring surgery, permanent disabilities, and other life-altering injuries that affect a person's long-term quality of life.

Do severe injury cases in Colorado often go to trial?
Many severe injury cases require litigation because insurance companies closely scrutinize high-value claims. Experienced trial attorneys are prepared to take cases to court if necessary to pursue fair compensation.

How do damages caps affect severe injury claims in Colorado?
Colorado law places limits on certain non-economic damages such as pain and suffering. Because of these caps, experienced attorneys focus on proving economic losses, future medical care, and physical impairment damages that may not be subject to the same limitations.

When should someone contact a severe injury lawyer after an accident?
It is best to consult a severe injury attorney as soon as possible after an accident. Early legal guidance helps preserve evidence, coordinate medical documentation, and ensure the case is built properly from the start.