Catastrophic Injury

Angels on Asphalt: The Unsung Heroes of Motor Vehicle Accidents

Published on: February 14, 2024 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

The screech of metal, the shattering of glass, the chilling silence that follows – the aftermath of a motor vehicle accident can be terrifying. But amidst the chaos, there’s a beacon of hope: the Emergency Medical Services (EMS). Often overshadowed by flashing lights and sirens, their role in these critical moments deserves more than just recognition – it demands understanding and appreciation.

From Triage to Transport: The Life-Saving Chain

The moment an accident alert reaches their ears, EMS personnel spring into action. Their training kicks in, transforming them into skilled first responders, adept at navigating chaotic scenes. Their primary mission? The Golden Hour: stabilizing patients within the first hour of injury significantly increases their survival rate.

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Bard PowerPorts: From Medical Marvel to Legal Minefield

Published on: January 3, 2024 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Once hailed as a medical breakthrough, Bard PowerPorts, implantable devices meant for easy and long-term drug delivery, have taken a dramatic turn down a treacherous slope. Now, they face a growing avalanche of lawsuits alleging serious complications and manufacturer negligence. But how did these devices go from life-saving tools to potential health hazards?

The Promise of Convenience: Introduced in the 1990s, Bard PowerPorts offered a seemingly ideal solution for patients requiring frequent infusions. These small, implanted reservoirs sat beneath the skin, accessed through a port, eliminating the need for repeated needle pricks. For cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy, for example, it meant less pain and easier treatment.

A Shadowy Crack in the Facade: However, cracks soon began to appear in the seemingly flawless design. Reports surfaced of PowerPorts fracturing, migrating within the body, and exposing patients to dangerous risks. Allegedly, the culprit was a manufacturing flaw: barium sulfate, a component meant to add strength, was instead creating weak points and promoting fractures.

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What are Victim Rights Advocates and How can they Help me?

Published on: December 21, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Victim rights advocates can provide a variety of services to people injured in car or truck accidents, including:

Information and education: They can explain the legal process, insurance claims, and other aspects of recovering from an accident.

Emotional support: They can provide counseling, support groups, and other resources to help victims cope with the emotional trauma of the accident.

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I’ve been hit by a Drunk Driver, what do I do next?

Published on: December 14, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

If you are hurt by a drunk driver, you have the right to file a civil lawsuit against the driver for negligence. You may also have a claim for negligence per se. This means that the driver was acting unreasonably and in violation of the law by driving under the influence, and that their actions directly caused your injuries.

It is illegal drive a vehicle while under the influence of alcohol in Colorado. It’s also illegal for a driver to operate a vehicle while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Drivers can face criminal penalties if determined they were under the influence during a crash.

In addition to suing the driver, you may also be able to sue the owner of the car or the establishment that served the driver alcohol. This is called Dram Shop liability. in Colorado, a vendor who is licensed to sell alcohol can be held liable for any injuries caused by one of their patrons. These laws typically apply to restaurants, bars, and any other establishments that sell alcoholic beverages. These laws can hold establishments that sell liquor responsible if they continue selling liquor to someone who is physically intoxicated.

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Holiday Hazards: Be Prepared for Increased Road Dangers

Published on: November 30, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

The end of the year and the holiday season are a time for celebration and togetherness, but they also bring an increased risk of motor vehicle crashes. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there are an average of 119 fatal crashes per day on major holidays in the United States, compared to 102 fatal crashes per day on average throughout the rest of the year.

Factors Contributing to Increased Holiday Crashes

Several factors contribute to the increased risk of crashes during the holidays, including:

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Spinal Cord Injuries: What You Need to Know

Published on: November 10, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

A spinal cord injury is damage to the spinal cord that can cause loss of sensation and movement in parts of the body. Spinal cord injuries can be caused by a variety of accidents, including car accidents, pedestrian accidents, truck accidents, falls, and sports injuries.

The severity of a spinal cord injury depends on the location and extent of the damage. Some people with spinal cord injuries may be paralyzed, while others may have limited mobility or sensation. Spinal cord injuries can also cause a variety of other problems, such as bladder and bowel dysfunction, sexual dysfunction, and chronic pain.

There is no cure for spinal cord injury, but there are treatments that can help people with spinal cord injuries to manage their symptoms and improve their quality of life. Treatment options include physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and medication.

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Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Zero Death Initiative

Published on: November 3, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

The Colorado Department of Transportation’s (CDOT) Zero Death Initiative is a bold and visionary goal to eliminate all traffic fatalities and serious injuries on Colorado’s roadways. The initiative was launched in 2015 and is based on the Safe System approach to road safety, which recognizes that people make mistakes and that the road system should be designed to protect everyone, even when those mistakes happen.

The Zero Death Initiative focuses on four key areas:

Engineering: Making Colorado’s roads safer for everyone by designing and building safer roads, intersections, and crosswalks.

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What should I do now that I’ve been in a Truck Accident?

Published on: September 26, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Truck accidents can be devastating, leading to serious injuries and long-lasting consequences. If you’ve been involved in a truck accident and have suffered injuries, it’s crucial to know what steps to take immediately after the incident to protect your well-being, rights, and potential legal claims. This blog will discuss the essential actions to take if you find yourself in such a situation.

Prioritize Safety: Immediately after a truck accident, your safety is paramount. If you can move and it is safe to do so, get yourself to a secure location, away from traffic and any potential hazards. Ensure that the vehicle’s hazard lights are on to warn other drivers of the accident.

Call the Police: Contact local law enforcement to report the accident. A police report will serve as an official record of the incident, including details about the accident scene, involved parties, and potential witnesses. Be sure to obtain a copy of this report for your records.

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Finding the Right Personal Injury Attorney Near You: Routine vs. Catastrophic Cases

Published on: September 19, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

When you’ve been injured due to someone else’s negligence, finding the right personal injury attorney is crucial to securing the compensation you deserve. Personal injury cases come in various forms, with two primary categories: routine soft tissue injury cases and catastrophic cases. In this Blog, we’ll explore the differences between them and offer guidance on how to find the right attorney for your specific situation.

Soft Tissue Injury Personal Injury Cases

Routine or often called, soft-tissue injury personal injury cases typically involve injuries resulting from everyday accidents, such as slip and falls, car accidents, or dog bites. Here’s what you need to know:

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How Long Does a Personal Injury Case Take?

Published on: July 28, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

A common question we get from a new client is “How long will this process take?” Almost everyone wants to know the answer to this questions as very few people have experience to know and understand what to expect. Your lawyer should take the time to explain the specifics of your case and what to expect along the way. To start, a personal injury claim or lawsuit is a legal process through which an individual who has suffered harm or injury seeks compensation from the party responsible for the incident. While the pursuit of justice is essential, the timing of the process can be just as important. The duration of such a case can vary significantly based on several factors, and it is essential for anyone considering legal action to have a realistic understanding of the timeline. I hope to provide you with the key elements that influence the length of a personal injury lawsuit and provide insights into what to expect during each stage.

Pre-filing Investigation, Medical Treatment and Negotiations:

When a client first hires an attorney, there is typically an initial investigation phase. During this stage, the injured party, the attorney, and the insurance companies gather evidence, review medical records, interview witnesses, and evaluate the potential for a successful claim. Depending on the complexity of the case and the willingness of the parties involved to negotiate, this phase can last several weeks to several months. Sometimes specialized experts get involved early such as accident reconstructionist, trucking experts, or architects and/or engineers. With a serious injury case, you can expect this stage to last a year or more as ongoing medical treatment needs to be considered before any settlement.

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