Catastrophic Injury

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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Exploring the Value of Mediation in Litigation

Published on: July 6, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

When involved in a lawsuit, parties often find themselves entangled in a lengthy and adversarial legal process that can be emotionally draining, financially burdensome, and time-consuming. In recent years, alternative dispute resolution methods, such as mediation, have gained popularity as a means to resolve disputes outside of the courtroom. In this article, I will delve into the concept of mediation and evaluate its worthiness as a valuable tool in the context of a lawsuit. We are often required to participate in Mediation once litigation is started in most counties in Colorado.

Understanding Mediation

Mediation is a voluntary process in which an impartial third party, the mediator, facilitates negotiations between the parties involved in a lawsuit. The mediator does not render a judgment or make decisions, but rather assists the parties in reaching a mutually acceptable agreement. The goal of mediation is to foster open communication, identify common interests, and explore potential solutions that address the concerns of all parties involved.

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Should You Hire a Lawyer When You’re in a Car Accident?

Published on: June 29, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Car accidents can be distressing and complex events that leave individuals grappling with various consequences such as property damage, injuries, medical bills, and insurance claims. In the aftermath of a car accident, one of the crucial decisions to consider is whether to hire a lawyer. While it is not mandatory to have legal representation, there are several factors to weigh when determining whether seeking legal counsel is the right choice for your situation. In this blog, I will address the advantages and considerations associated with hiring a lawyer following a car accident.

Understanding the Legal Landscape

Car accident laws and insurance policies can be convoluted and challenging to navigate without a thorough understanding of the legal landscape. A lawyer specializing in personal injury and car and truck accident cases possesses in-depth knowledge of applicable laws, regulations, and legal procedures. Their expertise can help you comprehend your rights, potential liabilities, and the compensation you may be entitled to receive.

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Understanding the Dangers of Driving While Tired

Published on: June 7, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

You may be surprised to learn that driving while tired can be just as dangerous as driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, it’s all too easy to overlook the risks of driving while fatigued, particularly if you’re a busy individual trying to balance a packed schedule. Too often we see seriously injured clients who were hurt by a driver that was over-worked or did not get adequate sleep.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, drowsy driving is responsible for an average of 100,000 crashes, 71,000 injuries, and 1,500 fatalities each year. This is a sobering statistic and one that highlights the very real dangers of getting behind the wheel when you’re not fully alert.

There are a number of reasons why driving while tired is so hazardous. For one, it can severely impact your ability to concentrate on the road, react to unexpected situations, and make smart decisions. When you’re tired, you might have difficulty judging distances, perceiving danger, and accurately responding to other drivers, pedestrians, or cyclists.

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