Ski Accidents

Injured and Overwhelmed? 5 Signs It’s Time to Call a Personal Injury Attorney

Published on: February 17, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Life can change in an instant. A car accident, a slip and fall, truck or bike accident – any of these can leave you injured, confused, and facing a mountain of challenges. Beyond the physical pain, you might be grappling with medical bills piling up, lost income from being unable to work, and the frustrating bureaucracy of insurance claims. In these moments, many people wonder: “Do I really need a lawyer?”

The truth is, not every fender-bender requires legal intervention. But in many personal injury situations, navigating the complexities alone can be a recipe for disaster. Insurance companies, while often appearing helpful in commercials, are businesses focused on their bottom line – minimizing payouts. This is where a skilled personal injury attorney becomes your invaluable advocate.

So, how do you know when it’s time to ditch the DIY approach and seek professional legal help? Here are five possible signs that hiring a personal injury attorney is not just a good idea, but essential to protecting your rights and maximizing your chances of fair compensation:

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Hit the Slopes Safely: Understanding Common Ski and Snowboard Collisions

Published on: January 10, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Hitting the slopes can be an exhilarating experience, but it’s crucial to remember that the mountain can also be a dangerous place. Collisions are a common occurrence on the ski slopes, and understanding the most frequent causes can help you stay safe and prevent accidents.

1. Loss of Control:

Speeding: Exceeding your ability level and skiing or snowboarding too fast is a major factor in many collisions. When you’re out of control, you’re more likely to veer off course and collide with others.

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What Should I do if I am Injured at an Airbnb in Colorado?

Published on: January 7, 2025 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

If you are injured while staying at an Airbnb in Colorado, it is important to know your rights and take steps to protect yourself. Here’s a general overview of the process:

First, Seek Medical Attention: Your health and safety come first. If you are injured, seek medical attention immediately and document all medical bills and treatment.

Document the Accident: Gather as much evidence as possible, including:

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How Fault is Determined in Colorado Ski Accidents

Published on: January 11, 2024 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Colorado, with its majestic peaks and powdery slopes, is a skier’s paradise. But even in this winter wonderland, accidents can happen. Unfortunately, when adrenaline mixes with icy conditions, figuring out who’s at fault can be trickier than navigating a mogul field.

So, if you find yourself tangled in the aftermath of a ski accident, here is a breakdown on how fault is determined in Colorado:

The Uphill Skier Rule: Buckle up, because this is the big one. Colorado’s Ski Safety Act presumes the uphill skier is responsible for avoiding skiers below. Think of it like overtaking on a highway: the responsibility for a safe maneuver falls on the one doing the passing. This presumption makes sense, as the uphill skier typically has more control and options to adjust their course.

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Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury Cases in Colorado

Published on: November 17, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Many new clients have questions about the statute of limitations and how it applies to their specific case. In the realm of personal injury law, the statute of limitations is a crucial concept that determines the time frame within which an injured party can file a legal claim against the responsible individual or entity. In Colorado, the statute of limitations for car accident or truck accident cases is three years from the date of the crash. However, if the crash results in a death, the statute of limitations is only two years. The statute of limitations for most other personal injury cases typically stands at two years from the date of the injury. There are certain exceptions and nuances that a competent lawyer should explain to you when seeking a consultation. Here are some of the exceptions you should know about:

The Two-Year Rule

For most general personal injury cases, including slip or trip and falls, ski collisions, dog bites, and other non-automobile-related incidents, the two-year statute of limitations applies. This means that if you suffer an injury due to someone else’s negligence or wrongdoing, you have two years to initiate legal action against them. Failure to file a lawsuit within this timeframe could result in your claim being dismissed.

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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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Ski Resort Accidents: Know Your Rights and Steps to Take in Colorado

Published on: August 27, 2023 | Cook, Bradford & Levy, LLC

Colorado’s picturesque landscapes and world-renowned ski resorts attract adventure enthusiasts from all over the world. While skiing and snowboarding offer exhilarating experiences, accidents can and do happen on the slopes. Understanding your rights and knowing the appropriate steps to take in the event of a ski resort accident in Colorado is essential to ensure your safety and protect your legal interests. This article will guide you through the crucial information you need to know.

The Colorado Ski Safety Act

Colorado has a specific legal framework governing ski resort accidents known as the Colorado Ski Safety Act. Enacted in 1979, this legislation outlines the responsibilities and liabilities of both skiers and ski area operators. It’s crucial to familiarize yourself with this act to understand the parameters within which ski accidents are handled.

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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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