How Much Is My Personal Injury Case Worth in Colorado?
By Michael M. Clawson, Colorado Personal Injury Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a car accident, truck crash, or another serious incident, one of the first questions that comes to mind is: “How much is my personal injury case worth in Colorado?” It’s an important question — and the honest answer is, it depends. Every case is unique, but there are key factors that determine the value of your claim.
As a Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer, I’ve handled cases across Colorado and know what courts, juries, and insurance companies look at when deciding how much compensation an injured person should receive. Let’s walk through the major elements that impact case value.
1. The Severity of Your Injuries
The biggest driver of case value is the seriousness of your injuries. A sprained ankle will be treated very differently than a spinal cord injury or traumatic brain injury. Medical records, diagnostic tests, and doctors’ opinions all play a role in proving the extent of your injuries.
In Colorado, juries and insurance companies look closely at how badly you were hurt and how long recovery is expected to take. The more severe and permanent the injury, the higher the potential value of the case.
2. Medical Bills and Treatment Costs
Your past and future medical expenses are central to your case. This includes:
- Emergency room visits
- Surgeries and hospital stays
- Physical therapy
- Prescription medications
- Ongoing care needs
Colorado law allows you to recover the reasonable cost of medical treatment necessary for your injuries. If you’ll need future surgeries, long-term therapy, or lifetime medical care, that adds significantly to your case’s value.
3. Lost Wages and Future Earning Capacity
If your injuries kept you from working, you can claim lost wages. But it doesn’t stop there. If your ability to work in the future is affected — for example, if you can’t return to the same job or have reduced earning potential — your case may include compensation for loss of future earning capacity.
This is especially important in serious car and truck accident cases where injuries can limit a person’s career long-term.
4. Pain and Suffering and Loss of Enjoyment of Life
Unlike medical bills, pain and suffering and loss of enjoyment of life don’t come with receipts. But they’re often one of the largest parts of a personal injury claim. Colorado law allows injured people to recover for physical pain, emotional distress, and the ways an accident changes day-to-day life.
Think about whether you can enjoy hobbies, exercise, or simply spend time with your family like you used to. These losses matter, and a skilled Colorado Springs accident lawyer will make sure they’re part of your case.
5. Comparative Negligence in Colorado
Colorado follows a rule called modified comparative negligence. This means if you’re partly at fault for the accident, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages total $100,000 but you were found 20% responsible, you’d recover $80,000. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you can’t recover at all.
This makes it crucial to have an attorney who can fight back against unfair blame.
6. Insurance Coverage Limits
Even if your damages are high, the available insurance coverage matters. Colorado requires drivers to carry liability insurance, but often it isn’t enough to cover catastrophic injuries. That’s where Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist (UM/UIM) coverage or other avenues of recovery come into play. A knowledgeable lawyer will explore every possible source of compensation.
7. Whether the Case Settles or Goes to Trial
Most personal injury cases in Colorado settle before trial. However, if the insurance company refuses to make a fair offer, your case may need to go before a jury. Juries sometimes award higher damages than insurers are willing to pay, but going to trial can take longer and is more expensive.
Having an attorney with trial experience often improves settlement offers, because insurance companies know you’re serious.
The Bottom Line
There’s no simple calculator for determining what your personal injury case is worth. Factors like your injuries, medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering all come into play. On top of that, Colorado law and insurance coverage limits can affect the outcome.
If you’ve been hurt in a car accident, truck crash, or any serious injury, your best step is to talk to a Colorado Springs personal injury lawyer who can evaluate your case. At Clawson & Clawson, we’ve helped clients across Colorado Springs, Pueblo, and Denver recover millions in compensation — and we’re ready to fight for you.
Call us today at (719) 602-5888 for a free consultation. We’ll explain your rights, deal with the insurance companies, and help you get the care you need without financial stress.
We don’t get paid unless we win for you.
Michael M. Clawson | Colorado Personal Injury Attorney
Email: Michael@clawsonattorney.com