In Colorado, the statute of limitations determines how long a person has to file an injury lawsuit. Understanding the timeframe for filing is essential, as missing this deadline can result in being barred from receiving compensation.
At Olson Personal Injury Lawyers, we offer free consultations to help you understand the specific deadlines in your case. If you or a loved one was injured, contact us today to speak with one of our Colorado injury attorneys who can help you determine your legal options and ensure no critical deadline is missed.
Table of Contents
- Time Limits for Personal Injury Cases in Colorado
- The Importance of Filing Your Colorado Personal Injury Lawsuit Quickly
- Are There Exceptions to Colorado’s Statute of Limitations?
- How Olson Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Protect Your Rights
- Colorado Statute of Limitations FAQs
- Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
Time Limits for Personal Injury Cases in Colorado
There are several types of personal injury claims that you may need to file in the state of Colorado. These legal deadlines are strict, so if you miss them, you may lose your right to seek compensation. Here are the key deadlines to know:
- General personal injury: Two years from the date of injury.
- Car accidents: Three years from the date of the crash.
- Medical malpractice: 2 years from the date the injury was—or should have been— discovered, with a maximum of 3 years from the act of malpractice.
- Wrongful death: Two years from the date of death.
- Claims against government agencies: 180 days to file a formal notice.
Exceptions may apply in certain instances, such as those involving minors or delayed discovery of an injury. Because of the many factors that can contribute to the statute of limitations, we recommend speaking with an attorney about your case.
The Importance of Filing Your Colorado Personal Injury Lawsuit Quickly
Missing the statute of limitations deadline can have serious consequences. Even if your case is strong, failing to file on time may result in:
- Your case being dismissed by the court
- Losing your right to pursue compensation entirely
- Insurance companies denying your claim outright
Colorado courts are strict when it comes to legal deadlines. In most cases, there is no way to revive your claim once the statute of limitations expires. We encourage you to contact our experienced legal team for help. We can proactively manage your case to prevent evidence from becoming lost and to avoid denials by insurers for late claims.
Are There Exceptions to Colorado’s Statute of Limitations?
Yes. Colorado law allows for a few exceptions that may pause (“toll”) or extend the statute of limitations. Being aware of exceptions allows you to determine whether your case has been granted an extension or reduced filing time. Some of the scenarios in which the statute of limitations is altered include:
- Cases involving minors: Time may be paused until they turn 18.
- Mental incapacity: Time may be paused until incapacity is lifted.
- Discovery rule: The clock may begin when injuries should have been reasonably discovered.
- Fraudulent concealment: Time may begin once fraud is discovered.
Always consult an attorney and provide all the details about the incident so they can determine if any exceptions apply to your case.
How Olson Personal Injury Lawyers Can Help You Protect Your Rights
Our dedicated legal professionals at Olson Personal Injury Lawyers can handle even the most complex cases, with a proven record of success. When you partner with our team early on in the process, you get the skillset and knowledge needed to calculate and file before your exact deadline, gather evidence while it is still fresh, and build the strongest case to maximize recovery.
To learn more about who we are, read some of our past clients’ testimonials, or contact our firm for a complimentary consultation.
Colorado Statute of Limitations FAQs
When Does the Statute of Limitations Start in Colorado?
The clock to file a claim typically begins on the date of injury in Colorado. An exception to this would be the discovery rule, where your injury is not immediately apparent. In this case, the clock begins when the injury should have been reasonably discovered.
What if I Miss the Deadline To File a Personal Injury Claim?
Missing the deadline to file a personal injury claim will bar you from your right to sue. There are rare exceptions, but overall, it is essential to file on time to avoid losing out on compensation.
How Long Do I Have To File a Claim on Behalf of a Child?
For claims involving minors, the statute of limitations is suspended until the child’s 18th birthday. After this, they have two years to file a claim. However, if the injury is caused by a car accident, the time limit is three years, starting from the individual’s 18th birthday. We recommend consulting with an attorney for assistance in navigating this process.
Contact an Experienced Personal Injury Attorney Today
If you or a loved one was injured in Colorado, the clock may already be ticking. Our legal team is here to help you understand your legal options and make sure you don’t miss any critical deadlines.
We offer free, no-obligation consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call us at (303) 381-2234 or contact us online to get started.
