Colorado TBI Lawyer

Once the dust settles, the reality hits: someone has to pay for the damage. That’s where knowing the types of accidents and injuries, along with the laws that apply, makes a real difference.

Types of Accidents That Lead to Traumatic Brain Injuries in Colorado

Not all traumatic brain injuries happen in high-speed crashes or extreme sports wipeouts. Some occur in everyday situations, with devastating consequences.

• Falls: Slip on ice in Denver, trip over cluttered steps in Colorado Springs, or fall from a ladder in Fort Collins—falls are a leading cause of TBIs across the state. Older adults and young children are especially vulnerable.
• Motor Vehicle Accidents: High-speed crashes on I-25 or distracted drivers on rural highways regularly leave victims with head injuries, even when seatbelts and airbags do their job.
• Bicycle and Pedestrian Accidents: Cyclists on Boulder’s packed bike lanes or pedestrians crossing busy intersections like Colfax Avenue in Denver are left exposed to reckless drivers.
• Sports and Recreation Accidents: Snowboarding in Breckenridge, mountain biking in Fruita, or climbing near Estes Park—Colorado’s outdoor playground comes with serious risks for head trauma.
• Assaults and Violence: Bar fights in downtown Denver, domestic violence situations, or random acts of violence can lead to traumatic brain injuries from blunt force trauma.
• Workplace Accidents: Construction zones, oil rigs, and warehouse jobs see their fair share of falling tools, heavy machinery malfunctions, and scaffolding collapses—all common sources of TBIs.

Types of Traumatic Brain Injuries

Traumatic brain injury isn’t a one-size-fits-all diagnosis. The damage ranges from temporary concussions to life-altering brain damage.

• Concussions: Mild TBIs that disrupt brain function. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, dizziness, and memory issues—sometimes lasting weeks or longer.
• Contusions: Bruising of the brain tissue itself, often caused by direct blows. Severe cases lead to bleeding and swelling that require surgery.
• Diffuse Axonal Injury: A violent shaking of the brain inside the skull. Common in rollover car accidents or high-impact sports injuries, these injuries damage brain cells and may cause coma or long-term disability.
• Penetrating Injuries: When an object pierces the skull, such as debris in a car crash or violence involving weapons. These injuries often require immediate surgical intervention.
• Second Impact Syndrome: When a second concussion occurs before the first one heals. This rare condition causes rapid brain swelling and is frequently fatal.

Colorado Laws Governing Traumatic Brain Injury Cases

If you’re dealing with a traumatic brain injury claim in Colorado, the laws are clear—but strict. Here’s what applies:

• Statute of Limitations (C.R.S. § 13-80-102): Injury victims have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Colorado. If the TBI was caused by a car accident, the deadline extends to three years. Miss the deadline, and the case is dead in the water.
• Comparative Negligence (C.R.S. § 13-21-111): Colorado uses modified comparative negligence. If the injured person is 50% or more at fault, they get nothing. Below 50%, the recovery gets reduced by the percentage of fault assigned.
• Colorado Traumatic Brain Injury Trust Fund (C.R.S. § 26-1-309): Funded by surcharges on DUI convictions and traffic offenses, this fund offers support services, case management, and mental health resources to people living with TBIs.
• Premises Liability Act (C.R.S. § 13-21-115): Property owners owe different duties of care depending on whether you’re a guest, customer, or trespasser. Slip and fall at a store in Denver or get hurt at a ski resort in Aspen? This statute lays out who’s responsible.