When you've been injured in an accident, the severity of your injuries plays a major role in the outcome of your personal injury case. But what exactly qualifies as a “serious injury” under Colorado law, and how does it impact the amount of compensation you may be entitled to?
Understanding this distinction can be critical to the success of your case. At Chris Parks Law, we help clients across Colorado understand their rights and fight for full and fair compensation—especially when serious injuries are involved.
In personal injury law, a serious injury—sometimes called a catastrophic injury—is typically one that has long-term, permanent, or life-altering effects. These injuries go beyond minor scrapes, bruises, or short-term discomfort. Instead, they involve significant physical, emotional, or financial consequences that can impact every part of a person’s life.
In Colorado, serious injuries are often defined by:
While every case is different, here are some types of injuries commonly considered serious in Colorado personal injury claims:
TBIs can range from concussions to severe brain damage, often resulting in cognitive challenges, memory loss, and personality changes.
Damage to the spinal cord can cause partial or full paralysis, impacting a person's ability to walk, work, or live independently.
Broken bones that require surgery, extensive healing, or physical therapy may be classified as serious—especially if they limit mobility or function.
Injuries to organs such as the liver, kidneys, or lungs may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening and require intensive medical care.
Second-or third-degree burns often result in long-term treatment, skin grafts, and permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Though harder to measure, conditions like PTSD or anxiety stemming from a traumatic event can also be considered part of a serious injury claim—especially when accompanied by physical injuries.
The more severe your injury, the higher the potential value of your personal injury claim. This is because serious injuries typically involve larger and longer-term damages, such as:
Medical expenses (hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications)
Lost wages from time off work
Future earning potential if you're unable to return to your job
Pain and suffering, including emotional distress
Permanent disability or disfigurement
Loss of quality of life
At Chris Parks Law, we work with medical professionals, financial experts, and life-care planners to fully understand the scope of your injuries—and make sure every future cost is factored into your case.
To recover damages in a personal injury case, especially involving a serious injury, you'll need clear evidence. This may include:
The more detailed and organized your documentation, the stronger your case will be. Insurance companies often try to downplay the severity of injuries, which is why legal representation is critical—especially if you're dealing with a catastrophic injury.
If you or a loved one has sustained a serious injury in Colorado, it’s essential to speak with an experienced personal injury attorney. These cases often involve higher stakes, more complicated negotiations, and aggressive insurance adjusters who want to settle for less than you deserve.
At Chris Parks Law, we focus on serious injury cases—and we never take more clients than we can handle. That means when you hire us, you’ll get the time, attention, and aggressive advocacy your case requires.
Recovering from a life-altering injury is hard enough. Let us handle the legal fight so you can focus on healing.
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