Posted on April 04,2024 in Workplace Injury

Working in a nursing home in Colorado is a noble profession that involves caring for some of society's most vulnerable members. However, along with the rewarding aspects of the job, nursing home employees also face various risks and challenges that can lead to serious workplace injuries. If you work at a nursing home and have suffered injuries related to your work, contact an attorney today.

At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we have experience successfully defending clients who have suffered injuries related to their job at a nursing home. If you are injured, do not wait. Call a reputable attorney today to start your workers' compensation case.

Assaults on Nursing Home Employees 

Assaults on nursing home employees in Colorado are a serious concern that can result in physical injuries, emotional trauma, and long-term psychological effects. Employees may face aggression from residents with dementia or behavioral issues, leading to verbal abuse, physical attacks, and threatening behavior. These assaults can cause injuries such as bruises, cuts, fractures, and concussions, significantly impacting the employee's well-being and ability to perform their duties effectively.

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 Posted on March 28,2024 in Truck Accident

Imagine this: you are driving down the road, minding your own business, when suddenly something falls from a truck ahead of you and hits your car. The shock and confusion in that moment can be overwhelming, but knowing how to handle such a situation is crucial. If you were in an accident related to objects falling off a truck, you should take five crucial steps in the aftermath of such an event. Contact an attorney to ensure you understand your rights and options during this difficult and emotional time. 

Pull Over Safely and Assess the Damage

The first thing you should do if something falls from a truck and hits your car is to pull over to the side of the road safely. Assess the damage to your vehicle and check if you or any passengers are injured. Take note of the location, time, and any identifying details of the truck involved, such as the license plate number or company name. 

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 Posted on March 20,2024 in Truck Accident

When two 18-wheeler trucks collide in Colorado, figuring out who is responsible is important, especially if the injured parties are interested in taking legal action. There can be many reasons why truck accidents occur, including driver negligence, road conditions, and mechanical failures. If you were injured as a result of an 18-wheeler crash, you have legal options that are worth knowing about. You are also strongly encouraged to file an accident report and hire a well-qualified attorney trained in personal injury law in Colorado. 

Negligence and Driver Responsibility

When two 18-wheeler trucks collide, one of the primary considerations is whether either driver acted negligently. This could include actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or failure to yield. Evidence such as witness statements, surveillance footage, and black box data can be crucial in establishing which driver was at fault. 

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 Posted on March 12,2024 in Car Accident

Being involved in a car accident can be a profoundly traumatic experience, and dealing with insurance companies afterward can often add to the stress. In such situations, having a personal injury lawyer by your side to defend your rights can make all the difference in ensuring you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages. If you were in a car accident in Colorado, be sure to speak with one of our experienced attorneys before speaking with an insurance company.

Understanding Insurance Company Tactics 

Insurance companies are businesses that aim to minimize their payouts, and they often use unethical tactics to achieve this goal. These tactics may include offering low settlement amounts, delaying the claims process, or even denying valid claims altogether. A personal injury lawyer will know how to recognize and fight back against these tactics to ensure your interests are protected.

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 Posted on March 06,2024 in Personal Injury

When an insurance company fails or refuses to do what they reasonably should do or does something they reasonably should not do, that is acting in bad faith. One example would be outright denying a valid claim for a car accident without providing a reason; another might be offering a lowball settlement for a serious crash with a driver who fled the scene. If you think your insurance company is acting in bad faith, an attorney can discuss how you can fight back to claim the compensation you deserve.

Denial Without A Proper Investigation

An insurance company’s failure to properly collect evidence should not lead to a full or partial denial of a claim. In the case of a car accident claim, the insurance company should ask the claimant for evidence and send either adjusters or investigators to gather their own evidence of the accident. The reasoning is two-fold:

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 Posted on February 21,2024 in Personal Injury

When you maintain auto liability insurance required by Colorado law, you expect the insurance company to abide by the contract and provide coverage for valid accident claims. But what happens when an insurance company unreasonably denies or delays a valid claim? They could be acting in bad faith. An attorney can help you assert your rights as the contract holder and avoid any further harm by your insurer.

What is Bad Faith Litigation?

When an insurance company wrongly denies or delays a claim or deviates from acceptable claim handling standards when considering a valid claim, that can be considered bad faith. Colorado statutes, case law, and Division of Insurance regulations set forth the standards by which an insurance company must comply with or be liable for bad faith claims.

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 Posted on February 12,2024 in Workplace Injury

Necessary Steps To File a Workers’ Compensation Claim

Employees who are injured on the job can file a workers’ compensation claim to recover medical costs and lost wages. You can think of workers’ compensation as a sort of accident insurance that provides partial wages and covers medical expenses after suffering an injury or illness on the job. But how does workers’ compensation work in Colorado? What are the necessary steps to take to file a workers’ compensation claim? An experienced personal injury attorney can provide all necessary steps in detail and help you with filing your claim.

Emergency Care, If Necessary

The first thing you should do is seek medical care for any injury or illness sustained while at work. You should ensure that your injuries are treated before worrying about filing a workers’ compensation claim. Depending on how severe your condition is, you may want to head out to the hospital immediately to be looked at. Once your injuries are cared for, you can move on to the next step.

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 Posted on February 06,2024 in Wrongful Death

The purpose of a wrongful death lawsuit is to compensate the surviving family of a passing loved one due to the negligence or recklessness of others. The family can sue the individual or entity responsible for the death so that they may recover something for the damages they have suffered. There are many ways in which a wrongful death can occur and an experienced attorney can help determine if you and your family have a potential lawsuit worth pursuing.

Finding the Defendant Guilty

It can be very difficult to prove negligence in wrongful death cases. Liability must be proven by the plaintiff, which involves showing the court that the defendant owed your deceased family member a duty of care. You must show that the duty of care was breached by the defendant and that the breach is what ultimately caused your loved one’s death.

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 Posted on January 25,2024 in Personal Injury

Are you thinking of filing a personal injury claim in hopes of receiving compensation for damages? Limitations exist in Colorado for both the time you can file a claim and the amount you can receive in damages. To truly understand the “how, when, and for how much” of a personal injury lawsuit, consulting an experienced lawyer is highly recommended.

Colorado Damage Caps

Damage caps are set limits on how much a plaintiff can receive in a personal injury claim. Colorado has set damage caps on certain claims and damage types. Economic damage caps only extend to dram shop and medical malpractice lawsuits. Economic damages are financial expenses, which can include:

• Current and future medical bills
• Wages lost due to injury
• Property damage, such as a car in need of repairs
• Lost earning capacity

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 Posted on January 15,2024 in Workplace Injury

Slip and fall accidents in the workplace are far too common in Colorado. Understanding the causes of these accidents and what can be done to prevent them can go a long way in avoiding workplace injury. Unfortunately, filing workers’ compensation claims in Colorado can be a nightmare. Some employers and insurance companies may choose to minimize or deny your rightful claim to benefits. Because of this, it is in your best interest to secure yourself a skilled attorney to negotiate the details on your behalf.

Slippery Floors

Probably the most common cause of slip and fall injuries is wet floors. Wet surfaces can come about in many ways including:

• Spills and leaks
• Inclement weather such as snow, ice, and rain
• Workplace sanitation efforts

In an effort to keep the areas clean, the floors can become slippery and cause workers to fall and suffer injuries requiring a compensation claim. It is no secret that it snows in Colorado which could cause slippery surfaces outside but also inside, especially near entranceways. In all of these circumstances, the consequences of a slip and fall could be quite severe.

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