Know the time limits for Colorado injury claims and how fault affects recovery—so you can act on time and protect your rights.
Colorado uses modified comparative negligence. A judge or jury can assign each party a percentage of fault. Your compensation is reduced by your share. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you may be barred from recovering damages. Examples:
Why this matters: photographs, the police/crash report, witness statements, and prompt medical documentation often decide how fault is allocated.
Important: These are general frameworks. Accrual rules, exceptions, and special circumstances can shorten or extend time. Acting early protects your rights.
In many cases, the clock starts on the date of injury. Some claims use a discovery rule (the clock can start when the injury—or its cause—should reasonably have been discovered). Do not assume an extension applies; confirm early and calendar the soonest plausible deadline.
If a crash or injury involves a government vehicle, employee, or public property, Colorado’s Governmental Immunity Act (CGIA) generally requires written notice within 182 days of discovering the injury, in addition to other limitation periods. Missing the notice can bar the claim.
In Colorado, most medical-malpractice claims have a two-year deadline. That two-year clock usually starts when you knew or reasonably should have known that a medical mistake may have caused an injury (often called the discovery rule).
You’ll also see this phrase in the statute: “in no event more than three years.” In plain English, that’s a hard stop—a three-year outer limit (the statute of repose). After three years from the medical act or omission, a case is usually not allowed, even if you discovered the problem later.
Narrow exceptions can extend the three-year outer limit, including when:
Bottom line: For medical malpractice in Colorado, think about two timelines—a two-year discovery-based limit and a three-year hard stop for most cases. Because the rules and exceptions are technical, it’s wise to act quickly, document dates and records, and get qualified guidance early.
Most Colorado wrongful-death actions must be brought within two years. A statutory exception allows four years in certain cases where the defendant committed vehicular homicide and, in the same episode, left the scene (hit-and-run)
Disclaimer :
“Nothing in this communication is legal advice. While general principles remain true, you must speak with an attorney to obtain legal advice that is tailored to your specific circumstances.”
Often, yes—but confirm your facts. Special situations (for example, government entities) can add earlier notice requirements.
Possibly. If your fault is less than 50%, you may recover, reduced by your share. Good documentation helps establish an accurate percentage.
No. Med-mal generally uses a 2-year limitation and a 3-year repose, with limited exceptions.
CGIA notice is usually mandatory. Missing it can bar the claim. Act as soon as you suspect a government entity may be involved.
Most cases are handled on a contingency fee—you don’t pay attorney’s fees unless there’s a recovery. We explain the fee structure and case costs clearly before you decide. Consultations are free.
Depending on the case, recoverable damages may include medical expenses, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and non-economic losses (like pain and suffering). Colorado law sets certain limits (caps) that change over time. We update our resources as laws change.
It depends on treatment, liability disputes, insurance reviews, and court timelines. Many cases resolve in negotiation; some require filing or trial. We aim for the right timing for your medical recovery and the facts—not speed at the expense of outcomes.
Tell us about your injury. Our trial-tested legal team will review your case and help you understand your options — with no upfront costs and no fees unless we win.
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