Frequently Asked Questions

You should hire an attorney as soon as you face a legal issue that could affect your rights, finances, or freedom. Early consultation helps protect your interests and prevents costly mistakes. In Denver, consulting with Mark A. Simon, Attorney early ensures you understand your options before making critical decisions.

An attorney is a lawyer who is licensed to represent clients in court and provide legal advice. All attorneys are lawyers, but not all lawyers actively practice or represent clients. The terms are often used interchangeably in everyday conversation.

A legal consultation typically begins with discussing your situation, reviewing relevant documents, and assessing your legal options. The attorney evaluates the merits of your case and explains potential strategies. At Mark A. Simon, Attorney, initial consultations help determine the best path forward for your specific circumstances.

Bring all relevant documents including contracts, correspondence, court papers, and any evidence related to your case. Also prepare a timeline of events and a list of questions you want answered. Being organized helps your attorney understand your situation quickly and provide better guidance.

Colorado attorneys may charge hourly rates, flat fees for specific services, or contingency fees depending on the case type. Hourly rates vary based on experience and practice area, while flat fees provide predictable costs for routine matters. Always discuss fee structures during your initial consultation to avoid surprises.

Yes, attorneys licensed in Colorado can handle cases throughout the state, including nearby cities like Lakewood, Arvada, Littleton, Centennial, and Aurora. Some cases may require coordination with local courts or jurisdictions. Mark A. Simon, Attorney serves clients across the Denver metro area.

The biggest mistake is waiting too long to seek legal help, which can limit your options and weaken your position. Many people also choose attorneys based solely on cost rather than experience and fit. At Mark A. Simon, Attorney, we emphasize early consultation to preserve all available legal remedies.

Legal matters vary widely in duration, from weeks for simple transactions to years for complex litigation. Factors include case complexity, court schedules, and whether parties reach settlement. Your attorney can provide a realistic timeline based on the specific nature of your case and local court practices in Denver.

A Colorado personal injury lawyer typically handles car accidents, workers' compensation, motorcycle accidents, truck accidents, pedestrian accidents, bicycle accidents, wrongful death, birth injuries, and slip-and-fall claims. Each case involves proving negligence and seeking financial compensation for losses.

Most Colorado personal injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, charging a percentage of your final settlement rather than an upfront flat rate. The exact percentage varies by case complexity, so discussing the fee structure during your initial consultation is important.

No upfront payment is required when working with a contingency-fee attorney. Costs advanced by the firm are recovered from your final settlement. This means you can pursue your claim without financial risk while your attorney is motivated to maximize your recovery.

After you complete medical care, your attorney prepares a demand package and submits it to the insurer. An initial offer typically arrives within 4–6 weeks, but negotiations can extend the timeline. Complex cases involving litigation may take considerably longer depending on court schedules.

Injured victims in Colorado may recover medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, emotional distress, permanent impairment, and property damage. In wrongful death cases, families can also seek funeral costs and loss of financial support. The total value depends on injury severity, policy limits, and other case factors.

It's generally wise to consult an attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster. Insurers often use recorded statements to minimize payouts. An attorney can advise you on what to say, protect your rights, and handle all communications on your behalf from the start.

Colorado follows a modified comparative negligence rule, meaning you can still recover damages even if you share some fault — as long as you're not more than 50% responsible. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, making it critical to establish the other party's liability.

A valid claim generally requires proving another party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty, and directly caused your injury and resulting losses. Seeking prompt medical attention and documenting the incident strengthens your case considerably. An attorney can evaluate whether your situation meets these legal elements.

Key evidence includes police reports, medical records and bills, photographs of the scene and injuries, witness statements, lost wage documentation, and proof of property damage. In truck accident cases, driver logs and FMCSA compliance records may also be critical to establishing liability.

Most personal injury cases settle before trial through negotiation with the insurance company. If the insurer refuses a fair offer, filing a lawsuit becomes necessary. Your attorney will prepare for both outcomes, ensuring you're never forced to accept less than your case is worth.