A Durango personal injury lawyer can help after a crash, a fall or an accident on a trip, and the directory lists several. This guide covers who is listed, how fee agreements and deadlines are set by Colorado rules, and what to ask at a first meeting. It is general information, not legal advice. Durango sits in Colorado's Sixth Judicial District, which covers La Plata, Archuleta and San Juan Counties, so ask any attorney about local court experience.
Which personal injury attorneys are listed in Durango?
Shannon Soignier, RN has a personal injury listing at 2855 Main Ave Suite B101 Room 2. Her listing shows the RN credential. You can read about her practice on her website. The Soignier Law Firm shares that building and lists personal injury among its practice areas.
Other listings include Law Offices of Matthew C. Campbell LLC at 170 E 12th St STE 9 and Brian Schowalter at 777 Main Ave #201. Compare two or three attorneys before you commit. Most expect it. Browse all personal injury attorney and attorney listings.
How does a contingency fee work?
Many injury attorneys are paid a share of any recovery instead of an hourly rate. Colorado's Rule 1.5 for lawyers covers these fee deals, and the state's attorney regulator posts a sample form. Terms differ by firm. Ask three things before you sign:
- What percentage does the firm take?
- How are case costs handled if there is no recovery?
- Can I have the agreement in writing to review?
How long do you have to file a claim?
Colorado sets filing deadlines by law, and a missed one can end a case. Under C.R.S. 13-80-102, most tort actions for negligence must be filed within two years after the claim accrues. The statute excludes motor vehicle cases, which fall under C.R.S. 13-80-101. Claims against a government body can carry other rules. Ask an attorney about your own deadline early.
What changes for a recreation accident?
Durango's outdoor businesses mean many injuries happen on rafts, bikes and trails. Colorado's recreational use statute says its purpose is to encourage landowners to open land for recreation by limiting their liability toward people who enter for that purpose. How it applies to a given accident depends on the facts, so ask an attorney whether it matters in yours. If you signed a waiver, bring a copy.
What should you do right after an accident?
Get medical care first. Then write down what happened while it is fresh, and keep every receipt, bill and letter in one folder. Take photos if you can. Save the names of anyone who saw it. These steps cost nothing, and they give an attorney facts to work with.
What should you bring to a first meeting?
Bring what you have:
- Photos of the scene and your injuries
- Medical records, or a rough timeline of treatment
- Letters from any insurance company
- Names and contact details of witnesses
Don't worry if your papers are incomplete or out of order. An attorney can tell you whether your situation fits their practice. Some matters need a different specialist, and a good attorney will say so.
How do you choose?
Ask each attorney the same questions and note how directly they answer:
- How much of your practice is personal injury?
- Have you handled a case like mine?
- Who will work on my file day to day?
- Have you worked in La Plata County courts?
You can check any attorney's status and disciplinary history on the Colorado Supreme Court attorney search. For other practice areas, see our Durango attorneys guide.