Start with the Colorado Bar Association directory or local referrals, verify licensing and disciplinary history, and use free consultations to confirm experience and communication fit. Most personal injury lawyers work on contingency and may advance costs; get fee terms in writing. Be mindful of Colorado filing deadlines and compare a few firms before hiring.
Start with trusted directories and referrals
Look first to the Colorado Bar Association's lawyer directory or your local Denver bar referral service to find licensed personal injury attorneys. You can also use lawyer-review sites and general search engines to build a short list, but treat online ratings as a starting point - not the final word.
What to check before you call
Confirm licensing and disciplinary history through the state regulator. Ask whether the lawyer regularly handles personal injury claims like yours (car crashes, premises liability, dog bites, etc.). Look for attorneys who can point to recent, relevant experience and who are willing to explain typical timelines and possible outcomes.
Use the initial consultation to vet fit and strategy
Most Denver personal injury lawyers offer a free or low-cost initial consultation. Prepare a short timeline of the incident, copies of key documents (police report, medical records, photos), and specific questions: Have you handled cases like this? What are the likely next steps? How long until resolution?
Pay attention to how the lawyer communicates. Clear answers about risks, fees, and realistic outcomes matter as much as legal skill. You should feel comfortable asking questions and receiving straightforward explanations.
Fees and costs: how they usually work
Personal injury lawyers commonly work on contingency: they collect a fee only if you recover money. Contingency fees often depend on the case stage and complexity; you should get a written fee agreement that explains the percentage, what costs the firm advances, and how those costs are handled if you don't win. Ask how the firm bills for out-of-pocket expenses and whether they front those costs while the case proceeds.
When a lawyer may decline a case
Lawyers evaluate both the legal merits and the economic viability of a claim. If expected recovery won't cover legal costs or the claim has weak evidence, a firm may decline. That decision can protect you from spending time and money on a case that is unlikely to succeed.
Timing matters: file deadlines
Personal injury claims are subject to state filing deadlines. In Colorado, the statute of limitations is typically two years for many personal injury actions, though exceptions exist. Missing a deadline can forfeit your right to sue, so confirm the deadline for your situation right away. 1
Final tips
Compare two to three firms before deciding. Get the fee agreement in writing, verify licensing and discipline records, and choose a lawyer you can communicate with clearly. A good fit makes it easier to move your case forward efficiently.
- Confirm typical contingency fee percentage ranges and how Colorado firms commonly structure fees and cost advances.
- Verify the current Colorado statute of limitations for personal injury claims and note any common exceptions.
- Confirm the exact name and public portal for Colorado's attorney regulator used to check disciplinary records (e.g., Office of Attorney Regulation Counsel or equivalent).