About Erica
The Law Office of Erica West has been providing quality legal services to Coloradans since 1986. Experience matters.
The focus of my practice is worker's compensation, auto accidents, and Social Security disability. I provide personalized legal services without intermediaries. I am based in Denver but serve people in the Metro Area and across the entire state of Colorado.
The law is complicated, and, in many critical respects, it is not logical. That means your common sense will not be enough. You may have also already learned that the process is adversarial. If you think "they" are not on your side you are right. Worse, your opponents handle legal cases for a living. The opposing sides, when you represent yourself, are not evenly matched. It is a documented empirical fact that people with attorneys obtain better results.
Whether you were injured on the job, in an auto accident, or you are claiming Social Security disability, I will guide you through the process with successful strategies for each challenge as it arises. We will develop favorable evidence to insure fair results and combat adverse evidence. I will investigate your claim, interview witnesses, hire experts when appropriate, file, answer, and argue pleadings, take testimony in depositions, and represent you in hearings and trials. Every case is treated as if it will be litigated. Our goal however is to win without litigation.
Contact me to discuss your case and obtain a free evaluation. It will cost you nothing to interview me by presenting your concerns and questions. I serve people in Denver and across Colorado.
Worker’s compensation cases are an ongoing process with ongoing challenges. Some of the issues include choice of doctor, pre-existing conditions, return-to-work and modified work, average weekly wage, surveillance, and how to evaluate the fairness of an impairment rating–to name just a few. Your case will include an alphabet soup of acronyms such as AWW, TTD, PPD, TPD, MMI, IME, DIME and etc. You have a short deadline when a “final admission” is mailed which is “jurisdictional,” meaning that the consequence of missing that deadline can be severe. The claims adjuster has his or her own agenda which is dedicated to saving costs. This is not your agenda. You should not wait to talk to a lawyer.
Whether from a momentary lapse of attention, or worse, reckless or drunk driving, the consequences of an auto accident can be overwhelming. When other drivers fail to follow the rules of the road, the person at fault is responsible for the damage caused to you. However, this damage is usually not payable until your claim is resolved. In the meantime, how will you pay for medical care? What happens if you cannot work? And what if the driver at fault does not have enough insurance to fairly compensate you for your damages? We will explore solutions to these questions by, for example, finding all applicable insurance coverage and all medical payments coverage; and when necessary, finding providers who will treat you on a lien. We will investigate the fault of the adverse driver, if it is disputed. We will analyze your case and prepare a settlement demand. Upon settlement we will negotiate reimbursement to health carriers and any other lien holders. You are entitled to medical expenses, lost wages, and other economic damages. You may also be entitled to non-economic damages such as pain and suffering or emotional distress. The claims adjuster for the insurance carrier will undervalue your claim. Protect yourself. Hire a lawyer. Contact me for a free consultation.
The definition of disability in Social Security law is not the same as under other laws, or under disability insurance policies. Social Security disability involves your ability to perform "substantial gainful employment;" whether you have "impairments" that are classified as "severe" whether any impairment meets a "listing;" what limitations you have; and whether there is work available within those limitations, considering your work experience, age, and other factors. We develop the evidence specific to your medical conditions and issues; assist in the completion of forms; make sure that all of your relevant records are obtained and submitted into evidence; and prepare your hearing testimony as well as the cross-examination of the government's medical and vocational witnesses. You cannot rely on Social Security to advocate for you. Let me help. There is no fee until we win.