Personal Injury in Denver
By Find Local Law Editorial Team · Last reviewed: May 26, 2026
Researched and drafted with AI assistance and verified against primary sources (statutes, Judicial Council forms, and official court websites). This is general information, not legal advice.
If you were injured in Denver, you generally have three years from the crash for motor-vehicle claims (C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n)) or two years for most other personal-injury claims (C.R.S. § 13-80-102) to file in the Denver District Court (2nd Judicial District) — and only 182 days to give notice if the City and County of Denver itself is the at-fault party (C.R.S. § 24-10-109).
Where do I file my case in Denver?
Most Denver personal-injury claims are resolved through a settlement with the at-fault party’s insurer and never reach a courtroom. When a lawsuit is needed, it’s filed in the Denver District Court (2nd Judicial District) for most claims, or the Denver County Court for smaller-dollar matters under the statutory limit.
How long do I have to file?
| If the at-fault party is… | Your deadline | Statute |
|---|---|---|
| A private driver (motor-vehicle injury) | 3 years from the crash | C.R.S. § 13-80-101(1)(n) |
| A private person/business (other injury) | 2 years from injury | C.R.S. § 13-80-102 |
| Wrongful death | 2 years from death | C.R.S. § 13-80-102 |
| A government entity (City of Denver, etc.) | 182 days to give written notice | C.R.S. § 24-10-109 |
The local court decides where your case is heard; the substantive law lives in our statewide guides. Start with the Colorado personal injury hub, then read about car accidents, premises liability, medical malpractice, or wrongful death.
Deadlines and evidence preservation matter from day one. Colorado’s modified comparative negligence rule (C.R.S. § 13-21-111) bars recovery once your share of fault reaches 50%, so how fault gets apportioned often shapes the case. To get matched with a local attorney, connect with a lawyer.
Local civil court
Court: Denver District Court — the 2nd Judicial District trial court for personal-injury lawsuits; smaller-dollar claims may go to the Denver County Court.
Personal-injury lawsuits in Denver are filed in the Denver District Court (2nd Judicial District), with smaller-dollar claims handled by the Denver County Court. Most injury claims settle with insurers before any lawsuit. Verify the current courthouse location, hours, and filing procedures on the Colorado Judicial Branch site before you file.
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Start your free intakeFrequently asked questions
- Where is a personal-injury lawsuit filed in Denver?
- In the Denver District Court (2nd Judicial District) for most claims. Smaller-dollar cases under the statutory limit can be filed in the Denver County Court. Many injury claims settle with the insurer before a lawsuit is ever filed.
- Do I have to sue to get compensation after a Denver accident?
- Not always. Most personal-injury claims resolve through a settlement with the at-fault party's insurer. A lawsuit in the District Court becomes necessary when the claim can't be settled or a deadline (statute of limitations) is approaching.