Frequently Asked Questions

First, get medical attention — even if you feel fine. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries like whiplash or concussions. If you can, take photos of the scene, exchange information with the other driver, and get contact details from any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to the other driver's insurance company before speaking with an attorney. Call Shannon for a free consultation — her nursing background means she understands the medical urgency of your situation.

Nothing upfront. Shannon works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay zero out-of-pocket costs. Her fee comes from a percentage of the settlement or verdict — if she doesn't win your case, you don't pay attorney fees. The initial consultation is always free.

Shannon handles personal injury cases including car, motorcycle, semi-truck, bicycle, and pedestrian accidents; dog bites; brain and spinal cord injuries; slip-and-fall injuries; wrongful death claims; and all types of Colorado workers' compensation cases. If you were hurt due to someone else's negligence anywhere in the Four Corners region, call for a free case evaluation.

For most personal injury claims in Colorado, you have two years from the date of injury. Workers' compensation claims must be reported to your employer within four days, and you have two years to file a formal claim. Some cases have shorter deadlines — especially those involving government entities. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better your chances of preserving evidence and meeting all deadlines.

Shannon spent over 25 years as an RN before becoming an attorney. She is the only personal injury lawyer in the Four Corners region with this dual background. In practice, this means she can read your medical records and immediately understand the severity of your injuries, challenge lowball insurance offers with medical authority, and work directly with your doctors to document the full impact on your life. Insurance adjusters know they cannot bluff their way past a lawyer who truly understands medicine.

Most personal injury cases settle through negotiation without going to trial. However, Shannon prepares every case as if it will go before a jury — which is exactly why insurance companies take her cases seriously. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, she is fully prepared to take your case to court in La Plata County or wherever jurisdiction applies.

Depending on your situation, you may recover compensation for medical bills (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and in cases of especially reckless behavior, punitive damages. Shannon's medical background helps her build a comprehensive picture of your damages that goes beyond just the hospital bills.

Colorado workers' compensation covers work-related injuries regardless of who was at fault. Benefits can include medical treatment, temporary disability payments (two-thirds of your average weekly wage), permanent disability benefits, and vocational rehabilitation. Your employer's insurance company will try to minimize your benefits — Shannon can help you navigate the system and fight for everything you're entitled to.

Not necessarily. Colorado law allows you to recover compensation through the uninsured or underinsured motorist coverage on your own auto policy. Many people don't realize they have this coverage or how much it's worth. Shannon can review your policy, file the claim properly, and negotiate with your own insurance company to get you the maximum benefit.

Every case is different. Straightforward claims with clear liability may resolve in a few months. More complex cases — those involving severe injuries, disputed fault, or multiple parties — can take a year or longer. Shannon will give you an honest timeline during your free consultation and keep you updated at every step. She never drags cases out unnecessarily.

No. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that reduce your claim's value. They may seem friendly, but their job is to pay you as little as possible. Before giving any recorded statement or signing any documents, call Shannon. The consultation is free, and it could save you thousands of dollars.