VanMeveren Law Group - November 2019

VanMeveren Law Group - November 2019

Foundations 970

SOUTH 2038 Caribou Drive, Suite 101 Fort Collins, CO 80525

OLD TOWN 123 North College Ave., Suite 112 Fort Collins, CO 80524

NOVEMBER 2019

What Is a Damage Cap, and How Does It Affect Your Colorado Injury Case?

Colorado is one of many states that has a limit on the amount of money an injured party receives after a jury finds someone guilty of negligence. In other words, despite the amount of damages a jury determines to be fair and reasonable, Colorado law has limits in place that may preclude the injured party from receiving full and fair compensation.

The insurance companies have fought hard to keep the damage caps as low as possible. The argument the insurance companies pretend to assert is that a multimillion-dollar verdict will force insurers to raise insurance premiums for everyone to cover the loss. Medical malpractice insurers further claim that high verdicts will drive up medical costs and threaten our physicians’ livelihoods as the cost of practicing medicine will be too high. So, even though the injured party suffers horrific damages at the hands of a negligent driver or physician, he or she may never be made whole again due to Colorado’s caps on damages. One of the top priorities of the Colorado Trial Lawyer’s Association (CTLA) has been to remove the caps completely so all victims are fairly and fully compensated. While the CTLA has not yet achieved this goal, we are making progress. This past April, Governor Jared Polis signed Senate Bill 19-1901 into law. This bill raises the current Colorado damage caps for noneconomic damages and wrongful death. Current noneconomic damages for pain and suffering are capped at $468,010. Effective Jan. 1, 2020, the anticipated new cap adjusted for inflation will be $584,210 for noneconomic damages and $584,210 for wrongful death claims with adjustments for inflation every two years. For nearly 20 years, we’ve fought hard to ensure that every client is fairly compensated for the life-altering injuries flowing from an act of negligence. We’ll continue to push for the elimination of all damage caps. Because noneconomic damages are difficult to calculate, contact an experienced personal injury attorney before agreeing to any settlement offer from an insurance company.

Damages are divided into two categories: economic and noneconomic damages.

Economic damages include your actual, quantifiable losses for things like medical bills and lost earnings. Noneconomic damages are intended to compensate the injured party for losses that are hard to quantify, like pain and suffering and emotional distress. Fortunately, there is no cap on economic damages for personal injury losses in Colorado. However, there is a limit on the maximum amount you can recover for noneconomic damages. Sadly, we’ve witnessed some very tragic circumstances where the noneconomic damage cap has unfairly limited our client’s recovery.

–Bryan VanMeveren

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What ‘Lady and the Tramp’ Can Teach Your Kids

Our Clients Say It Best

"I am extremely happy with VanMeveren Law Group! We had the pleasure of working with Leah Hopkins. She was very passionate, honest, and caring. We did not have a good understanding of the law and how it applied to our case, so she explained the law in layman terms and provided us with clear next steps. I would highly recommend Leah and VanMeveren Law Group!" –Brad Van Whye

With Disney+ launching this November, you'll get access to tons of great classics as well as new original series and movies, like the live-action "Lady and the Tramp" remake. While Disney fans are excited about this, the original film is still perfect for the whole family and has some great life lessons for your kids. Here are some of the best takeaways.

Explore the world around you.

"There is a great big hunk of world down there with no fence around it.” This underrated quote, said by Tramp, perfectly encompasses one of the main lessons of the film: explore! Life is all about seeing what's out there and testing your limits. Without Tramp’s ambition to explore, Lady would never have discovered her love of spaghetti or the joy of running carefree through the city.

Celebrate your differences.

This film celebrates differences and encourages viewers to do the same. Tramp rouses hen houses and avoids dog catchers. Lady was pampered with a fancy dog collar and cushy places to sleep. Despite coming from different ends of the dog park, they find a shared love for adventure and, of course, Italian cuisine.

Embrace change.

Early on in the movie, Lady's comfortable life slips away from her as Jim and Darling Dear welcome their new baby into the household. Jim starts to refer to Lady as "That Dog" shortly after the baby's arrival. After getting lost and meeting Tramp, she gains a new life partner and creates a family of her own, showing children that, while change can be a daunting thing to face, it's often for the best and comes with a silver lining. These are only a few of the lessons highlighted in this Disney classic. Gather the whole family for a fun night in and see what other lessons you can learn. The original film was such a cult classic, but the remake is sure to deliver. It's expected to release on Nov. 12, 2019, so mark your calendars.

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And Cats! VanMeveren Law Group Goes to the Dogs

SUDOKU The FCCR was established in 2006 and is focused on preventing pet homelessness. They are a no-kill shelter that believes every pet is a healthy and wanted pet. They offer shelter and adoptions for homeless cats and kittens, access to free pet food for struggling community members, and accessible veterinary services including a spay/neuter clinic. They adopt out over 2,000 cats and kittens each year and on average, 6,000 dogs and cats are spayed or neutered in their clinic per year. They are supported by a dedicated staff of 30 people and over 400 volunteers who host adoption events, foster pets, do fundraising and community outreach, and VanMeveren Law Group is happy to announce a new partnership with Fort Collins Cat Rescue (FCCR)! Periodically, we will be featuring a cat or dog in our newsletter. To kick off our partnership, VLG has donated an initial contribution of $1,800. We are also donating $100 for every case we close. VLG is committed to supporting local businesses and nonprofits such as the FCCR.

organize other events such as the Gala for Animals and the Phantom 4-Mile race. The FCCR will be merging with Animal House rescue starting in 2020 and expanding its services to dog adoptions, fostering, and grooming. You can visit their website at fccrsnc.org to learn more, donate, volunteer, or find a furry friend! Fort Collins Cat Rescue & Spay/Neuter Clinic

Shelter: (970) 484-8516 Clinic: (970) 484-1861 2321 E. Mulberry St., Units 1 & 3, Fort Collins, CO 80524

BURNISHED POTATO NUGGETS

Inspired by Bon Appétit

There are countless ways to prepare potatoes, but not all are created equal. For irresistibly crunchy outsides and deliciously creamy insides, try this recipe. The result is sure to be the star side at your Thanksgiving table.

Ingredients:

5 lbs russet potatoes, peeled and cut into 2-inch pieces

• • •

1/4 cup vegetable oil 8 cloves garlic, crushed

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Kosher salt

2 sprigs rosemary

1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil

Directions:

1. 2.

Heat oven to 425°F.

4.

Meanwhile, combine both oils in a large pan and heat in oven for 10 minutes. Remove pan from oven and add potatoes, turning to coat thoroughly. Return to oven and cook for 30 minutes, turning every 10 minutes. Toss in garlic and rosemary and cook 8-10 minutes, or until potatoes are golden brown.

In a large pot, pour water over potatoes to cover by 2 inches. Salt water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat. Reduce heat and simmer gently for 10 minutes. Thoroughly drain potatoes and let stand uncovered a few minutes to allow steam to escape and potatoes to dry slightly. Toss gently and season with salt.

5.

3.

6.

7.

Drain and serve.

Solution

970-495-9741 • 3

2038 Caribou Drive, Suite 101 Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-495-9741 www.VanMeverenLaw.com

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INSIDE This Issue

How Damage Caps Affect Your Case Page 1

Life Lessons From ‘Lady and the Tramp’

What Some People Are Saying About Us Page 2

We’re Going to the Dogs ( and Cats)!

Burnished Potato Nuggets Page 3

It’s November in Fort Collins! Page 4

Give Thanks With These Great Events!

Date Night Cooking Class Saturday, Nov. 16 The Cooking Studio

If you’re looking for romantic ideas for an evening out, look no further than Date Night at The Cooking Studio at Fort Collins. Every Saturday at 6 p.m., they offer a new experience, often focusing on a specific region of French cooking. There’s something for every taste. You can find The Cooking Studio’s calendar at The- Cooking-Studio.com — just click "Cooking Classes" then "Adult Cooking Classes" to find the calendar and a specific class. AEG Presents: Art Garfunkel Monday, Nov. 18 The Lincoln Center Art Garfunkel brings his impeccable talent to Fort Collins. Enjoy an evening with the singer as he shares some of his most famous works on stage — songs that span five decades. You can purchase tickets and select seating through the Lincoln Center website at LCTix.com/aeg-art-garfunkel-2019.

Sweaty Sweater Race Saturday, Dec. 7 Anheuser-Busch Brewery

It’s that time of year once again, so don your ugly sweater for the Sweaty Sweater 4-mile run! This is a great event for the whole family. Whether you want to beat your personal best or just go for a relaxing walk, the Sweaty Sweater Race is ideal for both. At the end of the race, you can indulge in hot chocolate or grab a beer (for those 21 and older). And, as always, the ugly sweater contest will take place after the race at 10:30 a.m. For a complete look at the event and to register, visit FrontRangeFreeze.com/sweaty-sweater-race .

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