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Russell R. Hatten
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Russell R. Hatten
Chalat Hatten & Koupal PC
1900 Grant Street
Suite 1050
Denver, CO 80203
Phone: (303) 861-1042 | Fax: (303) 861-0506
http://www.chalathatten.com
http://www.skisafety.com
Proven record of million dollar verdicts & settlements.
Legal Topic
Personal Injury
Preferred New Clients
Truck/car accidents, ski accidents, and medical malpractice.
Sub-Categories
Personal Injury
- Dangerous Property
- Wrongful Death
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Slip & Fall
- Sports Injuries
- Felony Auto Accident
- Design Defects
- Manufacturing Defects
- Anesthesia Malpractice
- Birth Injuries and Defects
- Elder and Nursing Home Abuse
- Emergency Room Errors
- HMO Managed Case
- Medication Malpractice
- Prescription/Drug Malpractice
- Surgical Errors
- Wrong Diagnosis or Misdiagnosis
- Nursing Home Negligence
- Spinal Cord Injury
- Amputation
- Birth Injury
- Burn Injury
- Head/Brain Injury
- Paralysis
Bar Admissions
CO, Jan 1999
Bar Number: 30399
Other Court Admissions
Colorado State Courts (1999), Texas State Courts (by examination - 1986), U.S. District Court, Northern District of Texas (1988), and U.S. District Court, District of Colorado (1999).
Association Memberships
Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, Texas Trial Lawyers Association, American Association of Justice (formerly ATLA, member since 1980), American, Colorado, Denver, and Texas Bar Associations.
Continuing Education
I attend legal education seminars relevant to personal injury law and trial practice.
Example Cases
In 2007, the firm successfully tried a Colorado medical malpractice case in which the jury returned a $10.1 Million verdict for their 9-year-old client. The verdict was one of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in Colorado history.
In 2009, the firm settled a ski collision lawsuit for $1.5 million and a claim against a ski area for a lift accident also for $1.5 million.
Education
Degree:
J.D.
School:
Texas Tech University School of Law
City:
Lubbock
State:
TX
Year:
1986
Degree:
B.A.
School:
University of Texas
City:
Austin
State:
TX
Year:
1983
Number of Attorneys
5
State Licensed In
Colorado and Texas.
Firm Focus and History
The lawyers of Chalat Hatten & Koupal are committed to their clients and to their professional responsibilities to the community. The firm handles a wide range of catastrophic personal injury cases involving automobiles, trucking, and skiing accidents, medical and legal malpractice claims, explosions, and wrongful death cases. The lawyers in the firm have repeatedly appeared on the annual list of Colorado Super Lawyers. Jim Chalat has a national reputation in ski accident law. Handling ski cases across the United States, he has achieved several multi-million dollar awards for ski accident victims.
Jim Chalat began practicing law in Colorado in 1984, opening the law offices of James H. Chalat, P.C. The firm has since grown to five attorneys with over 75 years of combined trial experience.
Previous Employment Summary
I began my legal career as a litigator in Texas in 1986. In 1993, I was appointed to the bench as Municipal Judge for the City of Rowlett, and as a County Magistrate for Dallas and Rockwall Counties, Texas. While on the bench, I heard criminal, domestic, and civil matters, with an annual docket of over 10,000 cases. I continued my plaintiffs' personal injury practice when I moved to Colorado and joined the Chalat firm in 1999.
Activities and Awards
Voted a Colorado "Super Lawyer," 2009; BV-Rated by Martindale-Hubble; Member of the Rhone Brackett American Inn of Court, The American Inns of Court; and Former Director for The New Beginnings Center.
What is your opinion regarding clients educating themselves on legal issues?
We strongly believe that an informed consumer is always a better advocate and client. Particularly in personal injury matters, the law is not always intuitive and having an understanding of basic concepts is essential for a successful claimant.
Are you willing to review documents prepared by clients?
No, there are strong proscriptions against "ghost writing" by attorneys in Colorado and we find it best not to engage in any conduct which could be interpreted as such.
Are you willing to coach clients who want to represent themselves?
When presented a matter which we feel can be adequately handled by an individual, we routinely encourage claimants to pursue a settlement on their own, or to consider filing in small claims court when appropriate. We do offer advice on negotiation strategy and claims to be argued.
Why did you decide to be a lawyer?
I enjoy working with people and helping others.
What work experience and education helps you be a better lawyer?
My experience on the bench enhances my ability to litigate effectively for the firm's clients, preparing me for the trial work for which the firm has developed such a strong reputation.
Why did you decide on your primary area of practice?
As a judge I saw many victims of auto and truck accidents, and so I feel that this is an area where I can make a real difference for those who are hurt.
What do you like best about your career?
The ability to see a direct result from my efforts in representing my clients.
Tell us about your law firm:
We know that when a client hires a personal injury lawyer, the legal work should be performed by the lawyer, not a secretary or paralegal. Our firm is purposely small, with five lawyers and two staff people, so that our lawyers are the main point of contact for each client. Jim Chalat, Linda Chalat and Russell Hatten have been working together as a team for ten years, and the success of the past decade demonstrates the strength of the partnership.
What are your strengths and style?
I am energetic, honest, and dedicated to the best interests of my clients.
Personal Interests:
Supporting my children in school and sports, running marathons, and cooking.
Fax
(303) 861-0506
Office Hours
Monday through Friday
8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
Emergency After Hours
Yes
Fixed-Price Services and Fees
No.
Hourly Rates
Our hourly rates depend upon the nature of the work, ranging from $500/hour to $200/hour.
Free Initial Consultation?
We offer a free initial consultation, and will take the time needed to discuss your matter, answer your questions and present the options for pursuing a claim.
Typical Retainer
We do not require a retainer.
Nolo's Licensing Check
Attorneys have passed a licensing check. Nolo has confirmed that every member attorney has a valid license and is in good standing with the applicable bar associations upon joining the directory.
Directory lawyers are required to notify Nolo immediately if they become the subject of any disciplinary action by any bar association.
