Workers Compensation in Colorado
What would you do if a workplace injury left you unable to provide for yourself or your family? The mounting pressure of medical bills and lost wages can quickly create financial chaos.
Thankfully, Colorado’s workers’ compensation system is here to help. It ensures injured workers have access to essential benefits like medical care, wage replacement, and even death benefits for dependents.
However, navigating the system isn’t always easy. Simple mistakes—like not reporting your injury on time or misunderstanding the process—can delay or even deny your claim.
This guide explains how workers’ compensation works in Colorado, the steps you must take after an injury, and how an experienced attorney can safeguard your rights.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Colorado?
Workplace injuries are a reality for thousands of workers in Colorado each year. In 2023, private industry employers in the state reported approximately 31,200 nonfatal workplace injuries and illnesses, translating to an incidence rate of 2.5 cases per 100 full-time employees. This figure aligns closely with the national average.
Certain sectors are more prone to workplace accidents. For example, construction reported an incidence rate of 3.6 cases per 100 workers, while healthcare and social assistance recorded 4.1 cases per 100 workers. The nature of these industries often exposes employees to higher physical risks.
Common injuries in Colorado include overexertion injuries, falls, and repetitive motion disorders. These types of injuries can result in long-term health complications, highlighting the importance of having workers’ compensation protections in place.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Colorado?
Colorado’s workers’ compensation program provides vital support to employees who are injured or become ill as a direct result of their work. To qualify, the injury must have occurred during employment or as a result of job-related duties. For instance, an injury sustained while operating machinery on a job site would typically qualify.
Colorado law requires most employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. However, there are a few exceptions for certain agricultural workers, sole proprietors, and independent contractors. This coverage ensures employees have access to the following benefits:
- Medical Coverage: Includes doctor visits, surgeries, hospital stays, and medications required to treat work-related injuries or illnesses.
- Temporary Disability Benefits: Replaces lost wages if you cannot work, calculated at two-thirds of your average weekly wage, subject to state maximums.
- Permanent Disability Benefits: Provides compensation for long-term or permanent impairments resulting from a workplace injury.
- Vocational Rehabilitation: Offers retraining or education if you’re unable to return to your prior job due to your injuries.
- Death Benefits: Supports dependents financially in cases where a workplace injury or illness results in death.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Colorado are critical for filing a claim. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
If you’ve been injured on the job, seeking medical treatment should be your top priority. Prompt care not only protects your health but also establishes a medical record linking your injury to your work, which is critical for filing a claim.
In Colorado, your employer or their insurance company typically has the right to designate the healthcare provider you must visit for workers’ compensation cases. If they do not specify a provider, you may choose your own doctor.
Even if the injury seems minor, don’t delay seeking medical attention. Some conditions, like repetitive strain injuries or occupational illnesses, may worsen over time if untreated. A professional evaluation will also document the full extent of your injury, supporting your claim.
Keep detailed records of all treatments, prescriptions, and follow-up appointments. These documents will serve as crucial evidence if your claim faces challenges or disputes.
File a First Report of Injury
Once you’ve received medical attention, it’s important to notify your employer about the incident. Colorado law requires workers to report injuries within four days of the event. Failing to meet this deadline could result in a reduction of your benefits.
Your employer is responsible for submitting a First Report of Injury to their workers’ compensation insurance carrier. This report provides key information about the injury, including when and where it occurred, as well as any medical treatment received.
After the report is filed, the insurance company will begin investigating your claim. You may be contacted for additional details or asked to clarify specific aspects of the incident. Providing accurate and consistent information is critical to avoid unnecessary delays.
The statute of limitations in Colorado for filing a workers’ compensation claim is two years from the date of injury or the last payment of benefits. It’s essential to file promptly to protect your right to compensation.
In Colorado, total benefits entitle the claimant to 2/3rds of their average weekly wage at the time of injury. Partial benefits entitle the claimant to 2/3rds of the difference between what is earned now and before the injury.
Why You Should Hire a Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
Navigating the workers’ compensation process in Colorado can be overwhelming, especially when disputes arise. Employers or insurers may question the cause of your injury, challenge its severity, or delay approving benefits.
If your claim is denied or if benefits are prematurely terminated, having an attorney on your side can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer in Colorado
Your health and well-being need to come first. If you are hurt while working or find out an illness you are suffering is the result of your job, you will want to seek compensation.
We can connect you with a local attorney or one across Colorado state lines.
Submit a request online or call us at (866) 345-6784 to find a workers’ compensation lawyer today!
About the Author
Aaron is a professional legal writer with a B.S. in English Education from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. He has written, published, and edited thousands of legal articles for RequestLegalHelp, which has connected over 5 million people to legal help in the United States.
With over five years of experience writing thousands of legal articles for law firms across the U.S. and Canada, Aaron specializes in covering federal, state, and city-level legal issues ranging from auto accidents to wrongful terminations.
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