Workers Compensation in Fort Collins, CO
You aren’t alone if you ask “How does workers comp work?” Workers’ compensation is a type of insurance that provides wage and medical benefits to people who have become ill or injured while at work. The extent of workers’ comp coverage an employer must carry depends on Colorado state law. Thus, in trying to figure out how workers comp works, it helps to understand the laws on the books in the state where the business operates. If the injury or illness a worker sustains is eligible for compensation, the insurance carrier should help ease the financial burden the illness or injury created on the worker. Learn some of the basic principles of Fort Collins, Colorado workers’ compensation insurance and how the process works.
Workers Compensation Statistics in Fort Collins, Colorado?
The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment reports that the industries with the most injuries are administration, retail, transportation, and construction. The majority of these work injuries are sprains and strains, typically caused by twisting, lifting, or repetitive motion. Falls and contact with objects or equipment also account for a large number of work-related Fort Collins injuries. According to the Colorado Department of Public Health, over 50% of work-related injury claims involve more than 10 days of missed work.
How Does Workers Comp Work in Fort Collins, Colorado?
Unfortunately, going through the process of applying for workers’ compensation begins with getting sick or injured on the job. The circumstances surrounding the incident that led to your problems are especially crucial. For example, the injury had to occur during your regular work duties. While an event that happens during your lunch break wouldn’t apply, getting into a car accident while running an errand for your boss would qualify for a claim.
Colorado requires all Fort Collins employers to carry workers’ compensation insurance. All reasonable and necessary medical expenses are part of the coverage, but the physician must be one that’s approved by your employer. In addition, lost wages are part of the compensation if you miss more than three shifts. According to the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, lost wages pay at a rate of ⅔ of the average weekly wage. However, the maximum weekly payment is $1022. In the event of a fatal injury, weekly death benefits and funeral expenses are also provided.
For example, say your supervisor asked you to drop something off on your lunch break. While running this errand you then get in a car accident on your way to the destination. Any resulting injury is eligible for workers’ compensation. However, if you are on your lunch break, performing no such task when you get in an accident, it does not qualify for a claim.
The steps you take immediately following a workplace incident in Fort Collins, Colorado are critical for purposes of filing a claim for compensation. Follow the following steps to preserve your rights and learn how workers comp works.
Get Medical Attention
After you get injured or feel ill, the first step is to see a doctor. Don’t delay seeking help from a Fort Collins, Colorado healthcare professional. This could not only jeopardize your health, but you run the risk of missing time-sensitive deadlines in the workers’ compensation process. Having a proper medical report detailing the extent of the damage and how it occurred is the first step in the process. Your employer cannot file a claim with their insurance carrier without this information.
When dealing with a job-related illness, the symptoms and diagnosis may not happen right away. You may find yourself attending regular checkups and testing for weeks or months before a doctor finally associates your illness with your job. Your doctor may make the determination that the illness is either the result of your work conditions or aggravated by them. Once they do, see your human resources representative to file a workers’ compensation claim.
File a First Report of Injury
The first report of an on-the-job injury or illness will provide the workers’ compensation insurance carrier with the details of the events leading up to the injury. In this report, you will provide your physical injuries, the medical treatment you received, and the facilities that provided it. It’s always a good idea to bring a copy of the doctor’s report to submit with the report of injury.
Employees in Fort Collins must provide written notice of their injury to the employer within four days. The employer then has 10 days to file a report with their insurance company. If the employer fails to file this report, the employee may file a claim directly. This direct claim must happen within two years of the injury.
Timeline and Other Information
Once your Fort Collins injury claim is officially filed, the insurance company has 20 days to accept or deny. If denied, you have 45 days to request an expedited hearing. It can take up to 30 days to start receiving your benefits. But, they should be retroactive to the date of injury. If you are temporarily disabled, wage benefits will continue until you are able to return to work. If your condition has stabilized, and you are still not able to work, you may be eligible for permanent disability.
Your employer should furnish you with information about the claims process. The adjuster or insurance carrier representative may want to speak to you at some point about the incident and any possible witnesses to the event. In the meantime, the workers’ comp insurer may begin paying medical benefits while the investigation into your claim continues.
Why You Should Hire a Fort Collins, Colorado Workers’ Compensation Lawyer
While workers’ compensation claims may be straightforward for some cases in Fort Collins, Colorado, in others, it may be more difficult. For example, your employer may decide to question whether your injury happened on the clock or your own time. It’s also common for a company to question the full extent of your injury. Hiring a Fort Collinsworkers’ comp lawyer ensures that you have an advocate to fight for your rights as a victim.
Work With an Experienced Local Lawyer In Fort Collins, Colorado
If you are hurt or contract an illness as a result of your job in Fort Collins, Colorado you need to find the right people to help. Since the workers’ compensation claims process can have pitfalls, you should consider getting a local attorney who knows how to avoid them.
Submit a request online or call us today at (866) 345-6784 to get in touch with an experienced lawyer in your area!
