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Injured at Work Attorneys in Denver, Colorado

Hurt on the job in Denver or elsewhere in the surrounding region? If you’re wondering where to begin, you are not alone. Handling medical bills and dealing with insurance companies should not be part of your recovery process. Whether you have been injured at work or elsewhere, an experienced Denver attorney can manage your claim and determine who is liable for your injuries. You do not have to take on the workers’ compensation claims process alone.

My firm, The Law Offices of W. Dan Mahoney, P.C., is based on more than a quarter century of personal injury and insurance claim experience. I know the Denver-area legal system and understand how healthcare providers and insurance companies operate. My firm is committed to personalized, results-focused legal representation. To set up a free, no-obligation consultation with a top Denver, Colorado workers’ compensation attorney, please contact me at my Denver law office today.

Prepared To Handle Any Work-Related Injury in Denver, Colorado

When I start managing your case, I will walk through the details of your situation with you to ensure your claim is properly handled. I have helped many Colorado residents file and settle their claims. I help anyone with a debilitating injury or injuries such as:

Whether you work in construction or some other industry, I can help you obtain the workers’ compensation benefits to which you are entitled. My previous experience as a defense attorney for insurance carriers is a significant asset to my current clients: I understand how insurers determine who qualifies for compensation, and I will use that knowledge to advocate for injury victims.

What Is A Workers’ Compensation Injury?

The answer lies in two separate questions: Did the injury occur on the job? Did your injury occur while doing your job (or in the “course and scope” of your employment)? The state of Colorado poses those questions so the relevant parties can determine if they have a legitimate workers’ compensation claim.

If it is, the injured worker could receive medical coverage and compensation for pain and suffering, lost work, disability or other necessities. Compensation is usually provided through the insurance company of the responsible party.

Retaining an experienced lawyer strengthens your claim, which often leads to a better settlement or reasoning for a lawsuit.

The Steps to Take After an On-the-Job Injury in Colorado

A work-related accident can be stressful and confusing. It is normal to feel confused, even overwhelmed, about what exactly you need to do next. Taking the right steps is key to protecting your health, well-being, and legal rights.

Here are five important steps that you should take after being injured on the job in Denver or elsewhere in Colorado:

  • Seek Immediate Medical Attention: When an injury occurs on the job in Colorado, the first and foremost step to take is seeking immediate medical attention. Your health and well-being should be the top priority. Even if an injury seems minor, it is vital to get a professional evaluation. Beyond protecting your well-being, it is important to emphasize that you cannot get workers’ comp benefits in Denver if you do not see a doctor.
  • Notify Your Supervisor/Employer: Colorado law requires prompt notification of an employer in the event of a workplace accident. As soon as you are safe and have received the necessary emergency medical attention, notify your supervisor or employer about the incident. In Colorado, it is imperative to report the injury to your employer within ten working days. Provide a clear and concise account of what happened. If you have questions about reporting an accident, a work injury lawyer in Denver can help.
  • Thoroughly Document the Incident: Documenting the incident is an essential step in protecting your rights and building a solid foundation for any claims you may need to file. Take pictures of your injuries and the area where the accident occurred, if possible. Collect the names and contact information of any witnesses. Keep a record of all medical treatments and expenses, and jot down notes on how the injury has affected your daily life and ability to work. You can share this information with your Denver work injury attorney.
  • Consult With a Denver Workplace Injury Lawyer: In Colorado, navigating the workers’ compensation system can be complicated. The right professional representation can make a difference. Be sure to consult with an experienced Denver workplace injury lawyer. Your attorney will help you understand your rights, know the benefits you may be entitled to, and guide you through the legal claims process.
  • File for Workers’ Compensation Benefits: Finally, you need to file a claim for workers’ compensation benefits. Notifying your employer of a workplace injury or occupational disease is not the same thing as actually filing for benefits. In Colorado, the claim must be filed within two years of the injury. Of course, there is no reason to wait to bring your claim. Your employer should provide you with the necessary forms to start the claims process. Be thorough when filling them out, and ensure all the information is accurate. Your work injury lawyer in Denver can help.

An Overview of Workers’ Comp Laws in Colorado

In Colorado, workers’ compensation laws serve as a safety net for employees who sustain injuries or suffer from illnesses related to their employment. These laws are vital in ensuring that injured workers get the medical care and financial support needed during recovery. As an experienced work injury lawyer in Denver, I have deep knowledge and expertise in Colorado law and the ins and outs of the claims process.

Here are some key points workers should know:

  • Workers’ Comp is Required for Employers: As explained by the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment, almost all employers in the state are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, even if they only have one employee.
  • An Exclusive Remedy for Injured Workers: A workers’ comp claim is typically the sole legal remedy that an injured worker has against their own employer. A personal injury lawsuit against your own employer in Colorado is generally not an option.
  • No-Fault Coverage: In exchange for forgoing the right to sue, employees get no-fault workers’ compensation insurance coverage. You do not have to prove that your employer “caused” your injury or illness to be eligible to get benefits.
  • Timely Reporting of Injuries: In case of an injury, employees must report the incident to their employer promptly. The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment notes that an employee’s failure to report an injury within 10 business days could be used against them in the claims process.

Understanding Denver Workers’ Compensation Benefits

Ultimately, the core purpose of workers’ compensation insurance is to ensure that people hurt on the job are able to access the benefits that they need to support themselves and their families and to make a recovery. In Colorado, a wide variety of different workers’ compensation benefits may be available. As an experienced Denver workplace injury attorney, I always represent clients with a focus on ensuring that they are able to maximize all of their benefits.

Here are the benefits that may be available through a Colorado workers’ compensation claim:

  • Medical Benefits: Your health needs always come first. Workers’ comp medical benefits cover all necessary medical treatment for work-related injuries and illnesses.
  • Temporary Total Disability Benefits (TTD): TTD benefits are compensation for lost wages if an employee is unable to work temporarily due to injury. At a baseline, these benefits are calculated at two-thirds of an employee’s average weekly wage. Though, there are state-mandated minimum and maximum TTD benefits.
  • Permanent Disability Benefits (PPD): In some cases, an injured worker may be left with permanent physical or mental impairments. Colorado workers’ comp provides permanent disability benefits for employees who sustain a permanent impairment. The extent of these benefits is highly case-specific.
  • Vocational Rehabilitation: Vocational rehabilitation benefits are for workers who cannot return to their previous job by providing training and education for a new occupation.
  • Death Benefits: Unfortunately, workplace fatalities still happen far too often in Colorado. Workers’ compensation death benefits provide financial support to the dependents of a worker who dies due to a work-related injury or illness.

What to Know About Third-Party Liability Work Injury Claims

Workers’ comp is a legal remedy for people hurt on the job in Colorado. It is not necessarily the only legal remedy that is available in every case. In some situations, an injured worker may also have a claim against a negligent third party. These cases—referred to simply as third-party liability claims—are fault-based legal matters. A number of different parties may be named as a defendant in a third-party work injury claim in Colorado.

Examples include:

  • Contractors;
  • Subcontractors;
  • Property owners;
  • Developers;
  • Equipment manufacturers; and
  • Motorists.

Additional financial compensation may be recovered through a fault-based third-party liability claim, potentially including for pain and suffering. Notably, an injured worker does not have to choose: They might have two separate claims: a workers’ compensation claim against their employer for medical expenses and lost wages and a third-party liability claim against the responsible party for additional damages. As an experienced work injury lawyer in Denver, I have the skills, knowledge, and tenacity to represent clients in all types of third-party liability cases.

Why Rely on Denver Work Injury Attorney Dan Mahoney

Workers’ compensation claims are complicated. As a top Denver work injury lawyer with decades of experience fighting for the rights and interests of people who were hurt on the job in Colorado, I have a proven history of favorable verdicts and settlements in workers’ compensation claims. No matter the situation that you are dealing with, I am prepared to invest the time, resources, and attention to understand your case and help you take action to secure justice and the maximum workers’ comp benefits available under Colorado law. You do not have to go up against an employer or an insurance company alone. I offer a free, no-obligation consultation. Further, my law firm does not charge any legal fees unless you receive compensation.

Related Resources:

Contact Me for a Free Consultation With a Denver Workplace Injury Lawyer

I am a Denver-based workplace lawyer representing clients in Denver County, Adams County, Jefferson County, The Western Slope, The Foothills, and throughout Colorado.

To schedule a free consultation with no obligation, call The Law Offices of W. Dan Mahoney, P.C., at 303-407-0484 or send me an emailI do not receive compensation unless you receive compensation. Se habla español.

Workers’ Compensation Claims in Denver: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Generally, in Colorado, you cannot choose your own doctor for a workers’ compensation claim. When you report a workplace injury to your employer, they are required to provide you with a list of at least four designated medical providers. You must choose a doctor from this list for your treatment. If you choose to see a doctor not on the list, your medical expenses may not be covered by workers’ compensation insurance.

If your workers’ compensation claim is denied, it is important to act quickly. The first step is to consult with a lawyer who specializes in workers’ compensation law. Call my Denver law office right away. I am a Denver workers’ compensation lawyer with extensive experience handling appeals.

Yes, you do have options if your employer does not have workers’ compensation coverage. In Colorado, almost all employers are required to carry workers’ compensation insurance. If your employer does not have coverage, they may be in violation of the law. Contact my Denver office immediately to set up a free, confidential evaluation of your case.

Yes, this number does change with the cost of living and inflation involved. But as of July 1, 2023 the cap for wage benefits is $1,293.25 a week.

Yes, Colorado is an at-will employment state which means an employer is able to fire any employee without a reason. This means even if you are collecting benefits you could still be fired. They also have no obligation to keep your job open for you.

There is no set time frame for how long you are able to collect benefits, it depends on each person’s individual injury. For example if your injury wasn’t as severe you won’t have the benefits for a large amount of time, but if you were permanently disabled or unable to work then your benefits may last your lifetime. The typical time frame is 90 days after you have already taken three missed days or work, this could be when you use your sick days.

While you are able to reopen your workers’ compensation case to get more benefits, know that it is not an easy process. You should speak with your Denver workers’ compensation attorney to see if you can look over new medical evidence before the case is closed. It would be much easier to file an objection to the final statement of admission than it would be to reopen your case.

You can still get workers’ compensation in some instances even if you are not at your workplace. This would include if you were traveling for work, or if you left the premises of your job because you were instructed to do so by your employer during your working hours.

Workers’ compensation insurance in Colorado extends to out of state coverage as long as you were working for the company in the state of Colorado for at least six months prior to your injury.

No, they are both types of benefits for employees. Unemployment is to help those who were let go from their jobs, and it was not their fault for the job loss. Workers’ compensation is to help those who were hurt while they were actively on the job.

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