Common Questions Asked by Employees Seeking Workers’ Compensation

 Posted on February 19, 2020 in Workplace Injury

While no two workers’ compensation cases are the same, many of the questions injured employees ask overlap with each other. Having any kind of life-altering injury can be a traumatic experience, but for workers, there is also the uncertainty of where their next paycheck will come from if they are unable to work for an extended period of time. When a person is injured while performing his or her job in Colorado, workers’ compensation kicks in to handle the costs of medical expenses related to the injury and address lost wages. Below are some of the typical questions employees ask when seeking workers’ compensation.

How Do I Report the Accident?

In Colorado, the ideal time to report a workplace accident to an employer is four business days. The official notice must be in writing, even if you have verbally reported the accident. It is possible to report the incident after four days, but workers’ compensation benefits may be restricted depending on the length of time after the accident. If you cannot report the accident yourself, then someone may do so on your behalf. 

Can I Sue My Employer?

When someone is injured because of someone else's negligence, the victim may pursue compensation through a personal injury lawsuit. However, when an accident occurs on the job, workers’ compensation often takes the place of a lawsuit. However, victims may be able to pursue a personal injury claim if a third party was responsible for the accident. For example, if a road worker was struck by a drunk driver, the worker may be able to sue the driver for negligence while receiving workers’ compensation benefits from his or her employer. 

Why Are Claims Denied?

Receiving a denial of a workers’ compensation claim is frustrating. Benefits will not begin in Colorado until a claim is approved by the insurance company. A claim may be denied simply due to a lack of proper information. When filing a workers’ compensation claim, it is important to be as detailed as possible about the accident and the resulting injuries. Claims may also be denied because the insurance company does not believe that the injury is work-related. 

Contact a Fort Collins Workers’ Compensation Lawyer

Workplace accidents can happen in any type of industry. While legal representation is not required to file a workers’ compensation claim, it is in your best interests to work with a qualified Larimer County workplace injury attorney. At Hoggatt Law Office, P.C., we have extensive experience with workers’ compensation claims, and we know how to protect your rights if an insurance company is unwilling to pay the benefits you deserve. Through personalized care, we get results. We have secured millions of dollars in settlements for clients who were injured on the job. The first step is booking your free consultation; call us today at 970-225-2190. 

Source:

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/node/20066