What Is the Timeline of a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Colorado?

 Posted on November 13, 2019 in Workplace Injury

When an accident happens at home, most people know what to do right away if they suffer an injury. When a person is injured at work, however, there are more variables, and a person may not know where to begin. Although most employees are eligible for workers’ compensation in the event of a work injury, there are certain steps and timelines to follow. In Colorado, it is important to obtain professional legal counsel to make sure you follow the proper procedures for filing a claim when seeking benefits. 

Steps to Take After a Work-Related Injury

When an injury is life-threatening, or there is a risk of losing a limb, an employee is allowed to seek immediate medical attention. Otherwise, medical care will need to be administered from a provider chosen by the employer. This doctor will then become the authorized treating physician for that employee’s work-related injury. 

Part of receiving medical care after a work injury is notifying the employer. An employee has four days to deliver a written statement to the company's management about the injury. Even if the employer was notified verbally, a written notice is still needed. An employee can still apply for benefits if the four days have passed; however, compensation may vary depending on the delay of notification. If the injured person is unable to physically or mentally provide notice, another person may do it on his or her behalf. 

After the employer is notified of the work injury, the company has 10 days from the date of the injury to notify their workers’ compensation insurance provider. Within 20 days from the date of the injury, the insurance provider will accept or deny the claim. If the insurance company approves the claim, medical benefits and lost wages are paid. Either way, the insurance company is required to notify every party involved in the claim. 

In some cases, workers’ compensation claims may be denied because there is incomplete or inaccurate information provided to the insurance company. An insurance carrier may also deny a claim because the injury appears to not be work-related or if the claim needs to be investigated further. If this happens, the injured party has 45 days from the mailing of the Notice of Contest to apply for an expedited hearing if he or she believes the claim was denied in error. 

If a claim is not approved by the insurance company, the employee is responsible for all medical care. They will also not receive wage reimbursement. This can be detrimental to the injured employee and his or her family. Therefore, it is imperative to hire an attorney who is experienced in workers' compensation laws. 

Contact a Larimer County Workplace Injury Lawyer

Suffering an injury at work can be debilitating, and it can lead to costly medical bills and lost wages. Although it is not required to have legal representation during a workers’ compensation claim, doing so can ensure that a claimant’s rights are protected if there are any issues regarding the receipt of benefits. If your claim has been denied, or if your employer or their insurer refuses to pay the benefits you deserve, contact an experienced Fort Collins workers’ compensation attorney to determine your legal options. Call our office today at 970-225-2190 to schedule a free consultation. 

Source:

https://www.colorado.gov/pacific/cdle/dwc