How Do I Know If I Have A Workers' Compensation Claim in Colorado?

Ft. Collins Lawyer for Workplace Accident Injuries

In the workers' compensation field, some of the most common types of injuries take place when lifting. For example, a CNA at a nursing home can hurt his or her back when transferring a patient from a bed to a wheelchair. Other typical claims are the result of vehicle accidents, slipping, falling or repetitive motion injuries.

In most workers' comp cases, it does not matter if another person or party was found to be negligent or not. For example, if you lift a box and throw out your back, that is a valid workers' compensation claim due to no fault of another party. Alternatively, if someone else's negligence did cause you to slip and fall and therefore hurt a part of your body, that is also considered a valid workplace injury claim. In Colorado, you cannot sue your employer for negligent injuries if your employer carries workers' compensation insurance. Contact Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. to learn about your rights to benefits after a work accident.

Common Workplace Injuries

Based on the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) statistics, back injuries are one of the most common types of workplace injuries. Back and neck injuries can come in different levels of severity, each requiring specific treatment. These injuries can include but are not limited to slipped or herniated discs, fractured vertebra, and pinched nerves.

Certain back and neck injuries can occur in a matter of seconds due to a fall, turning the wrong way, lifting a heavy object, a car accident, or even an explosion. Repetitive motion, such as using a mouse all day, can result in a carpal tunnel syndrome diagnosis. If you work on a computer and sit at a desk all day, poor posture could even lead to back problems. Regardless if your injury happened after one incident or repetitive activity over time, you may be entitled to receive benefits under Colorado's workers' compensation laws.

Long-Term Effects

In some cases, back, neck, and head injuries, whether from falling, repetitive motion, or a vehicle accident, can have devastating long-term effects. The pain and discomfort related to these types of events can last for months and even years after the initial injury. Workers who lose range of motion or mobility might need to file for Social Security Disability insurance if they can no longer perform their occupational duties on a daily basis.

It is common for employers to try to avoid paying claims related to injuries sustained on the job. If you are older, they may say your age caused the injury, or even cite a pre-existing condition. If your injury claim is denied by your employer or their insurance company, you need an experienced attorney to guide you through the process of receiving compensation benefits to pay for medical bills and possibly physical therapy, as well as to replace lost wages.

Contact Hoggatt Law Office, P.C.

If you have been injured on the job, the knowledgeable workers' compensation lawyers at Hoggatt Law Office, P.C. will help you prove your pain and suffering are the results of a workplace injury so you can receive the benefits you deserve. Contact a Larimer County workplace injury lawyer at 970-225-2190 to discuss your case.