Colorado workers compensation covers most workplace injuries — but it may not be your only option. Third-party claims can provide significantly more compensation.
Statute of Limitations
Colorado workers compensation: report injury immediately. Personal injury claims against third parties: 3 years from the date of injury.
Colorado requires employers to carry workers compensation insurance (C.R.S. § 8-40-101 et seq.). Colorado workers comp provides medical treatment, temporary total disability at 2/3 of wages (up to a weekly maximum), permanent partial disability benefits, and permanent total disability benefits. Colorado disputes are handled by Administrative Law Judges at the Office of Administrative Courts.
Colorado-Specific Tip
Colorado's oil and gas industry, construction sector, and ski resort operations account for elevated workplace injury rates. Colorado workers compensation has specific rules about authorized treating physicians — your employer has the right to designate an authorized treating physician for the first 90 days. After 90 days you may select your own physician from an approved list. A Colorado workers comp attorney is recommended for any disputed claim or permanent injury.
📊 Colorado's workers compensation system processes tens of thousands of claims annually. Third-party claims are frequently overlooked but can dramatically increase total recovery.
Report the injury to your supervisor in writing immediately
Seek medical attention immediately
File a workers compensation claim with your employer under Colorado law
Document all expenses, lost wages, and out-of-pocket costs
Evaluate whether any third party contributed to your injury
Contact a Colorado workplace injury attorney to evaluate all available claims
Colorado requires employers to carry workers compensation insurance (C.R.S. § 8-40-101 et seq.). Colorado workers comp provides medical treatment, temporary total disability at 2/3 of wages (up to a weekly maximum), permanent partial disability benefits, and permanent total disability benefits. Colorado disputes are handled by Administrative Law Judges at the Office of Administrative Courts.
Generally workers compensation is the exclusive remedy against your direct employer. However you can still pursue third-party claims against any other party whose negligence contributed to your injury — contractors, equipment manufacturers, and property owners.
Even if your employer carries workers compensation, you can sue any third party whose negligence contributed to your injury. These third-party claims can include pain and suffering damages that workers comp does not cover, and can be pursued simultaneously with a workers comp claim.
No upfront cost. Contingency fees — you only pay if you win.
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