How to Apply for Workers’ Compensation in Colorado Springs
All employers in Colorado must carry workers’ compensation insurance. These benefits offered through these policies provide employees who are injured on the job with coverage for medical care and lost income. However, while the workers’ compensation process is usually straightforward, sometimes it becomes complicated. For example, employers and insurance companies occasionally try to pay employees fewer benefits than the value of their claim.
When you suffer injuries in a work-related accident, discussing your claim with an experienced workers’ compensation attorney is crucial. Our team of seasoned lawyers could guide you on how to apply for workers’ compensation in Colorado Springs so that you can focus on recovering.
Facts About Workers’ Compensation Claims
There are many misconceptions surrounding the process of applying for workers’ compensation benefits; fortunately, discussing the process with a skilled attorney in Colorado Springs could help determine if an injured worker is entitled to restitution.
In Colorado, fault is not a factor when an employee who suffers injuries in a work-related accident applies for workers’ comp benefits. Like many states, Colorado has a no-fault system concerning workers’ compensation: injured employees can apply for benefits as long as they submit their claims properly.
It is also important to note that employees have a limited amount of time to apply for workers’ compensation benefits. For example, when a workplace injury occurs, it is in the employee’s best interest to report it as soon as possible. These workers should notify their employer about the injury within four business days. The employer then has ten days to submit the claim to their insurance provider.
Some employees are reluctant to apply for workers’ compensation, especially when they believe their injuries do not justify a claim. However, employee benefits will typically cover any injury that occurs in the workplace. When determining the viability of a workers’ compensation claim, it is wise to consult a lawyer.
Filing a Workers’ Compensation Claim in Colorado
After a work-related injury, employees should submit a Worker’s Claim for Compensation (WC15) to the Division of Workers’ Compensation. After completing the form, employees should mail it to the Colorado Division of Workers’ Compensation, Customer Service Unit at 633 17th St., Suite 400, Denver, CO 80202-3626.
Additionally, injured employees must gather evidence to support their claim. Substantial evidence can make or break a workers’ compensation claim. Examples of evidence an employee can use to support their claims include:
- Photographs of injuries and the scene
- Testimony of eyewitnesses
- Security footage
- Records of hours worked
- Injury report
- Medical records
A hardworking attorney in Colorado Springs could help obtain relevant evidence of an employee’s work-related injury and use evidence when applying for benefits. Once a workers’ compensation claim is filed, workers should focus on obtaining medical treatment and recovering. Employees sometimes miss a significant amount of time from work depending on the nature of their injuries; however, they are usually eligible for lost wage benefits, equal to sixty percent of their average weekly pay.
Our Workers’ Compensation Attorneys in Colorado Springs Could Help You Apply for Benefits
Most workers’ compensation claims proceed seamlessly, but when your employer or their insurance company contests the claim, having a tenacious attorney on your side is beneficial.
Our office could help you apply for compensation after a workplace incident and gather evidence to support your claim. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney to discuss applying for workers’ compensation benefits in Colorado Springs.
