Experienced Colorado workers’ compensation attorney with decades of practice representing active-duty police officers, firefighters, EMTs, trade union members, and delivery drivers.
Named in the Top 100 Lawyers overall by Colorado Super Lawyers (2022-2025)
Ranked as a “Top Lawyer” by 5280 Magazine in Denver’s Top Attorneys
Listed in The Best Lawyers in America® (2016-2025) and named Lawyer of the Year (2017) in Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimant and Lawyer of the Year-Workers’ Compensation Law-Claimaint 2025
Serves on the Board of the Denver Police Protective Association’s Scholarship Fund
Colorado Workers’ Compensation Attorney
Workplace Injuries & Workers’ Compensation Claims
I have practiced exclusively in Colorado workers’ compensation since 1995 and I have built my award-winning practice at Keating Wagner Polidori Free. My appreciation and understanding of working people and the difficulties they often face is tied to my own employment history which commenced at age 14. In my workers’ comp law practice, I work with injured employees across the state: securing their rights, pursuing their benefits, and treating each Claimant with the respect they’ve earned. As a go-to plaintiff worker’s compensation attorney, I have decades of experience litigating a variety of workplace injury claims including severe injuries and those related to car crashes and collisions.
Employers have responsibilities when it comes to handling workplace injuries under Colorado law. Litigating these claims exclusively led me to become a trusted resource for employees who have been injured on the job and need to pursue their workers’ compensation benefits. I know insurance industry tactics and handle claims aggressively. I also provide personal service to my valued clients; you will meet me at the outset and get to know me during your case. Every case is unique and requires experienced, compassionate and diligent representation from an attorney who does one thing – litigates worker’s compensation claims.
How to Handle Being Hurt at Work in Colorado
After being injured on the job, clients often wonder how they will cover medical costs and other expenses – especially when they are unable to work. Their pressing concerns are always the priority for me. Employers and their insurance companies can, and do, make life exceedingly difficult for injured employees. I fight diligently to obtain maximum workers’ comp benefits, and this allows my clients to focus on physical and psychological recovery. My work with employees who have been injured on the job includes working closely with several Denver metro area police and fire departments, as well as members of industry unions including airline mechanics and electricians.
On the Job Injuries and Work-Related Car Accidents
Police officers and other individuals who drive while working, can suffer from serious injuries that prevent them from working when a car crash or collision takes place. Employee injuries and car accidents while on company time are not easy to navigate on your own. These situations can involve a blend of legal practice areas including workers’ compensation and plaintiff personal injury. My colleagues and I have decades of experience pursuing claims involving uninsured motorist, underinsured motorist, and workers’ compensation benefits. Our clients are relieved knowing exactly what their employer’s workers’ compensation obligations are to them and how those benefits intersect with their personal UM/UIM insurance coverage. These types of work-related cases can affect members of industry unions including carpenters and electricians and I help them understand what their injury is worth.
Police Officers Injured in the Line of Duty
My years of experience working with active-duty police officers injured on the job enables me to ensure that injured officers maximize their recovery by pursuing all available sources of compensation. As with others that drive as part of their job, this may include a personal injury case and/or helping them obtain uninsured or underinsured motor vehicle coverage benefits. Meeting the needs of police officers and their families is, and will always be, central to my practice and personal philosophy
Additional Background Information
I consider it an honor to continue to serve on the Board of the Denver Police Protective Association’s Scholarship Fund as I have for many years. I have also supported the Aurora Police Association’s Scholarship Fund and hope to become involved in similar funds if and when they are established.
Outside the office, I’ve been married to an extremely patient woman for over 31 years. We have three sons, three grandsons and two equally patient daughters-in-law. Like many, we also shelter pets of questionable breeding and utility. Otherwise, I enjoy reading, travel, and very loud rock music, especially concerts.
What Others Say about Keating Wagner Lawyers
“Mr. Free knows workman compensation laws inside and out. After being disabled at work, Mr. Free helped get me the absolute best care I could get. Me. Free continues to assist me when any medical maintenance issues arise too. Mr. Free is passionate, intelligent, respected and so easy to talk to. Without him, his paralegals and firm, my condition would be way worse than it is.”
“I had the fortune to have Larry Free recommended to me after a work related injury. Larry was extremely helpful along with his assistant Lew. Both men were professional, compassionate, helpful, and effective. Larry patiently guided me through the legal process for well over a year and showed genuine concern for my well being, my family, and my recovery. I did not want to be working with a lawyer in this situation. But I left Larry happy for having known him and extremely grateful for the assistance he gave to me.”
“I would have been so lost without this firm. My lawyer is Larry Free, and his paralegal Lew are the best! I would highly recommend Larry if you were in need of an expert in the workman’s compensation claims arena. Everything was explained to me in layman’s terms so I could understand and comprehend the procedures and details of my case, from the beginning to the settlement! Remember this law firm, Keating Wagner Polidori Free. Just call you won’t be disappointed.”
“Larry and Lew are fantastic to work with! I’m retired law enforcement and they were such a relief in a time of need when getting injured on the job. They truly look out for your interest! I absolutely recommend to everyone!”
“I had a great experience with the firm. Legal counsel and guidance through my workers comp case where Larry Free and Lew Dillenburg enabled me to understand the details and the course of action for a straightforward and honest result. Very thankful.”
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Bar Admissions
Colorado, 1993
U.S. District Court District of Colorado, 1993
Education
University of Denver College of Law, J.D. 1993
University of Michigan, BA, 1986
Honors & Awards
Colorado Super Lawyers, 2013-Present
Colorado Super Lawyers, Top 100 Lawyers, 2016-2020, 2022-Present
The Best Lawyers in America, Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimant, 2016-Present
5280 Magazine, Denver’s Top Attorneys, Workers’ Compensation: Claimant, 2020-2023
The Best Lawyers in America, Lawyer of the Year, Workers’ Compensation Law – Claimant, 2017
AVVO, 7.10, Very Good, 2022
Named a 5280 lawyer 2015-2023
Professional Organizations
Colorado Trial Lawyers Association, Member (Join 7/31/2012)
Colorado Bar Association, Member (Join 1994)
Denver Bar Association, Member (Join 1994)
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