What Are Workers’ Comp Employer Obligations in Colorado?

Even in the safest of work environments, injuries can happen. It’s critical for Colorado employees to know workers’ comp laws and what they should do if they get injured. You should also know what the workers’ compensation obligations are for your Colorado employer so you get the medical and lost wage compensation you deserve.

What Should an Employee Do After Their Injury?

Steps to Take Immediately After Being Injured

If you’re injured while on the job, don’t wait to take action. Your physical and financial wellness may be on the line, so take the following steps as soon as possible:

1. Report the injury: Colorado workers’ comp law states that injured employees must tell their employers about the injury in writing within four (4) working days of the injury.  Failure to notify the employer may result in a penalty.  It can also complicate the claims process but does not prevent you from filing a claim.  In most cases, the Statue of Limitations for filing a claim is two years. Contact a workers’ compensation attorney if you have any question or problems.
2. Get medical care.  In cases of a true medical emergency, you should be taken directly to the nearest emergency room or urgent care facility. In all other cases, your employer should have up to four (4) designated providers to choose from.  Obtain the designated provider list from your employer and schedule an appointment as soon as possible. Except in the case of true emergencies, you must see a designated provider to have your medical bills covered.  You do not need to see a designated provider in true emergencies.  Contact a workers’ compensation attorney if you have any questions or problems.
3. File a claim no matter what: Within two years of your injury, you should file a Worker’s Claim for Compensation with the Colorado Department of Labor and Employment. Even if your employer doesn’t carry workers’ compensation insurance, you can still file a claim.

What Are Your Employer’s Obligations?

In Colorado, all employers are legally required to carry workers’ compensation insurance, regardless of the organization’s size or the number of employees they have. If they don’t have insurance, they can be fined, and if they’re uninsured, their business may even be shut down.

When you get injured, your employer has their own set of workers’ comp obligations, including:

• Report your injury: Your employer must report your work-related injury or illness to their insurance carrier.
• Designate a provider and provide their information: Your employer must give every injured worker a list of designated providers immediately upon notice of an injury. This list must also be given in written form within seven business days of the injury report.  If your employer refuses to provide you with this information you may be able to select your own provider.  Contact a workers’ compensation attorney if your employer has failed to give you information about designated providers.

Get the Guidance You Need With Keating Wagner Polidori Free

If you’ve been injured at work and are having challenges with your workers’ comp claim, we can help. The lawyers of Keating Wagner Polidori Free have over 40 years of experience helping injured workers make their claims successful.

For a free and confidential consultation, call us today at 303-534-0401 or send us a message.